Cleaning the Sensor On Your DSLR (and the rest of the camera as well…) Presented by N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Well… it depends… Do you like those amorphous dark shapes in your images and think they are conceptually creative? Do you like those amorphous dark shapes in your images and think they are conceptually creative? Do you enjoy “spotting” more than editing? Do you enjoy “spotting” more than editing? Do you like spending increasing amounts of time cleaning your shots instead of making them better? Do you like spending increasing amounts of time cleaning your shots instead of making them better? Do you like spending $50 to have someone else clean it for you? Do you like spending $50 to have someone else clean it for you? If the answer is “Yes” then you don’t need to go on… Is Cleaning Really necessary? © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Sure… If you never take your camera out and use it. If you never take your camera out and use it. If you never remove a lens and it is “O” ring sealed to the body. If you never remove a lens and it is “O” ring sealed to the body. If you never shoot and change lenses in anything other than a hermetically sealed “clean room.” If you never shoot and change lenses in anything other than a hermetically sealed “clean room.” If you do any of these things, sooner or later you will need to clean your camera and sensor… Can Cleaning be avoided? © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Cleaning a sensor is like cleaning a lens… If you do it correctly you could do it daily and never harm the camera or lens. But if you do it wrong you could damage the camera, lens, or sensor very quickly. This presentation is all about doing it correctly! Is Cleaning Dangerous? © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor There is a proper workflow for cleaning your camera and sensor… Get the right equipment and supplies and have them handy to you can work quickly and easily. Get the right equipment and supplies and have them handy to you can work quickly and easily. Work from the outside to the inside. Work from the outside to the inside. At each stage, start with the least intrusive and work toward the more intrusive only if necessary. At each stage, start with the least intrusive and work toward the more intrusive only if necessary. Camera/Sensor Cleaning Workfow © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Here are the proper supplies to have on hand. You’ll need… Air: 2 kinds Camera/Sensor Cleaning Supplies © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor A word of caution on using canned air... Canned air is a very powerful tool but must be used correctly. Canned air is a very powerful tool but must be used correctly. Never use a can that has been shaken or disturbed. Let it settle and rest for a few minutes before use. Never use a can that has been shaken or disturbed. Let it settle and rest for a few minutes before use. Never put the nozzle very close to the surface Never put the nozzle very close to the surface Never aim the nozzle directly at a surface Never aim the nozzle directly at a surface Never aim the nozzle at your skin or someone else’s Never aim the nozzle at your skin or someone else’s Camera/Sensor Process © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Here are the proper supplies to have on hand. You’ll need… Air: 2 kinds Brushes: 2 kinds Lint Free Pads Cleaner Swabs for YOUR sensor Camera/Sensor Cleaning Supplies © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor At each stage the following workflow will be used… Blow off loose particles Blow off loose particles Brush/lift off more stubborn particles Brush/lift off more stubborn particles Use cleaner as a last resort and use it properly. Use cleaner as a last resort and use it properly. Camera/Sensor Process © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera BODY Exterior Use canned air AT AN ANGLE to blow off dust and dirt. Use canned air AT AN ANGLE to blow off dust and dirt. Pay attention to nooks and crannies and small areas where it is hard to reach e.g. card slot, jacks, view finder area, etc. Pay attention to nooks and crannies and small areas where it is hard to reach e.g. card slot, jacks, view finder area, etc. Use the normal brush to dislodge anything left and then the air again to remove it. Use the normal brush to dislodge anything left and then the air again to remove it. Use only a DAMP towel (never a “wet” one) to wipe the body of the camera. A damp cotton swab will help get in some tight areas. Use only a DAMP towel (never a “wet” one) to wipe the body of the camera. A damp cotton swab will help get in some tight areas. Camera/Sensor Process © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera LENS Exterior Use canned air AT AN ANGLE to blow off dust and dirt. Use canned air AT AN ANGLE to blow off dust and dirt. Pay attention to nooks and crannies and small areas where it is hard to reach like focus rings, etc. Pay attention to nooks and crannies and small areas where it is hard to reach like focus rings, etc. Use the normal brush to dislodge anything left and then the air to remove it. Use the normal brush to dislodge anything left and then the air to remove it. Use only a DAMP towel (never a “wet” one) to wipe the body of the lens. Use only a DAMP towel (never a “wet” one) to wipe the body of the lens. Camera/Sensor Process © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera LENS Glass Use air from Rocket Blower AT AN ANGLE to blow off dust and dirt. Use air from Rocket Blower AT AN ANGLE to blow off dust and dirt. Pay attention to nooks and crannies and small areas where it is hard to reach like around threads. Pay attention to nooks and crannies and small areas where it is hard to reach like around threads. Use the normal brush to dislodge anything left especially in filter threads and then the air to remove it. Use the normal brush to dislodge anything left especially in filter threads and then the air to remove it. Use a charged Nylon Brush for any remaining particles on the glass. (Charge with canned air) Use a charged Nylon Brush for any remaining particles on the glass. (Charge with canned air) Camera/Sensor Process © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera Lens: Glass Use air from Rocket Blower AT AN ANGLE to blow off dust and dirt. Use air from Rocket Blower AT AN ANGLE to blow off dust and dirt. Pay attention to nooks and crannies and small areas where it is hard to reach. Pay attention to nooks and crannies and small areas where it is hard to reach. Use the normal brush to dislodge anything left especially in filter threads and then the air to remove it. Use the normal brush to dislodge anything left especially in filter threads and then the air to remove it. Use a charged Nylon Brush for any remaining particles on the glass. (Charge with canned air) Use a charged Nylon Brush for any remaining particles on the glass. (Charge with canned air) Use only a lint-free pad Use only a lint-free pad with a drop of cleaner in a spiral motion on the glass surface. Camera/Sensor Process © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera LENS Glass CAUTION CAUTION Do Not put liquid cleaner directly on the glass. It can remove the lens coating. Do not use so much cleaner that it pools on the glass or leaves streaks. If it streaks you are using cheap cleaner and/or you are using too much of it. DO NOT USE commercial glass cleaner such as Windex on your lens. It WILL damage the coating. It may cost less than optical cleaner but the price of a new lens will kill that savings. Camera/Sensor Process © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera Body: Mirror Chamber Use air from Rocket Blower AT AN ANGLE to blow off dust and dirt. Hold camera upside down to let particles fall away from body.. Use air from Rocket Blower AT AN ANGLE to blow off dust and dirt. Hold camera upside down to let particles fall away from body.. Camera/Sensor Process © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera Body: Mirror Chamber Use air from Rocket Blower AT AN ANGLE to blow off dust and dirt. Hold camera upside down. Use air from Rocket Blower AT AN ANGLE to blow off dust and dirt. Hold camera upside down. Pay attention to nooks and crannies and small areas where it is hard to reach. Pay attention to nooks and crannies and small areas where it is hard to reach. Use the normal brush to dislodge anything left especially in the lens mount and then the air to remove it. Use the normal brush to dislodge anything left especially in the lens mount and then the air to remove it. Use a charged Nylon Brush for any remaining particles on the glass. (Charge with canned air) Use a charged Nylon Brush for any remaining particles on the glass. (Charge with canned air) Use only a lint-free pad Use only a lint-free pad with a drop of cleaner on the mirror and Prism surfaces. Camera/Sensor Process © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera Body: Mirror Chamber If you can see particles when looking through the viewfinder they are most likely either on the mirror or prism If you can see particles when looking through the viewfinder they are most likely either on the mirror or prism Caution on cleaning the Mirror… Caution on cleaning the Mirror… The mirror is silvered on the outside and some cheap lens cleaners can remove the silvering or particles can scratch it. Camera/Sensor Process © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera Body: Sensor Chamber OK, here is the heart stopping part so lets back up and consider what is really about to happen… OK, here is the heart stopping part so lets back up and consider what is really about to happen… It is important to realize you are not actually going to be mucking around on the surface of the sensor. It is important to realize you are not actually going to be mucking around on the surface of the sensor. Camera/Sensor Process © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor You are not actually cleaning the surface of the sensor. What is it you are really cleaning? “Wafer” or support for Sensor/Chip Sensor Body Photo Sites/Sensors © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor You are not actually cleaning the surface of the sensor. What is it you are really cleaning? “Wafer” or support for Sensor/Chip Sensor Body © N. David King UV Cut Off FilterIR Cut Off Filter

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor You are not actually cleaning the surface of the sensor. What is it you are really cleaning? “Wafer” or support for Sensor/Chip Sensor Body © N. David King Micro Lens Array for Full Frame Sensors

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera Body: Sensor Chamber To get into the sensor chamber you need to open and lock open the mirror. To get into the sensor chamber you need to open and lock open the mirror. Menu options. Menu options. Auto versus Manual Cleaning. Auto versus Manual Cleaning. Use a newly charged battery or plug you camera into the AC adapter if it has one. Use a newly charged battery or plug you camera into the AC adapter if it has one. Get everything ready for use to minimize the time the sensor chamber is exposed in order to limit the reintroduction of NEW dirt and dust. Get everything ready for use to minimize the time the sensor chamber is exposed in order to limit the reintroduction of NEW dirt and dust. Camera/Sensor Process (Continued) © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera Body: Sensor Chamber With camera upside down blow out the sensor chamber with the rocket blower just as you did the mirror chamber. With camera upside down blow out the sensor chamber with the rocket blower just as you did the mirror chamber. Do a visual inspection of the sensor with a sensor scope, magnifying glass, or just against a good flat light reflection. Do a visual inspection of the sensor with a sensor scope, magnifying glass, or just against a good flat light reflection. If you see something on the sensor use the blower again. If you see something on the sensor use the blower again. Use a sensor scope or do a shot test to see if you got it all. Use a sensor scope or do a shot test to see if you got it all. If it is clean then stop… if not then go to the next step. If it is clean then stop… if not then go to the next step. Camera/Sensor Process (Continued) © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera Body: Sensor Chamber If the blower did not remove all particles, now proceed to LIGHTLY use the charged nylon brush. If the blower did not remove all particles, now proceed to LIGHTLY use the charged nylon brush. Camera/Sensor Process (Continued) © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera Body: Sensor Chamber If the blower did not remove all particles, now proceed to LIGHTLY use the charged nylon brush. If the blower did not remove all particles, now proceed to LIGHTLY use the charged nylon brush. Inspect the sensor again with scope or test shot. Inspect the sensor again with scope or test shot. If it is clean then stop, close the mirror and put camera away. If it is clean then stop, close the mirror and put camera away. If there are still particles showing, you might recharge the brush and go again but if that fails to remove the particles then now it is time to use the sensor swabs. If there are still particles showing, you might recharge the brush and go again but if that fails to remove the particles then now it is time to use the sensor swabs. Camera/Sensor Process (Continued) © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera Body: Sensor Chamber Using the Sensor Swabs Using the Sensor Swabs Use a SINGLE drop of solution on the tip of the swab. It should be damp but NOT WET. Make a single pass in each direction and then toss the swab away. Make a single pass in each direction and then toss the swab away. Camera/Sensor Process (Continued) © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor Camera Body: Sensor Chamber After using a sensor swab, inspect the sensor again with scope or test shot. After using a sensor swab, inspect the sensor again with scope or test shot. If clean then close mirror and put camera away. If clean then close mirror and put camera away. If not, repeat. If not, repeat. If you KEEP the camera clean you will generally end up with the sensor clean after only the blower or brush. If you KEEP the camera clean you will generally end up with the sensor clean after only the blower or brush. Camera/Sensor Process (Continued) © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor You can download my handout on sensor cleaning from the SDCC page on my web site: Camera/Sensor Process (Continued) © N. David King

Cleaning a DSLR Sensor QUESTIONS? Camera/Sensor Process (Continued) © N. David King