Cheap sensor cleaning please

ScarySquirrel · 12 Feb 2008 at 15:10

Hi all,

I have suddenly got what look like a few small hairs on my sensor, and a couple of other dust spots. Which show up badly when looking through the viewfinder. Luckily they don't show up in pictures but it is very annoying having them there.

I went into a shop and they have things from £25-45, which I thought was a bit excessive.

What would people suggest for cleaning the sensor on a DSLR?

Thanks

a1ex2001 · 12 Feb 2008 at 15:12

Sounds like mirror dirt to me if it's there when you look through the viewfinder but not on the pictures. rocket blower is you first starting point probably as it's non contact so unlikely to cause any damage!

Messiah Khan · 12 Feb 2008 at 15:42

As a1ex2001 said, that will be dust/dirt on the mirror, not the sensor. Might be worth investion in a rocket blower and trying to shift it yourself.

ScarySquirrel · 12 Feb 2008 at 15:44

A rocket blower hey? That sounds dangerous.

How does a Giottos Rocket Air Blower for £8.99 sound?

Do I just aim it inside and blow?

SDK^ · 12 Feb 2008 at 15:47

Whilst your problem isn't sensor dirt, below is link worth reading if you ever clean your sensor.

http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

I use

Pec-pad wrapped around a plastic spatula
Couple of drops of Eclipse fluid

a1ex2001 · 12 Feb 2008 at 15:48

ScarySquirrel said:
A rocket blower hey? That sounds dangerous.

How does a Giottos Rocket Air Blower for £8.99 sound?

Do I just aim it inside and blow?

I think if memory serves there are some videos on youtube which may help but I have no access from here!

fat_wife · 12 Feb 2008 at 22:13

sand paper and honey works best for me

seriously though, £25 isn't really that expensive for something that will last you years and years

33L · 1 Mar 2008 at 09:31

are there any kits that are easy to use and yeild great results. My 400D is filthy since my recent trip and havent been arsed yet to clean it! MIght get out today and buy some cleaning stuff!

33L · 1 Mar 2008 at 20:07

I was shocked today when i went into town. The sensor cleaning kits are sooo expensive. now i know that different kits may potentially have different results. One kit i saw was for £60 and another for £80. I was prepared to pay up to £50 for a kit so i was a little taken back at the price (and yes i know its high street prices). I asked to look at the £60 one and cant remember the name but looked like a can of something and some swabs. I asked the guy the counter how many cleans i am going to get for £60 quid and it turned out to be only 3. Now i'm no economist but thats stupid money per clean.

I eventually went to the another high street store and got the sensorklear pen for £15 and just read reviews it doesn't seem to bad at all! I'm just not near my camera to try it

SCM · 1 Mar 2008 at 20:45

If you look online you can find the fuild and swabs needed to clean the sensor for under £30 in total, high street shops just rip you off regarding most camera stuff.