Cleaning Sensor?

[Manc]

OK as I'm new to this DSLR lark I've never cleaned or had my sensor cleaned. I did the dust check yesterday by taking a pic of a white card at high F number and there are more spots on the sensor than a kid with chicken pox!
So my question, do I get some stuff and try it myself or take it somewhere?
If I do it myself whats the best stuff I need to get, or take it somewhere or send to canon? if so any london places?

I've checked a few guides but not sure which is the best for DIY cleaning, so any links most welcome.

Cheers big ears!

forget to add I have a rocket blower and that doesn't seem to shift any of it!

[BA747-436]

Id say if your not clued to up to it, don’t attempt to clean it yourself. Its a very delicate piece of kit and any damage is irreparable. If in London go to Fixation cameras in Vauxhall. They will do it while you wait for about £15. Very good place, i always get my sensor cleaned there.

[seventwo]

I use one of these , It always gets all the dust of my sensor. I'm to afraid to use those swab things...

[Genessee]

I use one of these , It always gets all the dust of my sensor. I'm to afraid to use those swab things...

Same here, except I have a hurricane insted of rocket

I wouldn't trust myself to actually touch the sensor either, that's just one of those things where fate always gives me a kick

I've been told that if you check your pictures, and don't see any spots, don't bother cleaning it. With the 'dust test' you'll usually see some dust. That advice has worked for me so far. I haven't had to edit pictures for dust spots in months, yet if I do the 'test' there's specs all over.

[Shaggy]

I have done the sensor many times (no experience either) its actually very simple. there are some good guides on the net, just do a search in google.

[RingwaySam]

Same here, except I have a hurricane insted of rocket

I wouldn't trust myself to actually touch the sensor either, that's just one of those things where fate always gives me a kick

I've been told that if you check your pictures, and don't see any spots, don't bother cleaning it. With the 'dust test' you'll usually see some dust. That advice has worked for me so far. I haven't had to edit pictures for dust spots in months, yet if I do the 'test' there's specs all over.

Genessee do you have a link to the Hurricane?

Thanks

[Manc]

seventwo, I have the exact blower, had a look into the sensor today and couldn't see owt but I can see crap in the actual lens maybe thats the problem, I "blasted" the sensor a good few times. I'll see how it goes for the time being, maybe order the stuff and read up might feel confident when it arrives

[Mark Ralph]

I use "Digi-Pads" & "Eclipse" fluid available from Warehouse Express. They also have some brushes called "Visible Dust". I have a similar brush called a "Sensor Sweep" you just rub it on a plastic bag and it becomes statically charged, then you just hover it over the sensor. If you have specks that are stuck fast, like I did, Eclipse & a pad is the only answer.

Mark

[B7772ADL]

I don't know what it is about the 20D, but i'm rocketing through Digi-pads and eclipse fluid at a huge rate. It attracts dust like there's no tomorrow and I can never seem to get it fully clean. Anyway, i've sent it for a proper service this time (the aforementioned Fixation in London), to get the focussing checked, but they are also doing a sensor clean at the same time.
I might look out for one of those static brushes, might be a bit cheaper than spending £20 on a round of glue applicators i used to use at school with a piece of lint stuck on the end.

[Mark Ralph]

James, I have found were I got the "Sensor Sweep"

http://copperhillimages.com/shopping...&=SID#MOREINFO

Only took about 5 days from Canada to u.k

above link a bit tempremental.
http://copperhillimages.com/shopping

Scroll down and look for "Sensor Sweep"

[B7772ADL]

Thanks Mark! - i'll check it out.

[Genessee]

Genessee do you have a link to the Hurricane?

Heres a bunch: http://www.google.com/search?q=hurricane%20blower



It's the same as a Rocket Blower, except it doesn't have the 'fin' things on the bulb.

[RingwaySam]

Heres a bunch: http://www.google.com/search?q=hurricane%20blower



It's the same as a Rocket Blower, except it doesn't have the 'fin' things on the bulb.

Thanks. Is it good then or is it work getting something like Mark has said?

[Genessee]

I've never used the "Copper Hill" stuff, I've read about it quite a bit though and it sounds rather good.

I wouldn't think a blower alone will get everything off the sensor.

[BA747-436]

A blower is unlikely to get rid of all your dirt and dust. There may also be marks on the sensor which need physically removing with swabs or a professional sensor clean. If you do attempt a clean remember to make sure you are in an absolute minimal dust location. I know this is a challenge but there really isn’t any point in cleaning it if you open the camera up in a dusty house. For peace of mind I no longer clean my own but take it to get done professionally. Somehow they remove everything, and I mean everything.