clean my sensor

Zach M · Posted: Jan 31, 2005 11:42 pm Post subject: clean my sensor

I've got some black specs showing up in my photos from my D100. I want to clean the sensor myself, but I don't want to ruin anything. What have you used in the past? Is it safe to blow air with a bulb tool, or will it damage something? Is there compressed air that doesn't have chemicals or anything in it? What about a cleaning solution for the sensor?

RD · Addict Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 626 City: Discovery Bay

Zach,

Don't use canned air or you'll get some really sticky spots. I use a Giottos rocket blower and the following method with swabs and Eclipse:

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

It takes a little practice but once you've done it a few times it works well. Shoot the plain sky at f16 and look for spots after you blow out or swab to see how well you've cleaned.

BIGMAC · Posted: Feb 01, 2005 9:12 am Post subject:

Ditto RD. There are some people reporting good results with brushes but I would be to scared to try.

RD · Addict Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 626 City: Discovery Bay

I checked out that brush system but they're awfully expensive to initially purchase and it looks like it's tricky to clean the brushes themselves once you done some cleanings. I've found the secret to the swabs is to not get too anal about getting every spot. It's difficult to get it perfect, I usually get 90%+ after 2 passes and leave it at that.