Cleaning your sensor with Sensor Swabs and Eclipse

INTRODUCTION

These notes describe how to use Photographic Solutions Inc Sensor Swabs and Eclipse or E2 to clean the sensor in a digital Single Lens Reflex Camera (DSLR).

Download these notes in pdf format.

Sensor Swabs are clean room manufactured cleaning tools designed to clean the delicate CCD or CMOS sensor inside a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Cameras. Unlike compact digital cameras, DSLR cameras feature removable lenses. In normal everyday use, removing the lens allows dirt and dust to enter the camera, some of which will eventually settle onto the sensor. The result is unsightly spots on images, typically seen against light backgrounds such as skies.

You can easily check whether the camera sensor needs cleaning by taking a photograph of a clean light background using a small aperture (typically F16 and above). View the image on a computer monitor and if possible, perform a levels command. Any contamination will then be revealed.

ECLIPSE OPTIC CLEANING SYSTEM

ECLIPSE lens cleaner is the highest purity lens cleaner available. It dries as quickly as it can be applied leaving no residue. ECLIPSE is the recommended optical glass cleaner for Tokina Hoya Kenko USA, the US distributor for Hoya filters and Tokina lenses

Caution.

Eclipse is highly flammable. Contains Methanol. The product burns with no visible flame. Keep away from heat, flame, sparks and ignition sources. Do not get in eyes. Irritation may occur. Wash eyes thoroughly with plenty of fresh water. Harmful if swallowed. Induce vomiting. Avoid breathing vapour.May cause headache or nausea. Use only in a well ventilated area. For more information refer to MSDS.

CLEANING PROCEDURE

(1) Check you have the correct size Sensor Swabs for your model camera. (Click here for details).

(2) Prepare a clean, dust-free area with space for the camera, the Sensor Swabs and the Eclipse.

(3) Remove the lens from the camera and open the shutter according to the manufacturer’s directions.

(4) Cut open a Sensor Swab polythene bag at the handle end. Remove the lid from the Eclipse bottle.

(5) Clean the sensor as illustrated below:

	Remove the swab from the bag and squeeze 2 - 4 drops of Eclipse onto the end of the swab.
	Carefully insert the swab into the camera and starting at one end of the sensor...
	...wipe the swab down the length of the sensor in one direction...
	...until the whole sensor has been wiped. Note how side B is is used for the first wipe.
	Now lean the swab in the reverse direction.
	Then wipe back across the sensor...
	...until the whole sensor has been wiped. Note how side A is used for the second wipe.

Use sufficient pressure during the cleaning action. Insufficient pressure will not produce an effective clean.

(6) Try not to touch the the sides of the shutter chamber when cleaning. This can dislodge particles onto the sensor

(7) Carefully remove the swab and close the camera shutter.

(8) Refit the lens and test.

(9) Repeat if necessary with a fresh swab. Never reuse a swab.

Refer to www.photosol.com for further guidance.

Precautions

Make sure that you are confident in opening and closing the shutter for the cleaning process. Ensure that contaminating particles cannot fall from your body or clothing into the shutter chamber during the cleaning procedure. Typically, contaminating particles are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Do not over saturate the swab with Eclipse. 2-4 drops is sufficient. The fluid should evaporate almost immediately after swiping. Practice first until you are confident in the procedure.

CCD Sensor Guarantee

Photographic Solutions, Inc. guarantees that its Sensor Swab and Eclipse products will cause no damage to the CCD or CMOS sensor when used in accordance with the instructions provided by the camera manufacturer and/or Photographic Solutions, Inc. (PS) If it is determined that these products caused physical damage to the sensor, PS will reimburse the camera owner for the full cost of repairs upon presentation to PS of proof of purchase, camera manufacturer's repair invoice and the damaged sensor. Use of non-approved methods, procedures or products will void this warranty.