CCD Cleaning

[Hi-Voltage]

Hi everyone,

I've only had my D70 for a little over a week and I immediately noticed spots appearing on my images.

I've done some research - and although Nikon state never to touch or clean the CDD yourself, there are people that do, and do it successfully.

Actually - I recall someone damaging the Low Pass filter on the CDD while cleaning it and got quoted from Nikon US$700 to replace it, so that kind of puts me off the idea.

But then, I don't want to send the camera off to Nikon each time I want it cleaned - especially since it is prone to getting dirty quite easily.

I've also heard about people that have taken it to a Nikon service centre and made things worse.

I've tried removing the spots with a blower - but it doesn't quite do the job. I've been told about the Giotto Air Blaster, but can't find it anywhere. Amazon sells it for US$10 and I went to order it and later found that they don't ship that item to Australia - DOH! I've also heard that no blower can actually get rid off all spots - especially those that are "welded" to the sensor due to moisture.

I've heard about the swab cleaning method and it seems to be the best method, but it means touching the CCD (actually the Low Pass filter).

Here's the link: http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

The buy sells the swabs and cleaning fluid. Has anyone here use this method, and if so how were the results?

Thanks,
Hi-Voltage

[robw25]

high voltage

you can get the gitzo from birddog ( after you have had 30 posts here ) i got all my ccd cleaning stuff from him, its not as scary as you might think.... and if you live in sydney they seem to have workshops for everything about the d70 !!!!!!!!
cheers rob

[Hi-Voltage]

Thanks for the reply.

Birddog is out of stock and not sure when he'll get some in.

I'm in Melbourne so the workshops are out.

Hi-Voltage.

[sirhc55]

Hi-voltage

If Birddog is out of stock these are the alternatives:

Eclipse fluid

http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/index.php?cPath=2_15

SensorSwipe and Pec-Pads

http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/image/32569476

You have to buy the fluid in Aus as it is not air transportable.

Chris

[Onyx]

I've never heard of anyone damaging the low pass filter whilst attempting to clean it. I'd be surprised if anything short of steelwool were able to leave a visible impression.

But anyhow, as stated in the Camera FAQ stick, and as noted by you Hi-Voltage, the copperhill method is the most effective and popular method of cleaning.

Nulabs in Melbourne are the official importer of Eclipse and Pec Pads in Australia, maybe try them or ask them to recommend a reseller close to you.

[sirhc55]

Quality cameras is cheaper than Nulabs for Eclipse fluid.

Chris

[birddog114]

Quality cameras is cheaper than Nulabs for Eclipse fluid.

Chris

Hi-voltage is asking the Giotto Air Rocket, though other stuff he can get them from locally.
Cleaning CCD is a joy of DSLR owner! Once you can do it one then you can do it as many as you want.
Sydney mini-meet has weekly CCD cleaning session and do CCD cleaning for member FOC. All members welcome!
Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra perhaps have to organize it at the meet to help members to learn these fun doing job.

[Jenno]

I can certainly recommend the mini meet CCD cleaning demo.
It's heaps better to learn from someone who knows what they are doing rather than trying to follow some printed instructions on your own.
As a special bonus...and you get to play with some cool toys and engage in knowlege exchange.

Ray

[Hi-Voltage]

I don't know how the guy damaged the low pass filter - perhaps he pushed to hard and snapped it (if it is made from glass??)

Or perhaps his cleaning tool snapped and scratched it or something.

Or then again, he could have been doing something stupid.

[kipper]

Like putting the pecpad on the end of a screwdriver.

[birddog114]

Like putting the pecpad on the end of a screwdriver.

Nothing wrong with this and I did once while ago with a 12mm head screwdriver in the field where I could not find the plastic stupa, I double wrapped the Pec Pad on it:wink:

[redline]

Birddog, do you have any ccd cleaning equipment in stock atm? i have alot of trouble removing dust and what appears to be greese on my ccd.

[birddog114]

Birddog, do you have any ccd cleaning equipment in stock atm? i have alot of trouble removing dust and what appears to be greese on my ccd.

redline,
get your CCD cleaning from Nulabs, your local stockist.
If they don't have I can send them down for you with the Giotto Air Rocket.

[redline]

how much would i expect to pay for pads and cleaning fluids?

[birddog114]

how much would i expect to pay for pads and cleaning fluids?

I think around $44.00 or $45.00