Dirty Sensor - Please Help!!!

[geofftelforduk]

Guys

I took a couple of test shots tonight with a couple of different lens just to confirm that specs I was seeing are on the sensor and not a dirty lens!

I have confirmed that the dirt is not on the lens side of things! The shot below is of the test image!

Can any please tell me the most risk free simple method of getting rid of this!?

Thanks

[bowenjones]

Have you got a rocket blower Geoff?
A few of those specks look like fibres and a blower should get rid of them. Not too sure about the darker specks though but i'd definately try the rocket first.

[geofftelforduk]

Hi Bowen!

I dont have a Rocket Blower at the mo but I am going to pop to Jessops tomorrow and get one!! I presume I just put the camera (20D) in sensor clean mode and blow into the sensor???

Thanks

[bowenjones]

Originally Posted by geofftelforduk

Hi Bowen!

I presume I just put the camera (20D) in sensor clean mode and blow into the sensor???

Thanks

When you do this, make sure that your cameras battery is well charged otherwise the sensor cleaning option won't work. When you select the function, the mirror will lock up and expose the sensor. Point the camera downwards and give it a few blows with the rocket. Try to keep the blower's nozzle no further than the lens mount as the last thing you want to do is touch the sensor and damage it. A couple of goes with the rocket blower will clear most of those specks imo.

[geofftelforduk]

Bowen - thats fantastic mate! Thanks for that! I will give it a go in the morning and post my results!!

Thanks and good night!

[bowenjones]

[Mark123]

Geoff

I had the same problem and the rocket blower cleared them all - let me know how ya get on

[Kaoshan]

I carry a Rocket Blower in my camera bag and have got into the habit of using it every time I change my lens... it only adds a few seconds to the process. As others have said, always point the camera downwards during the process to let any dust particles fall out.

[Cadire]

I saw this site posted on another forum. It looks pretty hardcore though, and probably not for the faint hearted (i.e. me).

[geofftelforduk]

Cadire - is that a clean or a rebuild!!!???

[PaulBoy]

The famous wildlife photog Andy Rouse swears by the bizarrely named "Artic Butterfly" (sells for @ £70 - never tried it myself btw) here's what he says ...

The solution came from a German professional photographer (Hi Tomas!!) that Tracey and I met whilst photographing polar bears; he had an ingenious little device that had a rotating head that used a static charge to remove dust safely from the sensor. This was called the Arctic Butterfly by Visible Dust.

The unit uses specially manufactured micro brush hairs and to activate it you give the brush several quick spins (it is powered by two AAA batteries). Then, after opening the DSLR sensor to the outside world (I suggest that you point it downwards), the brush is very gently moved across the sensor to attract any dust from it. Care must be taken not to get the brush on any of the surrounding chamber as this may put grease on it. The results are spectacular. I have just completed cleaning up all my latest Puffin shots and most had no trace of dust at all; this is unusual as I have the habit of leaving lenses without caps on lying on the ground everywhere. Thus my sensors are more prone to dust than most, so to have them absolutely clean is amazing. I use the Arctic Butterfly now every week or so and it has saved me so much time; it is also small and tough enough to be taken around the world with me, a vital consideration.

HTH ... Paul

[senu]

Originally Posted by Cadire

I saw this site posted on another forum. It looks pretty hardcore though, and probably not for the faint hearted (i.e. me).

It is very comprehensive ... and a bit OTT for the faint hearted( like.. me too),

Perhaps with the 400D and its intergrated cleaning system you may only need it for reference

[geofftelforduk]

Bobs your uncle now!!!!

Rocket Blower has done the trick!!

[Jazz Monkey Jr]

How much was the rocket blower?

[geofftelforduk]

Jazz - i think it was £7.99! I picked up the jessops lens cleaning kits as well for £5.99!!! Great job!!