Originally posted by pixelated With the preface that I'm a brand-new DSLR user: it appears to me that intractable sensor specks are not common, but not rare either. A search of the forums will show others have experienced what GeneV described. I read several forum suggestions about cleaning, but as a newbie I wanted to have a more comprehensive discussion. The following website has a good overview of the DSLR sensor cleaning issue --at least from my novice perspective.
Introduction - Cleaning Digital Cameras - D-SLR Sensor Cleaning.
One detail question: the Pentax K10D is said to have a tin oxide sensor (as does the Sony Alpha series and the Canon
XTi/400D and 5), which calls for a more specialized liquid cleaner (e.g. Eclipse 2 rather than original Eclipse). Does anyone know if the sensor in the K-X is tin oxide?
That is the first site that I went to in studying the wet method. Risk is involved in DIY and it is important to fully understand the procedures in any kind of wet cleaning. Rest assured is that what we are cleaning is not the sensor but rather a thin film on top of the sensor.
I get confused a bit on Eclipse and Eclipse E2. I used the E2 on K20D and now I am not so sure as Photographic Solutions confirms the original eclipse to be safe as well. I read that E2 is mixed with water to reduce the concentration to be safer for newer sensor as in cmos after ccd sensor in dSLR. Some information that I dig up
In any event, the wet method or any methods that involves physically touching with the sensor should be
considered as the last resort. The first approach in sensor cleaning is always the obvious ones and the good practices with blower in my book. Again, the blower solves 95+ % , likely 98% in my case.
- Absolutely make good use of sensor dust removable feature
- Engage sensor dust alert checking to spot check the location of dust
- Use the BEST known blower. I highly recommend Ghiottos Rocket Blower
- Learn the techniques in blower with the sensor dust alert for effective blowing
- All good practice to avoid dust with common sense such as NOT placing camera face up in lens changing, lens change in car and home before beach or wet location arrival. Clean dust with blower not just on sensor housing but also the lens rear mount
- Always power off camera before lens changing.
It is important to learn about the good techniques in blowing air with mirror up in sensor cleaning procedure. I have few blog posts with youtube video by micro-tools and a Nikon D70 shooters sharing with others.
Hope this helps you a bit,
Hin