Cleaning the sensor

[Astrofriend]

I always had a lot of problem to have a clean sensor. Everytime I cleaned it I get rid of the old dust and dry stains, but also got a lot of new ones. I feel one of the big problems was that the spatula I used didn't catch up the dust, more move it around on the sensor and placed it along the edges. Later I found after a tip from my friend spatulas with a top of micro fiber fabric. Now I have a much better result, but they are expensive, some take 7 Euro each for them, but I found a set with spatulas for 1 Euro each.

Some photos and text explaining what I do:

http://www.astrofriend.eu/astronomy/tutorials/tutorial-cleaning-sensor/01-tutorial-cleaning-sensor.html

A big warning, it's very easy to destroy the camera, especially the shutter is very sensitive. I recommend you to not do this, leave it to a specialist. This is just information how I do it !

/Lars

[Richard_]

I followed a very similar approach using these swabs for my DSLR:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Visible-Dust-Sensor-Cleaning-Solution/dp/B003D02CU0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3DRJM76IB7ECQ&keywords=Visible+dust+1.6&qid=1647264650&sprefix=visible+dust+1.6%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-1

and inspecting the sensor using one of these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/JJC-Magnification-Ultra-bright-Mirrorless-Cameras/dp/B07MSH1WN7/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=14NZ12F3DQXEK&keywords=Sensor+scope&qid=1647264780&sprefix=sensor+scope%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-5

 

The important part is to ensure that you only use each side of the swab once and that you do not apply too much pressure when using the swab. 

[Shimrod]

4 hours ago, Richard_ said:

I followed a very similar approach using these swabs for my DSLR:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Visible-Dust-Sensor-Cleaning-Solution/dp/B003D02CU0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3DRJM76IB7ECQ&keywords=Visible+dust+1.6&qid=1647264650&sprefix=visible+dust+1.6%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-1

and inspecting the sensor using one of these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/JJC-Magnification-Ultra-bright-Mirrorless-Cameras/dp/B07MSH1WN7/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=14NZ12F3DQXEK&keywords=Sensor+scope&qid=1647264780&sprefix=sensor+scope%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-5

 

The important part is to ensure that you only use each side of the swab once and that you do not apply too much pressure when using the swab. 

I've used these swabs to clean the sensor on my 7d - I think someone on here had recommended them. First time I had cleaned the sensor in seven years of ownership and it made a definite difference, although it took a few passes to budge all the dust.

[Richard_]

2 hours ago, Shimrod said:

I've used these swabs to clean the sensor on my 7d - I think someone on here had recommended them. First time I had cleaned the sensor in seven years of ownership and it made a definite difference, although it took a few passes to budge all the dust.

They're great aren't they? I started out in astrophotography with a used Canon 600D and it had what looked to be water spots on the sensor. As you say, a couple of passes with the swabs and it was as good as new! 

[Astrofriend]

Glad to hear more than I have got a clean sensor.

 

Lars

[Stickey]

I've sometimes had trouble ensuring the sensor cover of my Sony A5000 stayed clean. The aforementioned swabs really help but sometimes the dirt stays put. I've used a set of jewellers loupes (held in place by winking slightly, like a monacle). I tilt the sensor so the bright daylight reflects on the sensor surface and the tiniest bit of dirt shows up. If one wipe with the swab doesn't shift it, I also use the famous Baader Wonder Fluid and cloth and then wipe with the swab again. 

That usually shifted the stubborn stuff.