Do I need to service my camera?

[pixiedust_photo]

My DH just told me that maybe I should take my Canon Rebel XT in for service and maybe get it cleaned. I havent done any of this since I got it.

Do you get yours done?

Christine

[sybren]

I clean my trusty 350D myself. You can read all about cleaning your SLR on http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/

[constructivecriticism]

Do you think it should be done? Do you often change the lens? Do you see specs of dust in the same location on all your photos? If you look on the digital sensor itself when you lock up the mirror, do you notice debris or smudges on the surface of the sensor?

Otherwise, you'd be better off holding on to your money. If the need does arise, I would also recommend you do it yourself. There is some risk involved, but once you do it properly once, you won't have to spend $50+ on every cleaning.

It seems the commonly accepted cleaning product would be something like the Digital Survival KIT - Sensor Swab Type 2 (w/Eclipse). For the XT, it seems you won't be needing the Eclipse2 solution, as per this table.

Best of luck

[navcom]

I've always cleaned mine myself as well. Just be careful, especially when cleaning your sensor. Read up on how to do it properly as improper cleaning can destroy your sensor pretty easily. The sensor is pretty susceptible to scratches from rough swabs and cloths. Use only swabs and cleaning devices made specifically for cleaning DSLR sensors. Sybren's link looks pretty good.

I go into it like open heart surgery...leaving nothing to chance....clean room with lots of light, a flashlight handy, extra swabs at the ready, medical gloves from my EMT kit, camera mounted on a sturdy tripod facing forward to hold the body steady for the "operation".

The first time you do it is the most stressful as you don't know what to expect. My first time was out of necessity. I learned a lesson. NEVER change lenses with a molting cockateil on your shoulder! Duh! Had a piece of feather dust that managed to find the sensor. I first tried my rocket blower, but it wouldn't budge. That should've been my first clue that all was not well. Next, I used a dry swab to try and brush it off and all it did was smear across the entire sensor. I about had a heart attack! Bird feathers have oil on them to repell water. Since the feather dust was oily, all it did was smear. I thought for sure I had scratched it real good or that the oil damaged the surface and my camera was trash! Another big Duh!

Thankfully a good, careful cleaning with a wet DSLR swab followed by drying with a dry swab did the trick and I was back in business. Lesson #1, change lenses in a cockateil-free environment. Lesson #2, assume that anything that touches your sensor can damage it and treat it accordingly.

[Doug Pardee]

Originally Posted by pixiedust_photo

Do you get yours done?

No. In about 50 years of photography, I've never taken a camera in for "routine service".

If the camera is working, then it doesn't need any service. If it's collected some dust that's bothering you, then go ahead and wipe the dust off. If the sensor needs cleaning, then clean the sensor. Caution: I advise against attempting to clean the mirror with anything other than a bulb blower or a soft brush, and I advise against attempting to clean the focus screen with anything at all.

You might need to be replacing the batteries in the near future, though. If they're original batteries, they're probably reaching the end of their expected lifespan.

[pixiedust_photo]

Wow. Now I am nervous and if I get it cleaned. I think I am going to take it somewhere and let them do it.

Thanks
Christine

[Doug Pardee]

Originally Posted by pixiedust_photo

Now I am nervous and if I get it cleaned. I think I am going to take it somewhere and let them do it.

There's no reason to be nervous. If you're talking about cleaning the external parts, just don't use any liquid that could seep into the electronics.

If you're talking about cleaning the sensor, that's not a big deal. The XT/350D was the last of the Digital Rebel series where the front of the sensor assembly is a glass cover, so it's pretty tough. Cleaning dust off of the glass cover on the sensor is a straightforward process and not really hazardous if you follow directions.

Personally, I use a Giottos Rocket-air blower for routine cleaning of the mirror cavity, and a LensPen SensorKlear for any stubborn spots on the sensor. Many others prefer wet cleaning using Eclipse fluid (methanol) or similar.

Cleaning the sensor is something that all DSLR owners need to do occasionally. There's no reason that it should be a traumatic experience.