IraBlock Posted October 5, 2022 Share Posted October 5, 2022 We all know that horrible feeling when you get home after a long trip and start going through your images, only to find that each one of them has a big dust spot on it. In the field I carry a rubber blower to try to keep the sensor clean, and at times I turn on the camera's cleaning mode which does that crazy shake. That is all I do. Many years ago I bought some sensor cleaning kit at Photo Plus and totally smudged my sensor, I learned my lesson. Since that incident I will not touch the sensor - I send my cameras out to have them professionally cleaned. The great news is that the Sony a1 has solved some of the problem with its protective curtain, which I am very grateful for.Is there someone out there brave enough to clean your own sensor, and what do you use? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonygale Posted October 5, 2022 Share Posted October 5, 2022 A rocket blower and the camera self clean mode is always my first (and second and third) choice. If I am desperate I will use sensor swabs and cleaning solution. But with Sony Pro Support I get a few free cleanings a year, and I would rather they handle it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolineJensen Posted October 5, 2022 Share Posted October 5, 2022 A rocket blower and the camera self clean mode is always my first (and second and third) choice. If I am desperate I will use sensor swabs and cleaning solution. But with Sony Pro Support I get a few free cleanings a year, and I would rather they handle it! I always forget there is a self clean mode! My rocket blower is a must! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushfg Posted October 6, 2022 Share Posted October 6, 2022 Blowing and shaking aren't doing it for me. I just ordered a cleaning kit. Am I crazy to try cleaning my sensor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonSmith Posted October 6, 2022 Share Posted October 6, 2022 I have learned through a master cleaner how to clean my sensor and his company sells the kit! So I clean my own with no fear. Once you learn the proper way to clean and have the right tools it is not a hard task. I am leaving for Scotland this weekend and have to clean my a1 before I go. The shutter curtain is awesome but if you forget to shut it down in the field (and there is a slight delay) and change lenses dust and dirt will get on your sensor... Blowers are always the first way, then anti-static brushes (arctic butterfly) or spin the brush yourself, then last step is a wet clean. You never touch the actual sensor as there is a protective covering on all sensors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattK Posted October 8, 2022 Share Posted October 8, 2022 On a related note to the blower, I learned from the last Sony Kando cleaning technicians not to do something I used to do. I used to hold the camera up with the sensor facing down and blow in to it. I don’t recall why, but they actually said just lay it on the table and use the blower at an angle across it. Does it make a difference? I have no idea, but I thought it was interesting that they told me not to do it the way I always was. And while I have tried cleaning the sensor a few times on my own, I never fully trust myself so I try to wait until I have an opportunity to have a cleaning by the pros. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmclain Posted October 9, 2022 Share Posted October 9, 2022 I feel your pain. I hate doing it but when I have no choice I use these. It works, you just have to follow the instructions really carefully. Blow the sensor off first and only use the swab once. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IraBlock Posted October 11, 2022 Author Share Posted October 11, 2022 Blowing and shaking aren't doing it for me. I just ordered a cleaning kit. Am I crazy to try cleaning my sensor?Well, be very, very careful and you should be okay!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IraBlock Posted October 11, 2022 Author Share Posted October 11, 2022 On a related note to the blower, I learned from the last Sony Kando cleaning technicians not to do something I used to do. I used to hold the camera up with the sensor facing down and blow in to it. I don’t recall why, but they actually said just lay it on the table and use the blower at an angle across it. Does it make a difference? I have no idea, but I thought it was interesting that they told me not to do it the way I always was. And while I have tried cleaning the sensor a few times on my own, I never fully trust myself so I try to wait until I have an opportunity to have a cleaning by the pros. Interesting, I do it the same way with the sensor facing down thinking that the dust will fall out😁 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IraBlock Posted October 11, 2022 Author Share Posted October 11, 2022 I think i may need some training on cleaning!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmclain Posted October 11, 2022 Share Posted October 11, 2022 Anytime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushfg Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 Blowing and shaking aren't doing it for me. I just ordered a cleaning kit. Am I crazy to try cleaning my sensor?By the way, I did the cleaning with a swab and it went OK. I may have been a bit too careful since I didn't get everything.Also, I didn't lock the sensor (oops!) but it is all fine and 90% of the spots are gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew_Geraci Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 The web-swab kits from Amazon are amazing and it's super easy to do yourself. Like everyone else is mentioning a blower is the #1 choice, followed by a sensor brush and then wet-sensor cleaning. I do my cameras at least once or twice a month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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