Sensor clean

[Geoff M]

So after 3 years and nearly 30k clicks, my D90 sensor needs a clean.

I used to clean the sensor on my D70s on a regular basis and always used a wet clean system (can't remember the manufacturer).

So 3 years on I am wondering what are the best systems currently available, what are you using and how do you rate it?

[ATJ]

I use Copper Hill for my D300 and D7000 cameras. It was daunting the first time but the more often I do it, the easier it becomes.

Interestingly, I rarely have to clean the D300 but the D7000 is a dust magnet. I have automatic sensor cleaning set for both cameras whenever I switch them off. It seems to work well for the D300 and not at all for the D7000 (I don't even hear anything).

[Remorhaz]

I used to do nothing at all (I still almost do ) - however over Christmas I also succumbed and got the CopperHill stuff (their mega or ultimate kit or something). I have used it only a couple of times however I did notice a massive difference (both through the loupe I got from them and also sensor test shots of before and after). It's probably time I cleaned again....

[biggerry]

pec-pads, eclipse or E2 and a spatula and your good to go.

after you do it a few times it becomes a bit of a no brainer and you can clean teh sensor with 3 or 4 wipes (new pad each time) in about 10-15 minutes.

you can buy all teh stuff from vanbar or similiar, if you want a good spatula just buy their sensor swab pack of 12 and then after you have used all the swabs just use the plastic spatula with a pec-pad and the E2/eclipse.

Interestingly, I rarely have to clean the D300 but the D7000 is a dust magnet. I have automatic sensor cleaning set for both cameras whenever I switch them off. It seems to work well for the D300 and not at all for the D7000 (I don't even hear anything).

I think i was talking to you about this, i agree the D7000 is a bit of a dust magnet, but also i reckon there is also the occasional lube drop in there.

I probably clean mine when i notice shitloads of dust bunnies and get frustrated in cloning them out. Usually ends up being every 6 months or so.

[Matt. K]

Steel wool, scouring powder, bristle brush and acetone. You'll have the cleanest sensor on the forum.
Curiously, I have only had to clean my D300 sensor once. It just seems to stay clean.
Pec-pads and Eclipse fluid is the most economical way to go. You'll get enough of both for 100 cleans or 12 years whichever comes first at a cost of about $35.00.

[lightning]

Sounds good price Matt k, where do you purchase yours from? I could only find small packs on ebay.

[ATJ]

http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/copper- ... -1359.html

[Matt. K]

Vanbars in Camperdown just off Parramata Rd. I'd ring first just to make sure they have some stock.
http://www.vanbar.com.au/

[aim54x]

Eclipse E2 + Pec Pads....Matt I taught me years ago. I'm still using that first set materials that I bought from vanbar

[Geoff M]

Thanks for the feedback, will look into both options. Cheers.

[lightning]

OK I have been using the 4 pack swabs, but when I look up the pec pads, which are a good price! and can therefore use the old plastic swab with the pec pad, I find this statement on the manufactures site? http://www.photosol.com/store/pc/home.asp


PEC*PADs are not recommended for cleaning the CCD. PEC*PADs are not made from the same materials that are used in SENSOR SWABS. SENSOR SWABS are manufactured and sealed in a clean and sterile environment; therefore, the swabs are the ultimate in purity. Photographic Solutions does not approve the use of PEC*PADs on sensors; therefore, we will not warranty the CCD or any camera part from any damage caused by using non approved products.

As some of you are using this successfully, is this just a statement to cover themselves?

[CraigVTR]

Just bought the copper hill ultim
Ate. Now to see how long it takrs to arrive.

Sent from my GT-I9100T using Tapatalk

[Matt. K]

Pec-pads are used universally for optics cleaning and are 99.99% lint free. They are fine to use on digital camera sensors and I and many others have been using them for years. I'd be very interested if anyone else can point to references that claim they are not safe to use....apart from those claims by companies who claim their much more expensive products are the only safe ones.

[tasadam]

I see people mentioning the Eclipse E2 fluid, but I thought I can recall reading somewhere that the normal Eclipse fluid is fine on all sensors? Correct?
Certainly Eclipse & pec pads (& red wine) works well on the D200 & D700 (and me).

[biggerry]

I see people mentioning the Eclipse E2 fluid, but I thought I can recall reading somewhere that the normal Eclipse fluid is fine on all sensors? Correct?
Certainly Eclipse & pec pads (& red wine) works well on the D200 & D700 (and me).

from memory they recommended the E2 on the D80 sensor due to some tin oxide coating, however I also think (vague recollection) that they decided either was fine, anecdotal internet evidence.

red wine? i think they have a PS filter for that..

[Mr Darcy]

My recollection was that they initially recommended E2 for some sensors because of the coating, but about a year ago it was announced that the basic Eclipse fluid was fine for all. & Personally I have better uses for red wine than to clean the sensor.

The company Photographic Solutions no longer make E2. This is what they said:

E2 has been discontinued. After years of testing we have found that Eclipse is safe on all cameras and will not do any damage. It also does a better job. All E2 products have been discontinued.

You will still find E2 on retailer's shelves though.

[Matt. K]

Greg
Spot on.
By the way....take care....don't drink the E2 and use wine on the sensor. The E2 needs to be aged in order to be appreciated.

[Mr Darcy]

As some of you are using this successfully, is this just a statement to cover themselves?

I would say dual purpose. They also say

You Can Use PEC*PADs on…

PEC*PADs can be safely used on all hardened photographic emulsions, including films and papers. Extreme care must be used with 35mm chromogenic film because the base of these films are very easily scratched. PEC*PADs can also be used on coated or uncoated photographic lenses, binoculars and telescopes without scratching delicate coatings. When gently used, PEC*PADs are safe to clean plexiglass and are ideal for cleaning picture frames, glass, CD's etc.!

So I can't imagine them damaging a sensor surface. Grit they may have picked up is another matter.

The other purpose?
Swaps are USD45 per pack of 12 single use swabs. PecPads are USD9.95 per pack of 100. draw your own conclusion.

[lightning]

It all ways makes me take a step back when something sold on e-bay has a do not use for this, type of statement.

Having said that a number of years ago on holiday in England I went into a camera shop for a sensor clean £50! this was equivalent to $100 in those days!!
Thought I would bite the bullet although it would seriously dent the wife's shoe budget, and then would you believe it he said it will take 7 days to clean (we would be at the other end of the country by then!) so no good to me.
Did a bit of research on the internet came up with the magic scotch tape method and buggar me it worked!
However while researching I found a statement somewhere about the actual hardness of the filter surface, I can't find that article now but found a reference to the hardness on Thom Hogans site, quoted below.

First, don’t be put off by Nikon’s disclaimers (both Fujifilm and Kodak endorsed user cleaning that touches the sensor if done properly). The Lithium Niobate filter over the Nikon sensors is somewhat difficult to scratch if you use the right tools (on the MHOS Scale of Hardness table that ranges from talc at 0 to diamond at 10, Lithium Niobate is a 5, the same as Apatite, and a bit lower than Orthoclase and Quartz; Fujifilm and Kodak don't identify the material they use [nor does Nikon on the latest cameras], but it seems just as durable). While it's possible to scratch the filter surface, it's also not at all easy to do if you're using the right tools.

And yup the main reason for looking at the Pec Pads was the cost!

[surenj]

I did this Ghetto pec pad + E2 method on my 350D many many times without trouble. I haven't had to clean my 60D yet. Perhaps the dust shake mechanism is working better on this one.

[aim54x]

Did a bit of research on the internet came up with the magic scotch tape method and buggar me it worked!

do you care to elaborate on this method?

[lightning]

Did a bit of research on the internet came up with the magic scotch tape method and buggar me it worked!

do you care to elaborate on this method?

Now originally I was a bit dubious of this until I noticed a commercial product using pretty much the same method (with different type of material, but pressure with a sticky substance) and being armed with the hardness information and an awareness that I would need to be gentle so as not to affect the positioning of the sensor, I thought ahhh give it a go son!

Well it's not normal clear sellotape, I think it's called Magic scotch tape and it is opaque (designed for easy removal and therefore less stickiness?) (couldn't think of a better word lol) and ironically the width of the tape is approx the the width of a Nikon dx sensor. You then stick some of this to your sensor (are you panicking yet?), in the original instruction I saw the guy used a rubber on the end of a pencil to press the tape onto the sensor, then remove the tape VERY slowly and in theory the dust bunnies come away with the tape or most of them anyway!

[the foto fanatic]

The issue I have with this method is not scratching the sensor, but rather leaving some of the sticky stuff behind.

[aim54x]

Now originally I was a bit dubious of this until I noticed a commercial product using pretty much the same method (with different type of material, but pressure with a sticky substance) and being armed with the hardness information and an awareness that I would need to be gentle so as not to affect the positioning of the sensor, I thought ahhh give it a go son!

Well it's not normal clear sellotape, I think it's called Magic scotch tape and it is opaque (designed for easy removal and therefore less stickiness?) (couldn't think of a better word lol) and ironically the width of the tape is approx the the width of a Nikon dx sensor. You then stick some of this to your sensor (are you panicking yet?), in the original instruction I saw the guy used a rubber on the end of a pencil to press the tape onto the sensor, then remove the tape VERY slowly and in theory the dust bunnies come away with the tape or most of them anyway!

This sounds logical, esp after seeing the guys in HK clean my tablet's screen with cellotape prior to applying a screen protector. I am a bit worried about residue. 3M scotch tape...I am sure I have some at home

[lightning]

Yeah but it's got to be the magic tape, opaque, almost white stuff which is also a bit wider than normal tape and not as sticky.
If you do have a go you need to be a bit careful to keep the tape under control as with the charge in the sensor box the tape can get away from you So full concentration is required and you will find out how hard it is to work in such a confined space!

[surenj]

The E2 method doesn't require too much concentration. I reckon the tape sounds intense.