DSLR cleaning

[$lick Rick]

so i called one of the few camera stores in my area to inquire about getting my 350d cleaned.
Shutterbug said they send it back to canon and it takes nearly a month
which needless to say is a PITA and will not work if i want to get it done before subiefest

so my question is, how do you guys go about getting your cameras cleaned?

[TurbeauxREX]

The 'wet method' works for me and has for the past four years through five DSLR bodies. A very good tutorial can be found at

http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/
Another good tutorial:

http://luminous-landscape.com/essays...cleaning.shtml
And another

http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

Some folks really like VISIBLE DUST products, but they are pricey-

http://www.visibledust.com/

SUPPLIES:
http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/wheretobuy.html
https://www.micro-tools.com/store/home.aspx

NOTE: Thoroughly read the tutorials and understand what you are about to do before beginning. The camera manufacturer will show you no love what-so-ever if you ruin your sensor. They really don't want you touching it. Realistically, there is an anti-aliasing filter over the sensor, but, you can scratch this if you apply too much pressure, re-use a contaminated cleaning pad, etc.

YOU CLEAN YOUR SENSOR AT YOUR OWN RISK

Having stated that, I have done this literally hundreds of times, at home and in the field. Just use your head.

Curtis

[TurbeauxREX]

Since we're on the subject, next to having the ability to clean your sensor your best bet is developing a good regimen for changing your lenses. If done correctly you can minimize your exposure to a dusty sensor in the first place.

1. Turn off the camera power before removing your lens
(the sensor is energized and will attract dust)

2. Point the camera down when removing/installing lenses
(this will prevent anything from falling into the body)

3. If at all possible, change your lenses in a controlled physical environment
(I know this one is tough. I'm usually swapping lenses while standing trackside with cars passing by, kicking up dust - do the best you can)

4. Check your sensor BEFORE going on a shoot
(learn how to check your sensor - see short tutorial below)

5. Regularly clean your equipment
(clean the exterior surfaces of your camera bodies and lenses to minimize dust)

CHECKING YOUR SENSOR FOR DUST

1. Set camera to MANUAL exposure or APERATURE priority mode
2. Adjust aperture to f22 at a low ISO (200 is fine)
3. Set lens to manual focus and point it to the sky, away from the sun (did I have to say that?) and set the shutter speed for a balanced exposure. DO NOT CHANGE THE APERTURE SETTING!
4. Expose the image, download and check the image for spots. Spots = dust.

Now, if you always shoot wide open dust won't be a big issue for you until the problem gets bad or you get a giant dust bunny in there. I shoot at f11 - 32 a lot to achieve the slow shutter speeds in bright daylight in order to get the look I want in my motorsports pics. So, I'm all too familiar with dusty sensors; how to get 'em, avoid 'em and clean 'em.

If you have more specific questions, I'll be glad to try to answer them or point you in the right direction.

peace,

Curtis

[c00lbeans]

^^^^ good info


this is your friend

[$lick Rick]

thank you guys SO much.
i'll be doing lots of reading today

[TheJ]

Since we're on the subject...
If you have more specific questions, I'll be glad to try to answer them or point you in the right direction.
peace,
Curtis

Great post Curtis!