Should I attempt to claen my image sensor?

[jgonzalez1980]

I've noticed a couple of dust bunnies on some of my photos lately, and was curious to wheather I should attempt to clean my sensor. Is it worth cleaning it if I only notice one little spot? Or should I just use the cloning technique, to correct what I don't like?

[OsmosisStudios]

If you have a blower of some sort (Like the Rocket Blower), you can try basic maintenance yourself: be sure your camera has a Mirror lock-up and use it. Once the mirror is up, simply remove the lens, use the blower on the inside of the body holding the camera body face down. Blow a few times, then replace the lens and test it again. If that doesnt work, you may have some more tenacious dust bunnies: at that point you can try doing more advanced stuff yourself, or take it to a nearby camera shop that knows what theyre doing and have them show you the techniques.

Its not that hard, it just needs to be properly demonstrated.

[jgonzalez1980]

Thanks, I ordered one today to see if it would do the trick and I checked with a dealer that does the cleaning. They said it would be a ten day hold with a 68 dollar charge. Which I guess is ok every couple of years, but if I can learn how to do it and save a couple of bucks, why not not learn.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by jgonzalez1980

Thanks, I ordered one today to see if it would do the trick and I checked with a dealer that does the cleaning. They said it would be a ten day hold with a 68 dollar charge. Which I guess is ok every couple of years, but if I can learn how to do it and save a couple of bucks, why not not learn.

That better be alot more than just a minor sensor cleaning!

[tortuga]

I was researching an auto-focus problem and stumbled on this website about cleaning digital cameras.
Introduction - Cleaning Digital Cameras - D-SLR Sensor Cleaning.
I found it very helpful and just as I was ready to purchase a kit, I was linked to a company in town.
Micro-Tools, Camera & Watch Repair Tools - Home
The owner, Curt Fargo runs both of these websites. He gave me a thorough training on the how to and he was very encouraging that this is not difficult to do. However, as the website states, if it's not for you, it's best to leave with a professional. I'm so glad to have met this man and know where to go for more help if I don't find it here.

[Footski]

Thanks for this. It is a great thread and I have learned much from it and the links. I am now about to organise some gear to clean the sensor on my Nikon D60, for me and three friends who also have the same camera..

[mipo]

I got some sensor cleaning kits from B&H last fall when I was in the store.
They are from "Photographic Solutions" recommended by the B&H person at the counter.
And their kit is different deoending on the camera model.
Cleaning Digital Sensors, Cleaning Digital Cameras - Photographic Solutions, Inc. - Digital & Photographic Cleaning Solutions
So ended up purchasing 2 different kits, one for D70S & one for D700.