Sensor swabs

**Spodeworld** · 03-28-2012, 01:49 PM

I know I am probably treading on dangerous territory here, but given the price of sensor swabs, has anyone tried the less expensive alternatives that you can get on eBay? They claim to be microfiber and 99.99% clean, but the thought makes me nervous, although the price of the well known ones are very high.

Thanks.

**kiwi_jono** · 03-28-2012, 03:57 PM

I think there is good reason to be suspicious. The mainstream ones are produced / packaged in clean conditions - critical for anything going near a sensor, and I have no idea what the standards for this are like for cheap alternatives.
I'm using SensorSwab - only when really needed and I have not been dissappointed yet.

KSmith · 03-28-2012, 04:25 PM

I'd second the recommendation about using reputable brands when cleaning your sensor ( although, for the record I have not used Ebay swabs !). I went with the Pec Pad + Eclipse + homemade handle ( for lack of a better word ) with great results. A lot cheaper then the Sensor Swabs, but if memory serves me correctly the Pec Pads are not endorsed by the manufacturer for sensor cleaning so proceed at your own risk !

Good Luck
Ken

**ramseybuckeye** · 03-28-2012, 07:13 PM

There are too many counterfeit products coming out of China on ebay. I would avoid all cleaning products and filters on ebay unless from a reputable dealer, and they usually sell them for the same price on their own web sites. Sensor Swabs are a great product and easy to use. You shouldn't have to use them that often. A four pack for $14 at B&H isn't that bad, unless you're cleaning your sensor constantly.

RioRico · 03-28-2012, 07:22 PM

The official Pentax O-ICK1 sensor cleaning kit comes with numerous swabs that will last a long time. Trust no cheap substitutes.

wed7 · 10-18-2012, 05:27 AM

Reviving this thread,

my trusty K-r got some dirt/specs or fungus??? of some sort, is the Sensor Swab (which type?) suitable for this? Thank you

**ramseybuckeye** · 10-18-2012, 07:18 PM

Originally posted by wed7

Reviving this thread,

my trusty K-r got some dirt/specs or fungus??? of some sort, is the Sensor Swab (which type?) suitable for this? Thank you

If it's dirt yes, if you have fungus there you probably have more problems. What makes you think fungus? Do you have sample photos?

03-28-2012, 01:49 PM	#1
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370	Sensor swabs I know I am probably treading on dangerous territory here, but given the price of sensor swabs, has anyone tried the less expensive alternatives that you can get on eBay? They claim to be microfiber and 99.99% clean, but the thought makes me nervous, although the price of the well known ones are very high. Thanks.

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03-28-2012, 03:57 PM	#2
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	I think there is good reason to be suspicious. The mainstream ones are produced / packaged in clean conditions - critical for anything going near a sensor, and I have no idea what the standards for this are like for cheap alternatives. I'm using SensorSwab - only when really needed and I have not been dissappointed yet.

03-28-2012, 04:25 PM	#3
KSmith Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Montreal Posts: 54	I'd second the recommendation about using reputable brands when cleaning your sensor ( although, for the record I have not used Ebay swabs !). I went with the Pec Pad + Eclipse + homemade handle ( for lack of a better word ) with great results. A lot cheaper then the Sensor Swabs, but if memory serves me correctly the Pec Pads are not endorsed by the manufacturer for sensor cleaning so proceed at your own risk ! Good Luck Ken

03-28-2012, 07:13 PM	#4
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,296	There are too many counterfeit products coming out of China on ebay. I would avoid all cleaning products and filters on ebay unless from a reputable dealer, and they usually sell them for the same price on their own web sites. Sensor Swabs are a great product and easy to use. You shouldn't have to use them that often. A four pack for $14 at B&H isn't that bad, unless you're cleaning your sensor constantly.

03-28-2012, 07:22 PM	#5
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	The official Pentax O-ICK1 sensor cleaning kit comes with numerous swabs that will last a long time. Trust no cheap substitutes.

10-18-2012, 05:27 AM	#6
wed7 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 1,421	Reviving this thread, my trusty K-r got some dirt/specs or fungus??? of some sort, is the Sensor Swab (which type?) suitable for this? Thank you

10-18-2012, 07:18 PM	#7
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,296	Originally posted by wed7 Reviving this thread, my trusty K-r got some dirt/specs or fungus??? of some sort, is the Sensor Swab (which type?) suitable for this? Thank you If it's dirt yes, if you have fungus there you probably have more problems. What makes you think fungus? Do you have sample photos?