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| How to clean your DSLR sensor. - Page 1 | |
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| Posted: Thu Aug 30th, 2018 15:51 |
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1st Post |
jk
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Here is a method that can be adapted for your use but is tried and tested. Nikon D1 series CCD Cleaning Processes Three different states Depending on the nature of the spots seen in the image then you need to do one of the following methods. 1. Sensor self-clean – camera shakes sensor using firmware. This is best performed with the camera facing downwards. 2. Sensor clean – Using mirror lockup for cleaning and air blower, Giotto Rocket. 3. Sensor – Wet clean using mirror lockup for cleaning. Test Exposure 1. Check CCD is clean by doing a test exposure (Test exposure best against a blue sky using camera in Aperture Priority mode ISO 200, f11 - f32, with the shutter speed chosen by the camera. The shutter speed is unimportant. Or in studio against an evenly lit coloured background. Alternatively, stop down to f22 then do a bulb exposure of approx one or two seconds while pointing the lens at anything reasonably light colored (like a light or something) and wave the camera around. You get a great smeared background and the dust particles should be in sharp focus. I find this method a little more convenient than the blue sky method. 2. Check for lack of smears and dark marks or spots preferably on a computer screen but if necessary on the camera LCD. The resulting picture should show an evenly coloured picture. Sensor Self Clean Works well for most situations where there is light spotting of the sensor. 1. This self-clean of the sensor on some cameras can be set in firmware to occur at camera start-up and/or close-down. (N.B. This process uses extra battery power) 2. Perform a test exposure. Usually this is best performed by exposing at ISO 200, shooting a blue sky (no clouds in shot) with a small f stop e.g. f11-16 3. Check exposure on either back screen of camera or preferably on computer screen. Sensor Clean with Giotto Rocket 1. 2. Set Camera to Custom Setting - Mirror Lockup for Cleaning Unmount lens. Hold camera lens-throat down to ensure (none or as little as possible) dust can enter camera. 3. Using the Giotto Rocket and holding the camera face down repeatedly blow the sensor with the contents of the Giotto Rocket for 10-15 seconds. 4. 5. Then Close shutter – Usually by pressing the shutter release. Replace lens as soon as possible 6. Perform a test exposure. Wet Cleaning Equipment 1. Nikon AC Adapter (EH-4) (a definite must have from the camera safety angle for older cameras) 2. A Giotto Rocket and/or ReAir compressed air canister (see http://www.mikeshardware.com/section_reviews/review_reair_refillable_duster.html ). Also available from CompUSA for $28. 3. QTips/Cotton buds 4. Isopropyl Alcohol/Methanol (from pharmacy, scientific supplier) Older Camera - Process is as follows. 1. Plug in AC adapter 2. Set Camera to Custom Setting - Mirror Lockup for Cleaning 3. Unmount lens. Hold camera lens-throat down to ensure (none or as little as possible) dust can enter camera. 4. Dip Qtip in Isopropyl alcohol/methanol and ensure it is not dripping and gently clean the CCD. 5. After swabbing the CCD blow dry with the ReAir compressed air from no further into camera than lens mount opening. 6. Replace lens. 7. Change Camera Custom setting back to 8/0 8. Perform a test exposure. Newer Camera - Process is as follows. 1. 2. 3. Make sure camera battery is fully charged or >75% charged Set Camera to Custom Setting - Mirror Lockup for Cleaning Unmount lens. Hold camera lens-throat down to ensure (none or as little as possible) dust can enter camera. 4. Dip Qtip in Isopropyl alcohol/methanol and ensure it is not dripping and gently clean the CCD. 5. After swabbing the CCD blow dry with the ReAir compressed air from no further into camera than lens mount opening. 6. Replace lens 7. Perform a test exposure. ***** In the event of you camera going wild or seeming to misbehave. You have not damaged/broken it. The electronics (like people) seems to be sensitive to alcohol vapour. Be patient the alcohol vapour will be gone in less than 15 mins. Result: No spots, etc on CCD. Low cost and no down time with camera away at NikonService centre.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
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| Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2018 03:20 |
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2nd Post |
Robert
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Thanks for posting JK.  A couple of points I feel need adding... Use of canned air should be treated with care, some canned air may eject liquid or tiny particles of ice, which may leave marks that can be very difficult to remove. Always use the can in an upright position and test on a window or piece of glass first, especially with a new can. While the process described is to clean the sensor, it is also very important to brush out any dust or fluff from the mirror chamber with a very clean, soft brush, followed by a blow out with clean air. The mirror flapping up and down will soon shift any dust in the mirror chamber onto the freshly cleaned sensor. It is always good practice to store and transport cameras lens face down, so any dust or particles in the mirror chamber settle on the front parts of the mirror chamber and not on the shutter, right next to the sensor.
____________________ Robert. |
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| Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2018 04:47 |
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3rd Post |
jk
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Yes good points Robert. I use the ReAir system which is now defunct. It is a small compressor (bicycle pump with filter inlet), and a reuseable (repumpd) spray canister. It is very eco-friendly and does not have liquid propellant gas. I find that since I use so little solvent these days that I seldom need the ReAir but a Giotto Rocket blower is more than enough. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Giottos-GTAA1900-Rocket-Air-Blower-Black/253487927910?epid=17015518324&hash=item3b050ed266:g:rlgAAOSw8mRap~L6 There are two types of Giotto blower. The basic one does NOT have a filter, the Rocket does! Very important that you blow with clean air!
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
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| Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2018 04:52 |
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4th Post |
jk
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I just found this. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aluminum-Pneumatic-Pressure-Storage-Sprayer/dp/B00YF7Q1TI/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_60_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=GQYK1RZQSPGZ0BPXJ9DD I will get one for use in UK.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
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| Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2018 06:24 |
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5th Post |
Robert
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I have the Rocket Blower, very good, I also use it to clean my iPhone charging connector. I like the canister you found... Very nifty, could charge it up from my garage compressor, I'm sure it would be more than sufficient to do the job. My only slight concern is the ability to easily point the nozzle accurately compared with a lightweight blow nozzle on a soft hose like an air brush.
____________________ Robert. |
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| Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2018 07:55 |
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6th Post |
jk
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Thought you would like it.  I would immediately put some silicone tubing over the nozzle and extend by 1cm. Less scratch hazard!
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
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| This is topic ID = 1576 Current time is 04:57 | ||
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