Its time to clean....

[MHD]

Ok I have actually gotten alot of the dust off my sensor using the air rocket.. just a few dots remain...

So any last hints or tips before I start?

I have a fully charged battery, no power adaptor... is this to risky?

[bago100]

Hi MHD

I have not cleaned mine yet. Not game.

Like you, I have no mains power adaptor either.

Will wait to see how you get on.

Good luck!

[Glen]

Quite straightforward MHD, be careful not to use too much liquid, I found a very modest amount of liquid worked best

[gstark]

As long as you're using a fully charged battery you should be fine.

[Onyx]

Heed Glen's advice, also wipe once in each direction only. Do not be overzealous and try to wipe multiple times with the same pec pad. This only serves to shift dust back on.

No power adapter is no problem. I've done mine at least a dozen times; and not always with a full battery either - altho that's a good idea...

[MHD]

Ahhh.... I think I have used to much liquid!!!

I have streaks!!!
Any advice?

[Glen]

Let it dry for a moment, then try again with bugger all liquid and minimum swipes. You will be surprised you can do it it 2 swipes, unfortunately those two swipes are usually after twenty dodgy swipes.

I also thought I was washing a car the first time

[MikeM]

Hi MHD,
Your probably past this stage already, by I use this method to clean....
http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

Also, what I do after lifting the mirror, is to actually remove the battery while the mirror is up, then clean away. You don't really need the battery or adapter running during this particular way of doing it. It remains up for many many minutes, I usually finish in a few mins, but, had the thing open for like 10 mins or so in this way, then put battery back in and hit shutter button to close it.

The ccd is charged when using the "always battery in" method, so that can actually attract dust a little.

Also, on the streaks, not a whole lot you can do except to apply some more liquid to the pad and gently swipe them out until you get back to no streaks.

Mike

[MHD]

ohhh... I hate doing this! It is horrible!

I have done about 10 swipes so far.. Still got streaks... they come and go...

So people follow the instruction at

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

Hmmm... this is so scary...

[Glen]

Streaks = liquid. Less is best. About to do this in an hours time for Geoff and will probably still take me twenty swipes. Get a new pec pad if the old one is soaked. The first time is always the hardest, I am sure you will post in a minute it is perfect.

[MHD]

ok, streaks gone...
Just looked at the images and it seems all I have managed to do thus far is move dust around...

(6 noticeable spots down to 5...)

Will have a break, regain composure and try again

[Greg B]

This sounds scary.

[Onyx]

Heh, don't worry too much Scott. You're now a self CCD cleaner - be proud of that! Try it on a mirror, or your CRT monitor glass, or some other surface first. Between worrying about the delicacy of the CCD being cleaned and the confines of the D70 mirror box, there's bound to be high anxiety first time. Much like relations with the opposite gender...

Two drops is all you need. Remember you're not using the Eclipse fluid to clean, you're using the pec pad!

[Raydar]

Funny thing, I just done mine as well
No worries, all spots gone

Hang in there mate all will be good!!!!!

Cheers
Ray

[birddog114]

MHD,
Get the dud CD and try on its surface first then CCD after.
Otherwise send it away for steam cleaned
Hey, do you want a bubble level which you've seen on RRS site (RRS-337)?
I ordered 3 and one spare, if you need it let me know please.

[bago100]

Scott

I recall reading somewhere that some spots might be very hard to remove and it can take up to four or five cleanings to completely remove them.

Don't panic - you are doing really well

[Glen]

MHD, Don't worry you will get there. I also used the walk away method the first time. Remember to use a new pec pad when you start again. Good luck

[MHD]

Hmmm... PM's Birddog

Streaks gone!!

CCD looking better

I will post an image shortly

[bago100]

Muses over what would happen if one took a picture without the lens?

Can you hold the camera next to a mirror and take a picture of the sensor?

This is a theoretical question of course - whatever you do, please don't try it.

[MHD]

no...

best way to see what is on the sensor is to take camera, point at blank white wall, set apeture to max

use your favorite editing software to ajdust levels...

[Deano]

There are a few mentions here of Pec Pads. Is this what people are using or do they mean sensor swipe? If the Pec Pad then what are you wrapping it around?

Cheers
Dean

[Glen]

Deano, pec pad wrapped around sensor swipe.

MHD, Geoff just left here and cleaned his sensor in .... two goes!
Great effort, also helped by the fact I would only let 2 drops on the pec pad. That really helps, less is more.

[birddog114]

There are a few mentions here of Pec Pads. Is this what people are using or do they mean sensor swipe? If the Pec Pad then what are you wrapping it around?

Cheers
Dean

Sensor Swipes or a plastic stupa in Woolies or Mc Donald plastice knife or a rubber, cut to the size of ccd (estimated)

[Deano]

Confusion...

The Sensor Swipes I have already have (cute) little ped pads on then held with (tiny) little rubber bands. The instructions talk about one stroke each way and then discard and use another sensor swipe if required.

Do you guys reuse them with a new pec pad?

Cheers
Dean

[gstark]

Do you guys reuse them with a new pec pad?

Has been known to happen.

Given the price of the swabs, little wonder!

[birddog114]

Yes. always with Sensor Swipes but not Sensor Swab #2, thought you can re-Pec*pad on the sensor swab

[MHD]

Deano, pec pad wrapped around sensor swipe.

MHD, Geoff just left here and cleaned his sensor in .... two goes!
Great effort, also helped by the fact I would only let 2 drops on the pec pad. That really helps, less is more.

I think I need a general clean in the box... I just cleaned again and got more dust than before....

[birddog114]

Deano, pec pad wrapped around sensor swipe.

MHD, Geoff just left here and cleaned his sensor in .... two goes!
Great effort, also helped by the fact I would only let 2 drops on the pec pad. That really helps, less is more.

I think I need a general clean in the box... I just cleaned again and got more dust than before....

MHD,
Hire a janitor

[Deano]

Yes. always with Sensor Swipes but not Sensor Swab #2, thought you can re-Pec*pad on the sensor swab

Thanks Birddog. That clears up my confussion. I was thinking of Sensor Swab (#2) instead of Sensor Swipe.

Cheers
Dean

[MHD]

Ok... now I have my best swipe yet...
only a couple of noticable dust peices...
(will post)

yes... it does get eaiser...

[MHD]

These are difficult to spot without adjusting the levels...

[Glen]

Can see them MHD, might be easier if you take shots of the ceiling (I am assuming that isn't your ceiling ). You will be a whiz next time. Or you could bump me into 2nd behind Jordan in the comp and I will clean it inebriated on Friday

[MHD]

its a wall at work with the levels adjusted to buggery


I might give it a go another day... I can barely see the spot when I dont adjust levels...

I will do some test landscapes today and see if it turns up.... if not it can stay there for a while

[Glen]

Mate, if you cant see it, it doesn't exist

[Onyx]

Mate, if you cant see it, it doesn't exist

I like the way you think Glen.

See cleaning your sensor wasn't so bad was it MHD?

[Matt. K]

MHD
Don't sweat it mate...you're doing everything right. The first time you will shove the dust around before you get the magic touch. Took me 6 pec-pads first time...now I can do it in one.
Just a couple of points...use the mirror lock from the menu because other methods have the CCD as active...ie, it's taking a photo. No need to remove the battery because cleaning will only take you 10 seconds in future. Best way to see the dust is to photograph blue sky with the kit lens at 17mm and f/16.

Welcome to the CCD cleaners guild!

[MHD]

Yep, used MLU... I have learnt ALOT from this experience!

1) Use 2 drops of Eclipse, and then wait a second or two for it to soak in...

2) dont be scared to use pressure and swipe past the edge of the ccd

3) dont try to clamp the body at an angle, just put it on its back and do it

[gstark]

Matt,

Best way to see the dust is to photograph blue sky with the kit lens at 17mm and f/16.

Greg, Kipper, Nicole, and all of the other Mexicans are in deep trouble then.

[christiand]

Hi all,

At the beginning I was hunting around for a suitable spatula and finally found one in a kitchen utensil shop. It has a plastic shaft and a silicon type end on it.
I cut it to size with a sharp blade.
When I finally got my pec-pads and the eclipse cleaning fluid I decided to relax (very important !) and just followed the instructions I got of the net.
I also applied some pressure (flexible spatula), sort of the amount you might apply when writing with a fountain pen. (shows my age ...)
It took me three goes and I had one (one only) dust spec left on the sensor. I declared victory and have lost my fear of cleaning the sensor.

Regards
CD

[Matt. K]

christiand
I did the same thing. Just one thing...get some very fine wet & dry sandpaper and go over the spatula edges as insurance that you don't have any sharp bits. Then wash it in soapy water. Can't be too careful.

Now jab that CCD like you're stabbing a mullet!

(The above line is nonsense and not to be taken as fact)

[MHD]

Still waiting for a nice blue sky to shoot my f/14 landscape...

for now I had to rely on partially blue...

There you go... proof my CCD still lives!

(if anyone can see blemishes on the full version:
http://potofgrass.ath.cx/gallery/assort ... 110?full=1
let me know!)

[sirhc55]

With heart in mouth I took my SensorSwipe in hand and did the deed.

First swipe had the CCD with a bigger blob than when I started - second swipe and it is now as clean as a babys b@m.

I have had the D70 around 6 months and this was the first clean. My D1 I had for 4 years and it was cleaned only once by Maxwell and it cost me $145 back in 2001.

Happy chappy

Chris

[Matt. K]

For those who are about to clean the sensor using Ecilpse fluid....this may help...Do not squeeze the bottle in order to get the drops out...too much will come out. Allow the 2 drops to fall naturally.

Ahhh! Sometimes it's the little things.

[gstark]

Chris,

Allowing for inflation, that $145 back in 2001 should just about be enough to cover the cost of your next lens, shouldn't it?

And now, you have earned it, haven't you?

[Glen]

Following from Matt K's post, I would suggest anyone aim for 1 drop bacause as Matt says, 2 will fall very easily.

Gary, good logic, I think Chris will be using it

[sirhc55]

Following from Matt K's post, I would suggest anyone aim for 1 drop bacause as Matt says, 2 will fall very easily.

Gary, good logic, I think Chris will be using it

Absolutely - I will not give Maxwell anymore money if can help it - and my 12-24mm is getting closer

Chris

[Glen]

Chris, it is a very tempting price isn't it?

[sirhc55]

Glen - hope to get it next week

Chris PS - Would have picked one up from Birddog on Friday but I am off tomorrow

Chris

[Glen]

Chris, will be very interested to see the resident Sigma Fan's opinion of it. It gets very good reviews

[mudder]

Hey MHD, At least you can say you've done it, I'm still working up the courage! I think my pics will have to look like popcorn before I work up the courage... Big whoos, me? Yep.....

Cheers,
Mudder