I just ****ed my Nikon up!!! (aka: Sensor cleaning mishap)

[Abstract]

No, I just bought a new camera. I would have tried to change the filter myself, but after buying my new camera, I didn't want to spend MORE money on fixing up my old one.

Besides, I was planning to replace my D50 anyway. I had to replace my D50 earlier than expected, but that's OK.


I think replacing the filter wouldn't be too hard, but it would take a lot of time.

 

[simie]

THe problem with cleaning any sensor is when you use any sensor cleaning kit, they all tell you to wipe the swab once forwards and then backwards.

What this does is move the dust particles backwrds and forwards across the sensor thus scratching it.

I reccomend that you only wipe the sensor in one direction to avoid this.

You could always remove the filter that is infront of the sensor and use the camera for infrared photography.

If you are chucking it away please chuck it in my direction.

 

[Hmac]

My usual method for dust on sensor is rocket blower -> sensor brush -> wet cleaning. I used to used Copperhill method with Eclipse for wet cleaning but have switched to the Visible Dust system. I was always resistant to magnifiers for inspecting the sensor's AA filter, but finally broke down and bought one. WOW! MUCH more useful than I thought it would be for evaluating the sensor.

 

[carlosbutler]

always use compressed air (make sure the bottle has not been shaken, at all, before use). there are also some other things which work of compressed air that actually suck up air. if you hover it close enough to the filter it will suck up the spec or whatever it is. ive some how managed to get crap on mine and just used compressed air. didnt really make much of a big deal about it. took more time to clean the camera lens

 

[termina3]

If you're going to dig up and add to a dead thread from nearly a year ago, at least use proper punctuation and capitalization. Your post is easier to read that way.

 

[compuwar]

always use compressed air (make sure the bottle has not been shaken, at all, before use). there are also some other things which work of compressed air that actually suck up air. if you hover it close enough to the filter it will suck up the spec or whatever it is. ive some how managed to get crap on mine and just used compressed air. didnt really make much of a big deal about it. took more time to clean the camera lens

Using compressed air can be quite risky, I'd recommend avoiding it without a really, really good reason. The liquid propellants if you're using canned air can coat the AA filter or hot mirror, and with either canned air or air out of a compressor, the stream is strong enough to blow debris into places it shouldn't go. Compressed air isn't worth the risk of sensor damage when hand blowers and swabs work well enough. The only place compressed air makes sense is to charge a sensor brush.