The camera cleaning topic

[hamlet]

Modified due to input of other users and revelations from other sources.


Things you'll need to keep your camera squeaky clean!

Blower: for all over the camera. Be very careful not to stab your camera with this thing, keep a safe distance while blowing.

Microfiber cloth: only for the lenses and filters. Use your breath then wipe to remove stubborn smudges.

Eclipse or Eclipse E2: These products are very handy if your lens and filters just won't clean properly when using the blower, just apply it to the sensor Swabs. Please check what type of sensor you have in order to find out which one of these is right for your sensor.




Sensor Swab: only use it as an absolute last resort (preferably never) But if you insist on going down this road, make sure you have the right swab. The brand "Sensor Swab" has 3 types of swabs, each for a different camera. Be careful not to touch the tip of the swab.
View attachment 55541


*Optional*
Screen protector: use it to protect your screen from scratches when you're out disturbing the local wildlife and you have to run from a rhino or something.

 

[Buckster]

Not personally a fan of the lens pen. It can get debris in it that can damage the coating on lenses, or even scratch the glass.

A good blower is a must. Use it carefully - don't let the tip touch inside the camera when you're blowing it out.

Lens cleaning tissues come in handy, but don't re-use them to try and save money.

On the screen protector, I don't personally use them. The screen already has a protector shield on it, and I replace that if I need to (in all the years I've been using digital cameras with screens on them, that's happened exactly once, and it cost less than one of those protective screens). Check this thread out: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...anon-6d-lcd-screen-protector.html#post2860257

I'm told that on some of the most recent camera bodies, it's not as easy or cheap to replace them, so that might be something to look into and consider, depending on your camera.

At some point, you'll also want to work out how to clean the sensor. You'll find that it's the biggest problem you'll actually need to address when it comes to cleaning, and the most expensive in terms of how to get it done right.

I use Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly 724 Super Bright Sensor Clean Bundle with VDust Plus and BriteVue Quasar Sensor Loupe 7x and it works really terrific for me. It's kind of expensive, but to me it's well worth it, IMHO.

 

[hamlet]

Is there no cheaper way to clean the sensor? Maybe breath on it and use my sleeve?

 

[CaptainNapalm]

I bought the lens pen for a few bucks and use it all the time. It does a good job at cleaning lenses on the go so I'd recommend it. The blower is also worth a few bucks and works well for getting rid of dust of the sensor. I wouldn't bother with the clear display cover, you're going to have to wipe that cover anyway so might as well just clean the display, it takes a second literally. I don't have experience with lens cleaning tissues but since they're disposable I wouldn't bother with them.

 

[Buckster]

Is there no cheaper way to clean the sensor? Maybe breath on it and use my sleeve?

Yeah, you could go MUCH cheaper, actually. I was just sharing what I use and saying that it works well for me.

Something like this should work pretty well though: Amazon.com: Digital Survival KIT - Sensor Swab Type 2 (w/Eclipse): Camera & Photo

The ionized brush that comes with the Arctic Butterfly kit gets dust particles that the camera's sensor cleaning system doesn't shake off, and often that's all I need to use, so I like that. I also like having a powerful, lighted loupe, so that I don't have to take and view photos, clean again, take and view photos, clean again, and so on, until it's all good. Been there, done that, in my early days of using a DSLR, and it totally sucks.

But you can get those things separately if they interest you, and they too come in various price ranges from different sources.

 

[hamlet]

Let me summarize:

Blower: for all over the camera


Lens cleaning tissue: only for the lenses (not-sensor)



Sensor Swab

Is there no cheaper way to clean the sensor? Maybe breath on it and use my sleeve?

Yeah, you could go MUCH cheaper, actually. I was just sharing what I use and saying that it works well for me.

Something like this should work pretty well though: Amazon.com: Digital Survival KIT - Sensor Swab Type 2 (w/Eclipse): Camera & Photo

The ionized brush that comes with the Arctic Butterfly kit gets dust particles that the camera's sensor cleaning system doesn't shake off, and often that's all I need to use, so I like that. I also like having a powerful, lighted loupe, so that I don't have to take and view photos, clean again, take and view photos, clean again, and so on, until it's all good. Been there, done that, in my early days of using a DSLR, and it totally sucks.

But you can get those things separately if they interest you, and they too come in various price ranges from different sources.

Is there any cleaning solution you recommend to clean dried drops or other things on the lens that doesn't come off with any of the things mentioned above?

 

[Dinardy]

Let me summarize:

Is there any cleaning solution you recommend to clean dried drops or other things on the lens that doesn't come off with any of the things mentioned above?

I've had luck with the solution provided in the sensor cleaning kit. Its a good kit, wish it came with more swabs. I had no problem cleaning my sensor, I used a nice LED flashlight to assist with spotting the debris. I use PEC pads and the pen for my lenses.

 

[hamlet]

Let me summarize:

Is there any cleaning solution you recommend to clean dried drops or other things on the lens that doesn't come off with any of the things mentioned above?

I've had luck with the solution provided in the sensor cleaning kit. Its a good kit, wish it came with more swabs. I had no problem cleaning my sensor, I used a nice LED flashlight to assist with spotting the debris. I use PEC pads and the pen for my lenses.

Do you use these two for the lenses?

 

[Dinardy]

I usually get away with just the dry pad. Sometimes I'll use my breathe.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[tirediron]

I've been using DSLRs for something like ten years now, and I've never wet-cleaned my sensor. The ONLY tool I've used on the sensor is the Arctic Butterfly. Wet cleaning should only be used as a last resort; NOT because you'll damage the sensor (that's actually very difficult to do), but it is easy to leave a streaky mess on the low-pass filter (which is what you're actually cleaning) and that can be a huge PIA to remove.

 

[hamlet]

I have modified the OP from a collection of your suggestions and abroad.

 

[Murray Bloom]

I've used Eclipse to clean sensors, lenses and filters. Works great and I've had no issues. I've also used it around the house a few times.

 

[hamlet]

I've used Eclipse to clean sensors, lenses and filters. Works great and I've had no issues. I've also used it around the house a few times.

How about mold? Have you ever experienced that on any of your lenses treated with eclipse? If not, what is your method of doing the actual cleaning? Do you let it dry?

 

[Murray Bloom]

Nope. Never had mold. Eclipse is basically wood alcohol. Mold comes from spores. Scratching my head.

 

[hamlet]

Nope. Never had mold. Eclipse is basically wood alcohol. Mold comes from spores. Scratching my head.

Mold spores are everywhere and not everyone will probably use the same liquid as you do. So i think that we can come to a consensus. I will amend the OP.