Sensor cleaning method - no tools - 100% effective and safe - 30 seconds.

KennJ · 03-21-2008, 11:06 AM

I imagine Ken Rockwell can afford to buy a new camera body if he messes his up with the vacuum without it being a major financial issue.So if you are in the same place and have the urge I see nothing wrong with giving it a go..
KennJ

Groucho · 03-21-2008, 12:58 PM

Originally posted by ryan s

We had a discussion relating Rockwell to Norris...some good stuff...and yeah, the only thing of his I use is Tshirt for cleaning lenses. But that was also recommended to me to clean my glasses so...

Surely he's not taking credit for cleaning a lens with a t-shirt?

What's next, taking credit for jamming a lens cap in a pants pocket? Looking through a viewfinder when you compose a photo? Phooey.

Gimbal · 03-21-2008, 01:56 PM

I would not do it. As RH said, the shutter curtain is at risk.

Gooshin · 03-21-2008, 02:58 PM

Originally posted by Mechan1k

Interesting ... but not sure if I'd want to put a Dyson close to it ... hee hee.

I'd be worried if something that may be slightly lose ... or not that secure internally ... gets sucked out of the camera body by accident.

It does sound interesting though.

if there is something mechanical inside a camera that will get itself loose from a little suction air, pentax would be out of business.

**wtlwdwgn** · 03-21-2008, 07:44 PM

Another problem with a vacuum is static electricity from the vacuum's motor (rotating magnets). DSLR's are computers after all and static electricity can kill a computer.

navcom · 03-21-2008, 09:04 PM

wtlwdwgn is absolutely right! Static electricity is highly probable using a vacuum. Especially during the winter when it's dry and humidity is low. Not only will you get static electricity from the vacuum motor, but the very act of pulling air over the sensor will create SE on the sensor and other camera components from friction alone, just like SE is generated on an aircraft's wings and fuselage from the air flowing over them.

I'ts not worth the risk. I love my K10 too much. My bulb blower works great.

Peacekeeper · 03-21-2008, 09:06 PM

Rockwell cleaning method...He says "OUT!" and the dust just leaves!

distudio · 03-21-2008, 09:29 PM

Originally posted by navcom

wtlwdwgn is absolutely right! Static electricity is highly probable using a vacuum. Especially during the winter when it's dry and humidity is low. Not only will you get static electricity from the vacuum motor, but the very act of pulling air over the sensor will create SE on the sensor and other camera components from friction alone, just like SE is generated on an aircraft's wings and fuselage from the air flowing over them.

I'ts not worth the risk. I love my K10 too much. My bulb blower works great.

As mentioned the action of the air could contribute to the generation of static charges which could cause dust to become attracted to charged surfaces (it's extremely unlikely that the vacuum cleaner motor would directly contribute to imposing a static charge). And there may be potential for of damage to the shutter blades due to the action of the vacuum but it's not likely (I would guess given my experience with compressed air cleaning). But the biggest concern is that the vacuum will pull significant volumes of air into the cavity with all the dust that it contains so you would want to be in a clean environment to start with. That's the prime advantage of using filtered compressed air for cleaning, the contaminants are generally displaced by the clean air.

PDL · 03-22-2008, 12:31 PM

While the camera is in sensor cleaning mode - the shutter is open, so the blades are out of the way, so I do not see how they could be damaged. But if you are using a big vacuum cleaner (like one that can hold a bowling ball) then just how do you get the end of the cleaner "close" to the sensor. You would be sucking more air from outside of the camera into the shutter/mirror box - and the air outside the camera is not dust free - unless you work an IC fab company. Add into that the amount of suction could pull lubricants, residual dust etc into the mirror box. I think this is a bogus way to clean dust - did Mr. Rockwell do this on his D3? - I would like to see the size of his eyes when someone starts going for his D3 with a vacuum cleaner the size of a small child --- now that's funny.

I recommend going to the following site as a starting point for getting your arms around how to clean your sensor. - yeah they sell stuff but the information is pretty reliable.
Cleaning Digital Cameras - Introduction

Edit:
It has been a little while since I was on this site, so I decided to take a look see. I found an interesting statement on this page: Cleaning Digital Cameras - Precautions
quote: "If Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Sigma, can tell that you have touched the sensor, your warranty is void." - emphasis is mine. Be careful out there.

The Elitist - formerly known as PDL

distudio · 03-22-2008, 02:37 PM

Originally posted by PDL

Edit:
It has been a little while since I was on this site, so I decided to take a look see. I found an interesting statement on this page: Cleaning Digital Cameras - Precautions
quote: "If Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Sigma, can tell that you have touched the sensor, your warranty is void." - emphasis is mine. Be careful out there.

Given that Pentax only recommend and sell a contact cleaner I'd be suspect of the validity of that statement.

PDL · 03-22-2008, 10:27 PM

If you use the Pentax cleaner - does it leave traces that Pentax can find? A good cleaner will not leave a trace. If they can detect it - you did something bad.

The Elitist - formerly known as PDL

pentaxbling · 03-22-2008, 11:06 PM

I dont see why cleaning is so feared... its way to much hype... i too was afraid and thought of all the what ifs that could happen while cleaning, but after several wet cleanings its not that big of a deal anymore... i wet clean mine once every month or two, kimwipes and a popsicle stick leveled off to wrap the kimwipe around and a few drops of eclipse... swipe side to side a couple times and bam... immaculately clean sensor...

also,

Originally posted by PDL

If you use the Pentax cleaner - does it leave traces that Pentax can find? A good cleaner will not leave a trace. If they can detect it - you did something bad.

The Elitist - formerly known as PDL

ive had my k10d in twice for service, once to map out dead pixels and a 2nd time to fix the leaning view finder... i had cleaned the sensor numerous times before the camera was sent to them, kimwipe/popsicle/eclipse method... they never called me to ask if i had touched the sensor lol... once again, way to much hype about this it seems

creampuff · 03-22-2008, 11:36 PM

How can anyone take Ken Rockwell seriously?
Just take a look at the main photo on the home page of his website and tell me what's wrong with the photo of presumably him in the yellow tee-shirt and reversed baseball cap.

KenRockwell.com

Hint - take a look at the position of the camera shutter release and LCD...

jgredline · 03-22-2008, 11:38 PM

Really, Cleaning the the sensor is a reality of life in the DSLR world. I bought a really good kit with brushes and all and service all my stuff regularly. I am so comfortable doing it, that I have become somewhat lax when I am changing lenses...

Now as for the vacuum cleaner, that is ridiculous in my opinion...That would indeed draw stuff in as it is a sealed body...

Mike Cash · 03-23-2008, 03:14 AM

I was rather surprised to learn that "no tools" actually means "vacuum cleaner".

03-22-2008, 12:31 PM	#24
PDL Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: PNW USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,127	While the camera is in sensor cleaning mode - the shutter is open, so the blades are out of the way, so I do not see how they could be damaged. But if you are using a big vacuum cleaner (like one that can hold a bowling ball) then just how do you get the end of the cleaner "close" to the sensor. You would be sucking more air from outside of the camera into the shutter/mirror box - and the air outside the camera is not dust free - unless you work an IC fab company. Add into that the amount of suction could pull lubricants, residual dust etc into the mirror box. I think this is a bogus way to clean dust - did Mr. Rockwell do this on his D3? - I would like to see the size of his eyes when someone starts going for his D3 with a vacuum cleaner the size of a small child --- now that's funny. I recommend going to the following site as a starting point for getting your arms around how to clean your sensor. - yeah they sell stuff but the information is pretty reliable. Cleaning Digital Cameras - Introduction Edit: It has been a little while since I was on this site, so I decided to take a look see. I found an interesting statement on this page: Cleaning Digital Cameras - Precautions quote: "If Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Sigma, can tell that you have touched the sensor, your warranty is void." - emphasis is mine. Be careful out there. The Elitist - formerly known as PDL Last edited by PDL; 03-22-2008 at 12:46 PM. Reason: added the Edit - spell checked

03-22-2008, 11:06 PM	#27
pentaxbling Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 141	I dont see why cleaning is so feared... its way to much hype... i too was afraid and thought of all the what ifs that could happen while cleaning, but after several wet cleanings its not that big of a deal anymore... i wet clean mine once every month or two, kimwipes and a popsicle stick leveled off to wrap the kimwipe around and a few drops of eclipse... swipe side to side a couple times and bam... immaculately clean sensor... also, Originally posted by PDL If you use the Pentax cleaner - does it leave traces that Pentax can find? A good cleaner will not leave a trace. If they can detect it - you did something bad. The Elitist - formerly known as PDL ive had my k10d in twice for service, once to map out dead pixels and a 2nd time to fix the leaning view finder... i had cleaned the sensor numerous times before the camera was sent to them, kimwipe/popsicle/eclipse method... they never called me to ask if i had touched the sensor lol... once again, way to much hype about this it seems Last edited by pentaxbling; 03-22-2008 at 11:14 PM.

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03-21-2008, 11:06 AM	#16
KennJ Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Norfolk , Va. Photos: Gallery Posts: 132	I imagine Ken Rockwell can afford to buy a new camera body if he messes his up with the vacuum without it being a major financial issue.So if you are in the same place and have the urge I see nothing wrong with giving it a go.. KennJ

03-21-2008, 12:58 PM	#17
Groucho Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 416	Originally posted by ryan s We had a discussion relating Rockwell to Norris...some good stuff...and yeah, the only thing of his I use is Tshirt for cleaning lenses. But that was also recommended to me to clean my glasses so... Surely he's not taking credit for cleaning a lens with a t-shirt? What's next, taking credit for jamming a lens cap in a pants pocket? Looking through a viewfinder when you compose a photo? Phooey.

03-21-2008, 01:56 PM	#18
Gimbal Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 2,106	I would not do it. As RH said, the shutter curtain is at risk.

03-21-2008, 02:58 PM	#19
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	Originally posted by Mechan1k Interesting ... but not sure if I'd want to put a Dyson close to it ... hee hee. I'd be worried if something that may be slightly lose ... or not that secure internally ... gets sucked out of the camera body by accident. It does sound interesting though. if there is something mechanical inside a camera that will get itself loose from a little suction air, pentax would be out of business.

03-21-2008, 07:44 PM	#20
wtlwdwgn Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Billings, MT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,838	Another problem with a vacuum is static electricity from the vacuum's motor (rotating magnets). DSLR's are computers after all and static electricity can kill a computer.

03-21-2008, 09:04 PM	#21
navcom Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Minnesota USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 807	wtlwdwgn is absolutely right! Static electricity is highly probable using a vacuum. Especially during the winter when it's dry and humidity is low. Not only will you get static electricity from the vacuum motor, but the very act of pulling air over the sensor will create SE on the sensor and other camera components from friction alone, just like SE is generated on an aircraft's wings and fuselage from the air flowing over them. I'ts not worth the risk. I love my K10 too much. My bulb blower works great.

03-21-2008, 09:06 PM	#22
Peacekeeper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Back at work :( Photos: Gallery Posts: 168	Rockwell cleaning method...He says "OUT!" and the dust just leaves!

03-21-2008, 09:29 PM	#23
distudio Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 450	Originally posted by navcom wtlwdwgn is absolutely right! Static electricity is highly probable using a vacuum. Especially during the winter when it's dry and humidity is low. Not only will you get static electricity from the vacuum motor, but the very act of pulling air over the sensor will create SE on the sensor and other camera components from friction alone, just like SE is generated on an aircraft's wings and fuselage from the air flowing over them. I'ts not worth the risk. I love my K10 too much. My bulb blower works great. As mentioned the action of the air could contribute to the generation of static charges which could cause dust to become attracted to charged surfaces (it's extremely unlikely that the vacuum cleaner motor would directly contribute to imposing a static charge). And there may be potential for of damage to the shutter blades due to the action of the vacuum but it's not likely (I would guess given my experience with compressed air cleaning). But the biggest concern is that the vacuum will pull significant volumes of air into the cavity with all the dust that it contains so you would want to be in a clean environment to start with. That's the prime advantage of using filtered compressed air for cleaning, the contaminants are generally displaced by the clean air.

03-22-2008, 02:37 PM	#25
distudio Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 450	Originally posted by PDL Edit: It has been a little while since I was on this site, so I decided to take a look see. I found an interesting statement on this page: Cleaning Digital Cameras - Precautions quote: "If Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Sigma, can tell that you have touched the sensor, your warranty is void." - emphasis is mine. Be careful out there. Given that Pentax only recommend and sell a contact cleaner I'd be suspect of the validity of that statement.

03-22-2008, 10:27 PM	#26
PDL Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: PNW USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,127	If you use the Pentax cleaner - does it leave traces that Pentax can find? A good cleaner will not leave a trace. If they can detect it - you did something bad. The Elitist - formerly known as PDL

03-22-2008, 11:36 PM	#28
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953	How can anyone take Ken Rockwell seriously? Just take a look at the main photo on the home page of his website and tell me what's wrong with the photo of presumably him in the yellow tee-shirt and reversed baseball cap. KenRockwell.com Hint - take a look at the position of the camera shutter release and LCD...

03-22-2008, 11:38 PM	#29
jgredline Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LosAngeles, Ca. Photos: Albums Posts: 10,628	Really, Cleaning the the sensor is a reality of life in the DSLR world. I bought a really good kit with brushes and all and service all my stuff regularly. I am so comfortable doing it, that I have become somewhat lax when I am changing lenses... Now as for the vacuum cleaner, that is ridiculous in my opinion...That would indeed draw stuff in as it is a sealed body...

03-23-2008, 03:14 AM	#30
Mike Cash Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,950	I was rather surprised to learn that "no tools" actually means "vacuum cleaner".