How to Clean Your Digital Camera Sensor

Anyone cyfraka discovered after some time on your photos spots that should not be on them. As it often turns out that the cause of pollution is the contamination of photos the camera sensor. Therefore, sooner or later you will need to clean the matrix, which in many cases you can make yourself.

 Contrary to popular belief , the sensor cleaning is too complicated task , so there is no reason to fear it , but certainly you have to be careful. If you only have access to the camera , this operation is relatively simple . Therefore SLR owners are in a better position because , without unscrewing cyfraka have direct access to the matrix - it is enough to remove the lens and turn the key. So they can no contraindications to clean it yourself - for such a service in the service have to pay dearly . The worse situation , unfortunately, compact users who have to do so they would have spread to the camera . Therefore fotoamatorom uses cyfraków with non-replaceable optics discourage self- dusting matrix , as this may void your warranty and damage to the compact . The method described below is addressed solely to the owners of digital SLR cameras .Before we begin ...The first thing we need to do before you start cleaning the sensor to charge the battery. During the cleaning process must be because cyfrak on ( Sensor Cleaning mode ) and it continuously raised mirror and open the shutter curtain . If you vacuum sensor we unloaded the battery , it uszkodzilibyśmy mirror or snapshot . Therefore, let us work only with fully charged batteries ! Not recommended for use as a power source is connected to the AC outlet , as the decrease or loss of power would result in the same effect as the discharge of the battery - unless you 're protected uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
 Before removing the lens should also wipe the device with a cloth (preferably soaked in anti-static ) . This allows the interior cyfraka us not fall further dust present on the body , and the body will not be electrified and attracted " fresh " dust. After optics - before you enable the option Sensor Cleaning - should also vacuum the inside of the camera.
 Then it is good to see where the matrix is dirt . To this end, we should take a picture before the bright and uniformly illuminated flat surface with the camera set to the smallest aperture , which is the largest of its value , such as f/22, f/32 . A good subject for this photo is a white wall or the sky - in the latter case, attention is drawn to the frame did not show up any bird that could be later interpreted as a speck . Such approach taken notice any dirt sensor . Particles of dust, sand and Italian come to photography as a fine dark spot with sharp edges , and greasy dirt - as translucent spots with gentle range. Just remember that the captured image is reversed with respect to that which occurs in the matrix - for example, point to the upper left of the frame is located in the lower right corner of the sensor.

Before we start cleaning the sensor, it is worth doing a test shot to get an idea of ​​where the contamination. The photograph is performed on the highest available aperture and a theme images can be selected such as the sky .After the initial set up your unscrew the lens and turn the Sensor Cleaning function - now we have full access to the camera and the matrix, or rather it is located above the filter antyaliasingowego (his will in fact be cleaned ) . Although the lithium- niobium surface of the filter is fairly scratch resistant , it does not mean that it can not be damaged - and therefore the steps vacuum sensor must be done very gently and carefully !Dry or wet ?There are two methods for sensor cleaning : dry and wet. Using the first remove any volatiles from the sensor particles ( pollen, dust , sand , etc.) , and the second is used to dispose of oily stains. Notwithstanding this , the dirt removed , it is first necessary to collect the (dry) from the surface of the matrix particles of dust with a vacuum cleaner or a brush electrostatic pears to sharp particles , such as sand , not porysowały us sensor . The operation is performed by holding the camera lens mount down , bearing in mind that the vacuum inside the walls of the body - otherwise , found dust on them in a short time re- contaminate the matrix .
 If the sensor have oily spots , then the next step we have to wash the "heart cyfraka " (so-called wet method ) using special swabs and fluid . Before cleaning , always performed first dry-cleaning ! Using for the first time with some liquid should test it before you use ( check that does not leave behind white streaks ) , performing a trial cleaning surfaces such as pocket mirrors . Only after this test we can proceed to remove stains from the matrix. Just remember that the liquid applied on a spatula ( not directly on the sensor ! ), Which is in a very delicate way to wipe the surface of the filter. After the cleaning is finished, turn off the camera , we run the lens i .. ready . Now you can re- take the photo and see if we removed all the dirt .
 On the following pages you will find a list of accessories necessary to perform surgery to remove the contaminants from the matrix , and a summary of the tasks in four steps with helpful tips .



Corporate sensor cleaning accessories
Finished products from the list below can be purchased at specialty retail, or through online stores and auction sites.
Pear - works well to remove dust and dry. Is it worth it to buy at the pharmacy, because at photo shops is usually several times more expensive. When working with a blower be careful not to touch her ​​die - rubber tracks are hard to remove. It is also better to suck dust than blow air inside pears because sometimes there is condensation, which while blowing can "spit" water droplets sensor.
  Brush electricity - the best tool for vacuuming. It has soft bristles, so it will not scratch the sensor. Attracts dust and not lose hair, which is often the case when we use ordinary brush. 

The vacuum sensor dry most of the electrostatic brush, for example, such as that of brushoff.

Special cleaning fluid matrix - often sold complete with spatulas, helps to remove grease and leaves a trace. Low-cost optics cleaning fluid should not be used for "cleaning" sensor, as they often leave white streaks on the matrix - like stale or low-level spirits. Do not pour liquid directly onto the sensor (it only wettable spatula)!

Before buying a fluid first let's check the expiration date, as expired or evaporated can leave white streaks on the sensor.

Spatulas - special sticks made ​​of wood or plastic and fiber material niegubiącego. They are used solely in conjunction with the liquid to wet cleaning. Ordinary Ear swabs should not be used as they leave the matrix Italian and sharp tip swab could scratch the anti-aliasing filter.

The way home
Ready for sensor cleaning accessories are relatively expensive and sometimes impossible to find. Therefore, if we can not afford a complete set, you can do it yourself.

Vacuum cleaner - instead of pears or electrostatic brush to remove dust and sand from entering the camera can use household vacuum cleaner. However, to fulfill on their role, we have to adapt it accordingly. We will need to shrink tube (available at automotive stores) and the plug (eg rubber used to baniaków the wine) with the appropriate diameter to permit a vacuum cleaner hose end blindness. Then drilled a hole in the cap and plug in the heat-shrinkable tubing - well, if it has at least 40-50 inches long. Now we can collect any dust not only from the matrix, but also from the mirror and focusing screen. NOTE: Do not touch any parts inside the tube camera!

Alcohol - instead of expensive cleaning fluid to the matrix can be used much cheaper - and sometimes even more effective - pure isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) or methyl (methanol) with a high concentration (98-99%). He does very well with all the oil stains. Put some it is always the spatula. NOTE: Do not use old, weathered and low-level alcohol because they will leave white streaks on the sensor!

Sensor cleaning step by stepBefore we proceed to vacuum matrix , we should first clear the body of dust that do not run on the vacuum sensor inside the camera. We also need to recharge the batteries , because cyfraka off during the cleaning process can damage the shutter and mirror. It is also done - with a stop set to the highest value (eg, f/22, f/32 ) - a test shot uniform surface (eg a white sheet of paper or the sky ) , which will locate the dirt on the sensor . We should remember that the image displayed on the LCD display is reversed - it's what the matrix is in the upper left corner of the screen will appear in the lower right corner . Now we can get down to work ...Step 1Unscrew the lens from the body and using pears or properly equipped, remove the vacuum cleaner ( not touching any part of cyfraka ! ) Particles of dust or sand inside the camera . Then turn on the option menu of our cyfraka Sensor Cleaning - now have full access to the heart of SLR . Throughout the duration of the sensor cleaning function will be maintained raised mirror , which is why it is important for you to keep control of the battery charge .Step 2Use the brush to gently remove the electrostatic dry matrix particles such as dust , sand , etc. For this purpose, we can use a vacuum cleaner or a pear ( it is better to suck than blow it ) - do not touch them, but the surface of the filter , because it could scratch . During this operation, it is good to keep the camera lens mount down to moving particles leaked out, rather than falling back on the sensor.Step 3When our matrix are greasy spots , it will be necessary wet cleaning . For this purpose, we use the appropriate spatula ( sticks of material niegubiącym fibers ) and a special fluid or methanol with a high concentration (not less than 98-99 %). Liquid applied on a spatula (do not pour it directly on the sensor ! ) , Which was then in a very gentle way rub the surface of the filter. The whole time we work with a sense that you do not scratch the filter. Do not press down with a spatula to die - prowadźmy it so that it was based on only its own weight.Step 4After cleaning, turn off the camera ( after pulling tools from inside cyfraka ! ) , We assume the lens , and then perform a test shot . If the photograph we see any more dirt , then repeat the entire procedure , if not, we can again enjoy the " pure " photography.A few important details :1 Always , first remove the dirt and dry , and only then wet - not vice versa !2 When vacuuming the inside of the body with pear, it is better to suck than blow it - so we admit dust , and it will not be blown ( move ) throughout the chamber and avoid accidental " zaplucia " sensor ( the pear may be condensation )3 We must not touch any tools to die off brush and spatula !4 If the sensor vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner , then set it on the weakest suction.5 We should not use regular brushes , and only the soft hair of electricity that attracts dust and do not lose their hair .6 During the sensor cleaning wet , use a special spatula made ​​of material that does not lose fibers. Do not however use the popular cotton buds as they leave the sensor Italian and sharp tip can scratch the anti-aliasing filter .7 Degreasing liquids are used only for cleaning the matrix , or alcohols - isopropyl (isopropanol ) or methyl (methanol ) - a high concentration ( 98-99 %). The weaker (as well as old , weathered liquids) may leave a white residue.8 The fluid is dispensed on a spatula , rather than directly on the sensor !9 Do not use the sensor cleaning solutions intended for this purpose (eg, low-cost fluids lens ) , as they may damage the surface of the filter antyaliasingowego .10th Throughout the duration of the operation of our sensor cleaning cyfraka kontrolujmy battery level - turn off the camera when in the middle is a spatula or pear , may result in damage to the shutter curtain or mirror.11th Use a brush or spatula, very gently touch the sensor - too much pressure can cause scratches or even breakage antyaliasingowego filter .12th Tools for cleaning the sensor, let us buy only from trusted vendors.13th Before we proceed to clean the sensor , let's do our test devices such as the Pocket mirror - we'll find out in such a way that: pear is not " spit ", do not lose hair brush or fluid does not leave behind white streaks .Prevention is better than cureIn conclusion, the sensor cleaning is not a complicated task , but it requires careful consideration. Therefore, do not underestimate this step - a moment of inattention can cause scratches antyaliasingowego filter , which costs considerable money . But it is enough to work with sensitivity and attention to safely remove dust sensor and enjoy the " clean " images. The best way to clean the die is still ... not allowing its soil . It's obvious - even seemingly trivial - finding , however, is the best recipe for avoiding the problems posed by the contamination of the sensor. That is why our fight against dirt and oil stains on the matrix we start from a fixed camera to maintain clean and be cautious when changing lenses - it is mainly through the lens mounting hole dirt gets into the body .
 If you want as long as you keep the template in a clean , during the exchange of optics should follow these guidelines. First of all, before unplugging wipe the camera lens from dust , sand, etc. In addition, when translating the glass should hold the body so that the bayonet was directed to land in the rain or wind should also protect cyfraka eg jacket . It is also prepared by first lens that we assume ( pull it out of the bag and remove the rear lens ) , and only then remove the glass from the body - so that up to shorten the time for which the camera remains open . Some zooms reach their full integrity only when nakręcimy to not filter . Therefore, during the shooting should be founded on a lens cap (for example, UV or polarizer ) , because through it will reduce the amount of " wpompowywanego " dust through the lens into the body .
 Of course, no matter how much we care about the hardware, sooner or later our SLR matrix may appear uninvited guests . Although the spots in the pictures we can remove in a graphics program , but better to avoid tedious retouching and clean the sensor in cyfraku . Some DSLR manufacturers advise against self- dusting matrix , recommending putting the camera to an authorized service center . But personally I think that it is a difficult task and , with due caution , you can do it yourself, thus saving time and money - especially since it is a procedure that must be repeated from time to time.