cleaning sensor

skankmaster · 2 Jul 2006 at 21:26

Ive noticed the eclipse / pec-pad combination mentioned here as a prefered choice when cleaning the filter plate that sits infront of the sensor on dSLRs. Does this mean you make your own spatula that you wrap the pec-pads around? or can you use some stiff paper?

Would you use the 'blow through a thin straw' approach to moving dust particles?

ranarama · 2 Jul 2006 at 21:46

skankmaster said:
Would you use the 'blow through a thin straw' approach to moving dust particles?

GOOD GOD NO!!! Never ever blow on your sensor. Or was this a wind up? Use a rocket blower if anything but your breath has too much moisture in it and you'll make things much worse.

You can find the pecpads premade as sensor swabs. Otherwise buy pec pads and the plastic spatulas and wrap up as per instructions. Don't cut the pads either as they will then release dust particles.

themask70 · 2 Jul 2006 at 21:48

Blow through a straw then you've *****d up your sensor. Don't ever do that, EVER!!!! I would recommend a Typhoon Blower, go to your local camera shop and they should stock them and they will be able to explain how to use it

skankmaster · 2 Jul 2006 at 22:06

ah ok. You can probably tell ive never cleaned a sensor before!

skankmaster · 2 Jul 2006 at 23:13

Doing more looking around and the makers of pec pads dont recommend its use in cleaning the sensors.. Have they changed the make up of the material?

"PEC*PAD is not recommended for cleaning the CCD. It is not the same material used in the Sensor Swabs. PSI does not approve or warranty the CCD or any camera part from any damage caused by using non approved products. "

rpstewart · 3 Jul 2006 at 09:22

Canon for one only recommend the use of a bulb blower for sensor cleaning so those comments may just be pec pads covering their backside in case they get the blame for someone messing up a wet clean.

Johnny|lucidcomposure · 3 Jul 2006 at 11:07

you wont ruin you're sensor by blowing on it. You shouldnt do it but if you did it wouldnt be the end of the world. I blew on mine when I first got the camera and tiny bits of spit ended up on it and left a huuuuge mark/marks on it.. Nothing 2 sensor swabs and some eclipse wont sort out..

The blub blowers are what you should be using. Its almost pointless to try and keep you're sensor 100% free of dust. So you might aswel just use the blowers properly.

In the least dusty room you can use. Place you camera face down and engage the sensor cleaning option. Get you're bulb blower and hold it only slightly into the chamber and give it several puffs and then turn the camera off. Do not turn the camera upwards until you have.

skankmaster · 7 Jul 2006 at 21:39

After trying the bulb blower method, I bought a silicon spatula and modified its shape as per the copperhill method. All is clean again thanks to my flexible friend!

bigredshark · 7 Jul 2006 at 21:42

I just took my camera in to the shop and they did it for me, free of charge. Given I'v spent a lot of money with them but it's still brilliant service, also, the staff are female, attractive and friendly (not that that influences my choice at all, obviously...)