It’s notoriously hard and scary for amateurs to clean the image sensors inside digital SLRs. Just by touching the delicate surface of the sensor you risk permanent damage or misalignment, which is why some DSLRs now offer dust detection and removal software — they basically say don’t touch the dust, the computer will interpolate the missing portions of the image. Me, I just pour a little cleaning fluid in there, swish it around, and keep shooting. This does nothing good for the longevity of the camera.
Now I don’t have to use harsh chemicals thanks to the Lenspen SensorKlear Loupe. The kit includes a Lenspen SensorKlear II, a special cleaning pen with an angled tip covered in cleaning compound designed to remove dirt and dust while preventing scratches. I’ve used similar Lenspen pens for a few years now and this one is considerably smaller and more delicate than the other models they sell for lens cleaning. It also comes with a handy carrying bag.
To clean your CCD, you remove the lens and place the loupe into the camera. Four white LEDs light up the insides of the camera and a special cut-out portion of the tube allows unfettered access to the innards. The loupe includes three small batteries, accessible through a little slot on the side. Best of all, there’s a large, powerful magnifying lens in the loupe itself that ensures you can actually see what you’re digging at inside the camera. A focus ring allows you to move the lens up and down inside the camera.
The kit costs $79.95, a bit pricey but a good deal if you travel to dusty dirty locations. I checked my XSi and found a few spots that needed a good scrubbing. Thankfully I didn’t use Windex this time.
Just the thought of putting my little fingers on any sensors on my DSLR makes my hair stand up on the back of my neck. I can just see the finger print and scratch right now.
Remember, you’re not touching the sensor, so your microlenses are all safe. You’re touching the glass AntiAliasing and IR-cut filter that’s in front of the sensor.
It’s actually quite tough to scratch the AA filter. Getting stuff on it that’s not easily removed (like using the wrong fluid, etc) is another matter.
Your in need of an editor.
Yes, this Biggs fellow does need an editor. But look at YOUR post.
So do you, Billy. So do you.
“Me, I just pour a little cleaning fluid in there, swish it around, and keep shooting. This does nothing good for the longevity of the camera.”
You know 600 cameras just fried, right?
Do not under-estimate the stupidity of your readers. ;)
Buy a $5 can of compressed air and blow off the dust.
EXACTLY! very well said. “buy a $5 can of compressed air and blow off the dust.”
Hi Max and Akmal,
For dry, easy-to-remove dust, we recommend using a blower.
It is for the hard-to-remove sticky dust that we recommend using the SensorKlear II pen – to remove or loosen what the blower leaves behind.
As for the SensorKlear Loupe, our experience is that people are very happy to be able to see what they are cleaning, especially if sticky dust is a problem.
If you would like to talk more about sensor cleaning please feel free to email me at rkeating@lenspen.com.
Best regards,
ryan
$5 can of compressed air will definitely do the cleaning.
I agree…
ALL of this makes me nervous…