cleaning cameras

[Kerry]

I had panic attacks yesterday as a bit of muck could be seen through the eye piece of my camera. I figured by taking off the lense that it was actually somewhere inside the camera. I did manage to dislodge it but how should I go about cleaning in this situation next time.

Thanks
Kerry

[nightshade]

Best thing is to have a routine so that the camera body and lense is exposed to as few foreign bodies as possible
Replace rear caps asap on lenses
Keep the camera throat covered or pointing downward while the lens is removed
Use lint free materials
this link may be useful,but note the reluctance of people to touch the sensor

How to Clean Your Digital Image Sensor @ UltimateSLR.com : Reviews Tips FAQ News Products are more!

[MalcolmX]

as a digital user you will constantly have this problem and unfortunately cleaning is the only way to remove the dust .i use a system that is made by delkin industries that has a small vacuum and a magnifying illuminated glass that allows you to see the dust on the sensor (dust is not on the sensor it is actually on the antiliasing filter fixed to the sensor)having seen the dust a vacuum device Hoovers it all up . i do use a fluid if stubborn items are present . i clean my sensor before any major photography shots or once a month otherwise. I think sensors are meant to be cleaned and although people give out dire warnings i have yet to hear of anyone damaging a sensor through cleaning following the manufacturers instructions

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by nightshade

Best thing is to have a routine so that the camera body and lense is exposed to as few foreign bodies as possible
Replace rear caps asap on lenses
Keep the camera throat covered or pointing downward while the lens is removed
Use lint free materials
this link may be useful,but note the reluctance of people to touch the sensor

How to Clean Your Digital Image Sensor @ UltimateSLR.com : Reviews Tips FAQ News Products are more!

Thanks for this link and the advice. I shall bookmark it and have a good read. I can still see something through the view finder so I need to sort the problem quickly.

Kerry

[Boddie]

Kerry

If you can see it through your viewfinder it is not on the sensor.

Hold the camera square in front of you, the correct way up, so you can see the front of it.

Take the lens off.

Look into the chamber, and up - so effectively under the part where the flash would slot in (hotshoe)

You will see a small white rectangle, with a number of tiny dots on it - maybe 9 for your camera.

The dust is most likely on here.

Or it could be on the mirror

Use a blower to remove it - if its really tough use a cotton bud (but only on this and never the sensor or mirror) and wipe very carefully.

If you need to speak to me send me a PM and I will let you have my telephone number.

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Boddie

Kerry

If you can see it through your viewfinder it is not on the sensor.

Hold the camera square in front of you, the correct way up, so you can see the front of it.

Take the lens off.

Look into the chamber, and up - so effectively under the part where the flash would slot in (hotshoe)

You will see a small white rectangle, with a number of tiny dots on it - maybe 9 for your camera.

The dust is most likely on here.

Or it could be on the mirror

Use a blower to remove it - if its really tough use a cotton bud (but only on this and never the sensor or mirror) and wipe very carefully.

If you need to speak to me send me a PM and I will let you have my telephone number.

Ah, brilliant thanks Boddie. Less of a worry then if it isn't on the sensor. I need to buy a blower. Should have remembered to order it when I ordered my polarizer. I shall get one ordered. Is there anything else cleaning wise that you suggest I order at the same time?

Many thanks
Kerry

[Boddie]

I just use a blower as it gets rid of most of the dust. Dont have the bottle to tackle the sensor above that of blowing on it

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by MalcolmX

as a digital user you will constantly have this problem and unfortunately cleaning is the only way to remove the dust .i use a system that is made by delkin industries that has a small vacuum and a magnifying illuminated glass that allows you to see the dust on the sensor (dust is not on the sensor it is actually on the antiliasing filter fixed to the sensor)having seen the dust a vacuum device Hoovers it all up . i do use a fluid if stubborn items are present . i clean my sensor before any major photography shots or once a month otherwise. I think sensors are meant to be cleaned and although people give out dire warnings i have yet to hear of anyone damaging a sensor through cleaning following the manufacturers instructions

Where would I find this system for sale on the net? I have been having a look but can't find it. What do you clean the mirror with?

While scouring the net I found this page that I thought was of interest for those with Canon 400D's: http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/tests/dust_400d/

Kerry

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Boddie

I just use a blower as it gets rid of most of the dust. Dont have the bottle to tackle the sensor above that of blowing on it

If you needed to clean the mirror but the blower didn't work, what would you be able to use?

Kerry

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by Kerry

If you needed to clean the mirror but the blower didn't work, what would you be able to use?

Kerry

Probably the same as the sensor. Not sure as never had to do it