BetterPhoto Q&A
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Canon 5D sensor cleaning

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September 25, 2007

I also own the 5D and, although there are many who will tell you different, cleaning the sensor is no biggie. The real issue is getting up the nerve to do it the first time – after that it becomes quite easy. What people will warn you about, and that you do need to pay strong attention to, is making sure that you use nothing that can possibly harm the sensor cover. Just so you know, the sensor is actually covered with a protective layer and that is what you are cleaning. Here is how I clean my sensor:

Step 1: chose a place in your home/office that is clean and free of dust – or at least as free of dust as possible. No animals nearby! I say this because I have cats, dogs and assorted other critters and must close them out of the room while cleaning.

Step 2: gather your materials: you will want to invest in something such as the artic butterfly or some other similar “wand” type instrument. I have the butterfly and feel it does a good job. Other people use other devices and can offer their opinions on them. You will also want something such as Eclipse fluid – this is what I use and again, there are many such products on the market, look for something that leaves no residue. With the fluid you will need sensor swipes – again, I use those made by the folks you make Eclipse. You will also need a bulb syringe air blower – I use a rocket blower made by Giottos.

Step 3: Remove your lens

Step 4: Under the main menu, as you have already discovered, is the option “Sensor Clean”. Select this option and it will give you a warning message: “Shut camera off after cleaning”. Select okay. The sensor cover will lift after a few seconds. Holding the camera at an angle, so that it points toward the floor, use the blower to blow off any pieces of dust/debris. Then use your wand/butterfly to GENTLY brush the sensor – read the directions with whatever device you purchase. Then turn the camera off.

Step 5: replace your lens and, using the smallest aperture you have (f22 perhaps) take a picture of a white piece of paper. Go to your computer and load this picture and then blow it up as large as possible. Check the picture, particularly around the edges, to see if there are any smudges/dust particles remaining. If everything looks good, you are done.

Step 6: If there are smudges or marks you need to try again. Follow steps 3-4 again. After using the dust removing implements – moisten a swab with a few drops of cleaning fluid. Very gently swab the sensor. Allow a few seconds for the fluid to completely dry and then turn the camera back off. Complete step 5 again and you should be good to go.

All of this took more time to write than it takes me to clean the sensor on my 5D. Once you have done it a couple of times you will wonder what the big deal is about. However, one caution: if you cannot easily remove a smudge or mark, you really should take the camera to the shop so that they can use more advanced methods. NEVER use pressure air cans since these can leave a residue that is almost impossible to remove. Never use anything that has not been specifically designed for use with camera optics and sensor cleaning. Other than these warnings, I think that you will find this chore much less challenging than you may think.

Irene

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September 26, 2007

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September 27, 2007

Before you go after the sensor with a cleaning solution, try a blower first. DO NOT blow with your mouth! Giatto makes a product called the "Rocket Blower." It is simply a squeeze bulb. It uses a small filter to insure you don't blow more dust on the sensor.

There are 2 types of debris we can get on our sensors. Dust and welded particles. The latter requires what Irene has mentioned. Simple dust can be blown off and should be tried first.

Although the sensor is indeed covered with a protective piece of glass, it is made of flint glass and CAN be scratched if you are too aggressive with your wiping technique.

Irene is correct, too many make this proceedure sound like brain surgery..It is not that hard to do.

If you do select the option to raise the mirror to expose the sensor, make sure you have a fully charged battery!
The last thing you want is the battery to die, the mirror flips down; and there you are with a swab pinched by tye mirror! Makes for a really bad day not to mention a expensive repair bill.

If in doubt, many camera shops offer this service, go and let them do it and watch them the first time if you are hesitant. If they ruin your sensor, well; they can pay to have it repaired.

Pete

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September 27, 2007

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September 27, 2007

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.php?forum=1032&message=22111367

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September 27, 2007

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/arctic-butterfly.shtml

Pete – your point about making sure that your battery is fully charged prior to starting the cleaning process is certainly correct and valuable. However, under the heading of “just so you know”: the 5D has a “idiot guard” that refuses to permit access to the sensor should the battery be low. Incidentally, it was you who initially told me about welded dust and how to remove it from the sensor. Thanks, again, for that tidbit of advice.

Annette; you have a wealth of good info here. One final word from me: do not let any of this intimidate you to the point that you feel compelled to part with your camera. Most of the time all you need to remove dust from your sensor is to use the rocket blaster or similar bulb syringe. When that is not enough, careful use of a swab generally removes any welded material.

Irene

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September 27, 2007