Sensor cleaning
 

Have any of you guys cleaned your own sensor's? If so what have you used and would you recommend DIY sensor cleaning? I have started seeing a few spots, mainly in bright sky shots, (and no I haven't been drinking) on the D80.
Or is it better to get it done at dealer? Any thoughts?
Lello

Yes, did my first clean early 2004 on my Canon 300d, used Eclipse Fluid and Digi-Pads. Still using the same method as I find it works perfectly.

Harry

http://www.reidlimaging.eu/

Yes, if you have a steady hand, don't think twice. Full and good instructions at
http://www.copperhillimages.com/index.php?pr=tutorials
I have bought equivalent materials from Just in UK; forget the dust blowing stuff, as it is condensation globs that are the problem and they do need a swab

Hi Lello, yes, twice. But it is not something I would recommend unless you have a steady hand and confidence to do it yourself. I found this site most helpful <http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/index.html>. I have a Delkin Sensor Scope which works well and all the necessary swabs and fluids. The advantage of a sensor scope is that it can also tell you 1) you need a clean 2) I looks like a job for a professional!

Its probably the most daunting operation to have to do initially. Once you have studied how to do it and pluck up courage to actually to it you'll sit back and wonder what all the fuss was about.

Since 2003, like Harry I have been using eclipse fluid and digipads. This method was recommended by Fuji, the camera I had at the time. Nikon suggest their cameras should be returned to a service centre as it is a non user procedure.

The digipad method is simple and very effective. Other methods and techniques have filtered into the market but digipads are the most simple and I dare suggest problem free.

I clean my sensor only when dirty enough to warrant it, when it has about 10 noticeable dust spots. Aviation photography is particularly sensitive to dust as 75% of the frame is flat sky. On average mine is cleaned twice a year about 4-6000 exposures.

This morning I received my second bottle of Eclipse fluid

Blimey! I have had my bottle since 2003, cleaned pilots charts with it also and its only 15% gone!

I've only cleaned my 20D once with eclipse fluid and digi-pads. It was very straight forward and worked first time.

Dave

It evaporates if the lid isn't on really:( tight!

I've done my 20D several times. I bought the kit from Copperhill.