Sensor cleaning?

[Chris Hammond]

Does anyone know if it would be feasible for me to clean the sensor on my Nikon D200 myself? I think it cost me £40 last time, and a week long wait to get my camera back. I've just spotted a nasty little fly or piece of grit on the sensor. I get the impression it's a hazard of wildlife togging, i.e exposing the camera to dirty and dusty locations?

Are these DIY kits safe to use?

Regards Chris

[pressld2]

Hi Chris,

I've always cleaned it myself on my D70 and now on my D300. My preferred tool is the Visible Dust sensor brush. You spin it to give it a static charge then wipe it once over the sensor and it picks up any loose bits of dust. The brush has very soft filaments and there's no need to apply any pressure. I find it works a treat. It won't remove anything sticky though (e.g. pollen grains) and for that I use sensor swabs with eclipse fluid. I've done my D70 with them at least half a dozen times but so far have not needed to use one on my D300 as the sensor brush has done the job. If it were necessary to use a sensor swab I wouldn't hesitate.

Dave P.

[Chris Hammond]

Thanks Dave.

I'm going to give it a try I think. At least if I learn how I can keep a clean sensor at all times.

Is the VD sensor brush a trade name? If so any idea where I could buy one of these and the neccesary kit and fluid online?

Regards Chris

[Tormentil]

Google for "sensor cleaners" and you'll get a miriad of places that sell cleaners.

[Chris Hammond]

Originally Posted by Tormentil

Google for "sensor cleaners" and you'll get a miriad of places that sell cleaners.

Yes, I've tried that Tormentil. I find the whole thing a bit confusing. I couldn't track down the aforementioned kit. I'd really like to source an all inclusive kit.

Regards Chris

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi

I'll second the sensor brush.I use the one where you blast it with canned air to charge it. Keeps the sensor nice and clean and I've never had to use anything else as yet.

neil

[Chris Hammond]

Thing is there is more than one sensor brush on VD's site. which exact brush should I opt for?

And am I right in thinking that this is the method described as being appropriate 90/99% of the time in their blurb?

I'm sorry if I appear obtuse, but I'm clueless about such things.

[pictish]

Think you would need the 3/4 size sensor brush [its the standard one. The 1x are for canon 5ds ect].

I got 2 brushes one for the sensor the other for the lenses great for getting lint or small specs dust of the lens or out from between the filter and the lens. The spinner will fit different sizes.

The brush is for removing dry stuff only from the sensor dust mainly, if its sticky or gungy you will need the swabs plus fluid.

You can find visible dust stuff cheaper than their own site just search around for it on google.

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi Chris,

they are now called the Arctic Butterfly ( 1.6x kit). Doesn't look as if they stock the older "sensor brush".
Same thing though, just has a light on it now

neil

[Chris Hammond]

Originally Posted by pictish

Think you would need the 3/4 size sensor brush [its the standard one. The 1x are for canon 5ds ect].

I got 2 brushes one for the sensor the other for the lenses great for getting lint or small specs dust of the lens or out from between the filter and the lens. The spinner will fit different sizes.

The brush is for removing dry stuff only from the sensor dust mainly, if its sticky or gungy you will need the swabs plus fluid.

You can find visible dust stuff cheaper than their own site just search around for it on google.

Great, thanks for the help Pictish.

[Chris Hammond]

Originally Posted by wildlifesnapper

Hi Chris,

they are now called the Arctic Butterfly ( 1.6x kit). Doesn't look as if they stock the older "sensor brush".
Same thing though, just has a light on it now

neil

Thanks Neil, much appreciated.

Regards Chris

[DOXHOPE]

I cleaned my D200 a few times, with a swab and cleaning fluid, no bother what so ever..My Fuji S2 Pro is more troublesome than the D200 for dust, and has to be cleaned very regularly, again with swab. The D300 of mines mint, have very little bother in this department (up to now) the sensor cleaner/shaker I have set to come on every time the camera is switched on..