Sensor cleaning kits

DB_SamX · 24 Apr 2017 at 23:04

Ayone used these succesfully? https://www.amazon.co.uk/XCSOURCE-S...1493071012&sr=8-1&keywords=sensor+swab+type+3

Also, does Eclipse cleaning fluid "expire"? Have some I bought two years ago, and last time I used it was around a year ago.

Raymond Lin · 24 Apr 2017 at 23:10

I have the eclipse fluid from like 2010 and used it last year, it's mostly alcohol and it was fine.

Luke · 24 Apr 2017 at 23:24

I used this kit last week as my sensor was filthy. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01B0TO8UC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It was very easy but was nervewracking to say the least but I hadn't realised it was so simple. I used 3 of the sticks in total and only a few drops of the fluid.

Raymond Lin · 24 Apr 2017 at 23:27

One golden rule. 1 swipe per side and throw.

Swabs are cheap, sensors are not.

D.P. · 25 Apr 2017 at 15:48

I wrap my swabs in a pec-pad which gets thrown out. Purchased a pack in 2006 and still have hundred of pec-pads left. Replaced the eclipse fluid a couple of time now.

There isn't much to be worried about, the sensor is really strong. the main issue is if tou have a camera with sensor based stabilization like Olympus/Pentax/Sony, then you probably don;t want to clean the sensor yourself but get an official repair agent if it needs doing.

Holst1981 · 25 Apr 2017 at 15:56

I really need to do mine.
Already have the same kit as the Op is looking at.

I'm getting bored cloning out spots once I pass F4

I'll let you know how I get on.

Tackle_Berry · 25 Apr 2017 at 22:48

D.P. said:
I wrap my swabs in a pec-pad which gets thrown out. Purchased a pack in 2006 and still have hundred of pec-pads left. Replaced the eclipse fluid a couple of time now.

There isn't much to be worried about, the sensor is really strong. the main issue is if tou have a camera with sensor based stabilization like Olympus/Pentax/Sony, then you probably don;t want to clean the sensor yourself but get an official repair agent if it needs doing.

Do you find there's a benefit of wrapping swabs with pec pads or is it so you can reuse a swab?

Raymond Lin · 25 Apr 2017 at 23:28

Bleach said:
Do you find there's a benefit of wrapping swabs with pec pads or is it so you can reuse a swab?

It's just cheaper, you can buy like a pack of 100 with eclipse fluid for the same price as a pack of those pre made ones.

D.P. · 26 Apr 2017 at 16:11

Bleach said:
Do you find there's a benefit of wrapping swabs with pec pads or is it so you can reuse a swab?

Just price. A few dollars buys you 100 pec pads and a bottle of eclipse fluid, which is pretty much a lifetime supply.

JohnStewart · 26 Apr 2017 at 16:23

I've been using this for the past few years without issues: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eyelead-SCK-1-Sensor-Cleaning-Olympus/dp/B0046VBEE0

Although my camera has built in sensor cleaning, over time it does tend to get a few hard to shift dust/oil spots on the sensor. Having limited success in the past with a swab, I gave the eyelead sticky stick a try. Took a few attempts to get the sensor completely clean the first time, but now I do a few dabs to cover the whole of the sensor, test photo to check the location and number of remaining spots. Try the buit in sensor cleaning to see if any remaining spots are moving, and if so repeat a few times until they are gone. If not, do a few more dabs in the area of the remaining spots and repeat (usually once) until the sensor is clean enough. I'm still on the original batch of sticky papers that came supplied with the kit, but given it has lasted 3 years (I typically clean both cameras twice a year) I've got my moneys worth compared to professional cleans.

Jono · 27 Apr 2017 at 09:57

JohnStewart said:
I've been using this for the past few years without issues: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eyelead-SCK-1-Sensor-Cleaning-Olympus/dp/B0046VBEE0

Me too - great bit of kit.