Sensor cleaning question

[Semjaja]

i was taking some long exposure shots last night, just playing with all the settings, trying to get my head around everything when i noticed that there was a spot on all my photos.
i cleaned the lens, reframed at tried again and it seemed to be gone.

here's an example of the spot (just above the centre divider of the freeway) :



this morning however when i had a look at the photos it's still there.

i checked the lens again, front and back, checked the mirror and then decided to activate that function i've been avoiding like the plague : clean manually.

and there is it was, a spot of some kind.

i've read about cleaning sensors and the general rule seems to be, if you're not sure, don't.
i'm not, so i wont.

but if i did, my question is this : my camera is set to go off automatically after 30 seconds (mainly because i have a horrible habit of not switching it off when i put it in the bag), if i was to attempt something to the sensor, should i set the auto off to longer? or will the the fact that i'm cleaning the sensor override that?

i'll obviously use a little blower first (which i was told high and low i won't need), but the idea of sending it in to the shop to clean it after having it for only a month (and i've only got the kit lens, so that stays on all the time), is not my happiest one.

[armis]

The sensor cleaning mode lifts the mirror until you turn the camera off, or the battery runs out (make sure it's got a full charge, because the mirror locking back down while you're in there with a swab would be... ugly). If you really want to be sure, nothing stops you from turning on the sensor cleaning option, placing the camera upside down (or even leaving the lens on, to avoid getting more dust in) and checking for the distinct click of the mirror getting back in position after counting 30 seconds.

Try the blower, that might do the trick. I've personally cleaned my sensor twice with swabs from a $10 pack bought in a photo shop somewhere, and have had no issues. In fact, I've even frosted over my sensor after using a keyboard-cleaning blower from too close once, and was able to recover and clean it using Q-tips and 90° alcohol (inadequately equipped much?) with zero detrimental consequences, aside from momentary high blood-pressure. Not to encourage you if you're not comfortable with the idea, but it's really not a big deal if you're careful about it - while I don't doubt the horror stories you can read all over the internet, sensors aren't as fragile as you may believe.

edit: for full disclosure, my adventures in sensor cleaning were done on my old second-hand 20D, not my 5D2

[Semjaja]

Originally Posted by armis

If you really want to be sure, nothing stops you from turning on the sensor cleaning option, placing the camera upside down (or even leaving the lens on, to avoid getting more dust in) and checking for the distinct click of the mirror getting back in position after counting 30 seconds.

oh the joys of buying the cheapy... i got a 1100D, no auto sensor cleaning option...

regretting that now!

[PhotoRebel4]

Get a blower and try that first. Often, you can simply blow the dust/dirt/whatever off the sensor without ever having to touch it. Past that I can't help because I've never had to clean past that, but try it first.

[Semjaja]

Originally Posted by PhotoRebel4

Get a blower and try that first. Often, you can simply blow the dust/dirt/whatever off the sensor without ever having to touch it. Past that I can't help because I've never had to clean past that, but try it first.

i'm going to try that first, after that i'm stumped too.
i saw some people use their lenspens, i touched the front of my lenspen on a piece of tissue, saw the oily ring and black pieces on their and just packed it away.
i look at it and think, i'll just give it a wipe with my microcloth, that should work.
things like this make me OCD, i can't stop thinking about it, it's in my camera bag, and it won't go away.

[sk66]

A blower should work for that spot....and everyone should have one. Beyond that I use sensor swabs/solution..the inexpensive versions sold at most camera shops. Never had a problem.

[Semjaja]

Originally Posted by sk66

A blower should work for that spot....and everyone should have one. Beyond that I use sensor swabs/solution..the inexpensive versions sold at most camera shops. Never had a problem.

i made a couple of calls locally and all i can get are those crappy ones with bristles in front, did manage to find a decent one two towns over though. picking it up the weekend, i may as well pick some kind of cleaning solution while i'm at it.

[sk66]

Hell, just go to any pharmacy and get one of those "sucker bulbs" parents use to suck snot out of their kid's nose...it'll work fine.

You can order the swabs/solution online in case you ever need them.

[Semjaja]

Originally Posted by sk66

Hell, just go to any pharmacy and get one of those "sucker bulbs" parents use to suck snot out of their kid's nose...it'll work fine.

You can order the swabs/solution online in case you ever need them.

good place to start, can do that tonight.
seen those things a million times, didn't know that what was they were used for...

[Semjaja]

ok got a 'nose cleaner', looks like a little turkey baster, blows pretty well... but the spot is still there.
could it be static?
looks like i'll have to go the swab route, which makes me a bit nervous.
while i was getting my little turkey baster i popped into the pretty useless camera shop and they have the lenspen for sensors (but no blowers), is it worth it? doesn't cost too much.