what the rage with the lens pens?

[lynweber]

So i need a cleaning kit what is the deal with the pens are they better?

[inkista]

They're self-contained and portable. And unlike the pec-pad & solution route, you can fly with 'em because there are no volatile liquids involved. It makes them super-convenient. It's also hard to screw up cleaning a lens (or apparently a sensor) with one. It's a dry cleaning solution, which doesn't involve the streaks you can get with wet cleaning solutions, or scratches you can pick up from other dry methods.

Some reports are that a blower and lenspen are what the Canon service guys are using when they clean your sensor.

Some folks hate 'em, though, figuring they're grinding dirt back into the tip of the pen. It's up to you what you prefer and why. I like LensPens, but I only use 'em on lenses, not my sensor. I live somewhere very dry and haven't felt the need to clean the sensor ever--Rocketblowers and shake systems work fine for me.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

general idea: start from the top down- non-contact stuff then contact stuff.

if a good blower doesn't do it, then and only then go for the lens pen or wet cleanings, etc.

for a couple months, i used the tube extension on my vacuum- so long as you don't suck the sensor or mirror out, it works for the most part (*** I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS!) I just got a Giotto rocket blower totally not believing the hype about something that to me, was just another baby bulb syringe type of tool, but it was only $11 or so. to say the least, I was damn impressed with the little thing- it packs quite the punch!

i've never tried anything else, and i don't know if (/when) it gets to the point where the blower by itself won't work anymore- i don't know if I'll try a cleaning kit or just take it and have it serviced. I know some people only get it done professionally and some who do it themselves-some of which have horror stories- and i simply can't decide on that till it gets to that point.

[Drkranger]

I have the Nikon lens pen and have used it on my D50 and D300 when the blower, then canned air didn't work. Yes, I have successfully used canned air to clean my sensors. Just like any other cleaning process, you just have to be careful. The Nikon professionals showed me how to do it. They used scotch tape around the sensor area too. Not on the sensor or any electronics, of course. Yes, I was at first shocked, but it worked.

I would recommend the lens pen over another wet cleaning product, but again, you have to follow the directions and be careful.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Drkranger

Yes, I have successfully used canned air to clean my sensors. Just like any other cleaning process, you just have to be careful. The Nikon professionals showed me how to do it. They used scotch tape around the sensor area too. Not on the sensor or any electronics, of course. Yes, I was at first shocked, but it worked.

I'm calling shenanigans.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I'm calling shenanigans.

Win for using the term "shenanigans" while still under age 50.

[Drkranger]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I'm calling shenanigans.

Go ahead, but it's true. The next time I go into the shop, I'll take pictures for proof. The camera store in question was Action Camera in Roseville, CA (Action Camera).

I guess I could also post a "How to" photo series as well. Perhaps that will be my next article.

Sacramento Photography Examiner

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Drkranger

Go ahead, but it's true. The next time I go into the shop, I'll take pictures for proof. The camera store in question was Action Camera in Roseville, CA (Action Camera).

I guess I could also post a "How to" photo series as well. Perhaps that will be my next article.

Sacramento Photography Examiner

Your shop is breaking your camera, regardless of what they claim to be professionals of or for. You NEVER use canned air on electronics: the Nitrogen they use as a propellant is LIQUID nitrogen. You know, the stuff that makes bananas more fragile than crystal.

[Drkranger]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Your shop is breaking your camera, regardless of what they claim to be professionals of or for. You NEVER use canned air on electronics: the Nitrogen they use as a propellant is LIQUID nitrogen. You know, the stuff that makes bananas more fragile than crystal.

Well, it's worked for me and the thousands of others they have cleaned. They've been in business for years and camera professionals for even longer. I have no complaints about what they do.

Anyway, to each their own...