Which DIY Sensor Cleaner ??

diver-hloc · 8th June 2009

Hi.... has been using DSLR for more than 2 years now, but have yet to dare clean the CMOS sensor myself. Usually, I would send my Canon 400D or 40D to CSC when the amount of dust on the sensor begins to show up too often on my photos. While the service at CSC is both quick & not too $$$$.... I think its HIGH TIME to start learning how to clean the sensor myself.... save time going down to Vivo

I would prefer a 'Dry System' like the Arctic Butterfly over 'Wet System' like using Sensor Cleaning Swab.... I do understanding Dry System limit against stubborn/moist/wet dust. My buget is around $200 SGD.... Any recommendation ??

kelvint81 · 8th June 2009

Just use the blower.
give it few pumps of air
shld do the job.

diver-hloc · 8th June 2009

Originally Posted by kelvint81

Just use the blower.
give it few pumps of air
shld do the job.

It didn't..... thats the problem....

nightwolf75 · 8th June 2009

try this?

http://www.lenspen.com/403/377/

think CP sells them. i use this to DIY, when blower fails. you do need a strong light shining on the sensor b4 you can clean it with the SensorKlear. i just use a LED torch for that, though CP also sells a dedicated torch/loupe for finding dirt on sensor.

diver-hloc · 8th June 2009

Originally Posted by nightwolf75

try this?

http://www.lenspen.com/403/377/

think CP sells them. i use this to DIY, when blower fails. you do need a strong light shining on the sensor b4 you can clean it with the SensorKlear. i just use a LED torch for that, though CP also sells a dedicated torch/loupe for finding dirt on sensor.

Thxs..... CP does sell a new SensorLoupe by lenspen that allow you to see and clean at the same time. I think I'll look further into it. Thxs again

Anymore ??

Astin · 8th June 2009

i saw CP selling a DIY sensor cleaning tool, it looks like a pen or a lenspen, the front is some hair brush with a small motor fan attached, and there is also a small LED light, u are supposed to use the hair brush and LED light to find the dust and swipe it onto the brush hair, after that remove the brush from the sensor and use the fan to fly the dust away. Not sure how effective it is but it is different than the normal wet cleaning.

genegoh · 8th June 2009

Originally Posted by Astin

i saw CP selling a DIY sensor cleaning tool, it looks like a pen or a lenspen, the front is some hair brush with a small motor fan attached, and there is also a small LED light, u are supposed to use the hair brush and LED light to find the dust and swipe it onto the brush hair, after that remove the brush from the sensor and use the fan to fly the dust away. Not sure how effective it is but it is different than the normal wet cleaning.

I think that's the Arctic Butterfly. Not sure abt the LED light though.

For me I have the Lenspen sensor clean. I use it only when the blower doesn't work.
And cos I usually shoot at larger apertures, the dust doesn't bother me too much.
I went for a demo of the Lenspen sensor clean before and they claim that Canon Service Centre uses it. Anyone can verify?

It's impossible to keep the sensor 100% dust free from dust when using a DSLR, esp if you change lens often or dismantle your lens when you keep your camera. I guess we all have to live with it.

synapseman · 8th June 2009

Three things I find essential:

1) Kinetronics Speckgrabber. For removing larger bits. If you don't remove these first, these partices may cause smearing or scratching on the surface.

2) Lenspen SensorKlear. Do not use any other Lenspen variant as they contain carbon powder compounds in the tip. The SensorKlear does not use any carbon on its tip.

1) Get an LED head-mounted torch. Very very useful.

Personally I don't feel comfortable using an air-blower. It might kick up more dirt inside and they might get blown into the prism, etc. And there's also a possibility of the moving air statically charging the internal surfaces, causing dust to get stuck on these surfaces even more.

I also don't use any system that requires swabs and cleaning fluid. No matter what they claim, it's still extremely difficult to avoid streaking when using them.

kelvint81 · 8th June 2009

How much does the Lenspen SensorKlear cost?
If not too ex
can get one to clean my sensor if needed next time.

crusher · 8th June 2009

I use lens tissue + alcohol.

diver-hloc · 8th June 2009

Mmm.... I think the Lenspen would work

Unlike Arctic Butterfly which doesn't 'rub' against the filter much.... I don't think it could remove stubborn/sticky dust. Think I'll go down to CP and ask for a price quote on the lenspen set after payday....

Thxs for all the suggestion.

kelvint81 · 8th June 2009

Originally Posted by diver-hloc

Mmm.... I think the Lenspen would work
Think I'll go down to CP and ask for a price quote on the lenspen set after payday....

Thxs for all the suggestion.

bro can check Lenspen SensorKlear cost how much and post back here?
thanks!

sunfish · 8th June 2009

I use Sensor Swab and Eclipse solution. Its very simple, you just have to gather the courage to do it for the first time, subsequent cleaning will be like a breeze.

diver-hloc · 8th June 2009

Originally Posted by kelvint81

bro can check Lenspen SensorKlear cost how much and post back here?
thanks!

No problem.... just wouldn't be soon.... payday near end of the month.

Originally Posted by sunfish

I use Sensor Swab and Eclipse solution. Its very simple, you just have to gather the courage to do it for the first time, subsequent cleaning will be like a breeze.

Thats the problem....

diver-hloc · 10th June 2009

Originally Posted by kelvint81

bro can check Lenspen SensorKlear cost how much and post back here?
thanks!

Ok.... here it is.

CP-P is selling the LensPen SensorKlear Loupe + SensorKlear II (cleaning pen) + Screen-Klean (LCD monitor cleaning pad - FREE) for $73 SGD (incl GST).... just got it yesterday. Will try to do my own clearing when I got the time.

Thxs for all the Info in this thread.

kelvint81 · 10th June 2009

Originally Posted by diver-hloc

Ok.... here it is.

CP-P is selling the LensPen SensorKlear Loupe + SensorKlear II (cleaning pen) + Screen-Klean (LCD monitor cleaning pad - FREE) for $73 SGD (incl GST).... just got it yesterday. Will try to do my own clearing when I got the time.

Thxs for all the Info in this thread.

whoa very expensive.
got just sell the SensorKlear II (cleaning pen) alone?

diver-hloc · 10th June 2009

Originally Posted by kelvint81

whoa very expensive.
got just sell the SensorKlear II (cleaning pen) alone?

Yes.... but with the Loupe.... you could see the dust better. But the LED light isn't as strong as I would like.

kelvint81 · 10th June 2009

Originally Posted by diver-hloc

Yes.... but with the Loupe.... you could see the dust better. But the LED light isn't as strong as I would like.

how much is the pen alone?

EOS Revolution · 12th June 2009

Originally Posted by kelvint81

how much is the pen alone?

got the pen (comes with one extra tip and the blower also) for 27 at cathay today

... the pen alone dont have

kelvint81 · 12th June 2009

Originally Posted by EOS Revolution

got the pen (comes with one extra tip and the blower also) for 27 at cathay today... the pen alone dont have

thanks.
maybe can get this tml or next week.

8th June 2009	#1
diver-hloc Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Somewhere North Posts: 2,637	Which DIY Sensor Cleaner ?? Hi.... has been using DSLR for more than 2 years now, but have yet to dare clean the CMOS sensor myself. Usually, I would send my Canon 400D or 40D to CSC when the amount of dust on the sensor begins to show up too often on my photos. While the service at CSC is both quick & not too $$$$.... I think its HIGH TIME to start learning how to clean the sensor myself.... save time going down to Vivo I would prefer a 'Dry System' like the Arctic Butterfly over 'Wet System' like using Sensor Cleaning Swab.... I do understanding Dry System limit against stubborn/moist/wet dust. My buget is around $200 SGD.... Any recommendation ?? __________________ hloc's Flickr Site What Next ?? Camera or more Lens ??

8th June 2009	#2
kelvint81 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 757	Re: Which DIY Sensor Cleaner ?? Just use the blower. give it few pumps of air shld do the job. __________________ My humble photos. http://picasaweb.google.com/kelvint81

8th June 2009	#4
nightwolf75 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: in bet MORE diaper changes... Posts: 14,589	Re: Which DIY Sensor Cleaner ?? try this? http://www.lenspen.com/403/377/ think CP sells them. i use this to DIY, when blower fails. you do need a strong light shining on the sensor b4 you can clean it with the SensorKlear. i just use a LED torch for that, though CP also sells a dedicated torch/loupe for finding dirt on sensor. __________________ When did ignorance become a point of view? - Dilbert budget AD/ROM shooter, anyone?

8th June 2009	#6
Astin Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Astin Studio Posts: 4,724	Re: Which DIY Sensor Cleaner ?? i saw CP selling a DIY sensor cleaning tool, it looks like a pen or a lenspen, the front is some hair brush with a small motor fan attached, and there is also a small LED light, u are supposed to use the hair brush and LED light to find the dust and swipe it onto the brush hair, after that remove the brush from the sensor and use the fan to fly the dust away. Not sure how effective it is but it is different than the normal wet cleaning.

8th June 2009	#8
synapseman Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 2,089	Re: Which DIY Sensor Cleaner ?? Three things I find essential: 1) Kinetronics Speckgrabber. For removing larger bits. If you don't remove these first, these partices may cause smearing or scratching on the surface. 2) Lenspen SensorKlear. Do not use any other Lenspen variant as they contain carbon powder compounds in the tip. The SensorKlear does not use any carbon on its tip. 1) Get an LED head-mounted torch. Very very useful. Personally I don't feel comfortable using an air-blower. It might kick up more dirt inside and they might get blown into the prism, etc. And there's also a possibility of the moving air statically charging the internal surfaces, causing dust to get stuck on these surfaces even more. I also don't use any system that requires swabs and cleaning fluid. No matter what they claim, it's still extremely difficult to avoid streaking when using them. __________________ The synapseman uses Sony Alpha system & Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2.

8th June 2009	#9
kelvint81 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 757	Re: Which DIY Sensor Cleaner ?? How much does the Lenspen SensorKlear cost? If not too ex can get one to clean my sensor if needed next time. __________________ My humble photos. http://picasaweb.google.com/kelvint81

8th June 2009	#10
crusher Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 274	Re: Which DIY Sensor Cleaner ?? I use lens tissue + alcohol.

8th June 2009	#11
diver-hloc Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Somewhere North Posts: 2,637	Re: Which DIY Sensor Cleaner ?? Mmm.... I think the Lenspen would work Unlike Arctic Butterfly which doesn't 'rub' against the filter much.... I don't think it could remove stubborn/sticky dust. Think I'll go down to CP and ask for a price quote on the lenspen set after payday.... Thxs for all the suggestion. __________________ hloc's Flickr Site What Next ?? Camera or more Lens ??

8th June 2009	#13
sunfish Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: East of Singapore Posts: 437	Re: Which DIY Sensor Cleaner ?? I use Sensor Swab and Eclipse solution. Its very simple, you just have to gather the courage to do it for the first time, subsequent cleaning will be like a breeze.