Sensor Cleaning

[JCW_Snaps]

My S1R has gained quite a few stubborn “dust spots” on the sensor that resist the best efforts of a rocket blower and Artic Butterfly (well a generic unbranded equivalent anyway). I’ve wet cleaned my previous Z7 and with that the procedure was to switch the camera off as the sensor was then in the locked position. With the S1R the sensor is free floating when switched off so my long winded question is should the camera be on or off for cleaning or is there a dedicated setting (not the auto cleaning function).
Apologies for the long winded badly phrased question and thanks in advance for any assistance

 

[pdk42]

I wet cleaned my S1R last week. Like all my cameras with IBIS, I did it with the power off and the cameras on its back. The sensor doesn’t move as the swab is moved.

 

[JCW_Snaps]

I wet cleaned my S1R last week. Like all my cameras with IBIS, I did it with the power off and the cameras on its back. The sensor doesn’t move as the swab is moved.

Brilliant. Just what I needed to hear. I know sensor cleaning isn’t a big deal but every time I do it my stress levels rise especially first time for a given camera
Thanks. James

 

[JCW_Snaps]

I cleaned it last night, no problems but the unlike the Z7 the sensor moved around as it did with my previous S5. I must say though until I took a test shot against a white wall at f22 I hadn’t realised just how bad it was

 

[kbouk]

Switch camera ON, sensor is solid because is stabilized , then set electronic shutter ON (to avoid mechanical shutter curtain) and clean the sensor , that’s what I do with Olympus and Panasonic stabilized bodies

 

[JCW_Snaps]

Switch camera ON, sensor is solid because is stabilized , then set electronic shutter ON (to avoid mechanical shutter curtain) and clean the sensor , that’s what I do with Olympus and Panasonic stabilized bodies

Thanks, I’ll probably try that next time. I’ve seen both methods suggested so I’m guessing it’s down to personal preference

 

[AlanC]

Video from Leica (Australia) on cleaning camera sensors: if the camera has IBIS, clean the sensor with the power on.



Since the SL2 is based on the S1R it's probably reasonable to assume this is safe for Panasonic cameras.

I've always wet cleaned the sensor of my S5 after running the sensor cleaning function. When that completes and you get the "Turn the camera off" message the sensor is being held in place by the stabilisation.

 

[JCW_Snaps]

Video from Leica (Australia) on cleaning camera sensors: if the camera has IBIS, clean the sensor with the power on.



Since the SL2 is based on the S1R it's probably reasonable to assume this is safe for Panasonic cameras.

I've always wet cleaned the sensor of my S5 after running the sensor cleaning function. When that completes and you get the "Turn the camera off" message the sensor is being held in place by the stabilisation.

Thanks, it looks like that’s the way to go next time

 

[ChrisM]

I'm too scared to wet clean my sensor but I know that one day I'm going to have to bite the bullet.

 

[KevinCam2027]

My S1R has gained quite a few stubborn “dust spots” on the sensor that resist the best efforts of a rocket blower and Artic Butterfly (well a generic unbranded equivalent anyway). I’ve wet cleaned my previous Z7 and with that the procedure was to switch the camera off as the sensor was then in the locked position. With the S1R the sensor is free floating when switched off so my long winded question is should the camera be on or off for cleaning or is there a dedicated setting (not the auto cleaning function).
Apologies for the long winded badly phrased question and thanks in advance for any assistance

No problem at all, normally the S1r does indeed remain to its free floating position which makes it hard cleaning it when the camera is off. What I do is turn it on then go to sensor cleaning function then you can turn it off now, it will lock the sensor from moving, then i use Sensor Swabs from Photographic Solutions. Its effective and cleans instantly, also the eclipse solution is safe to the camera sensor. You can notice the result instantly and it is very easy to use. Hope it helps

 

[dmgadagio]

I agree, Photographic Solutions cleaning supplies is THE Choice for DIY sensor cleaning,

 

[agfa100]

I watched that you tube on the leica factory where they use the "stick" to clean all the camera sensors before they box them up. After I finally got ahold of the sony stick I use that without any issues. It does scare you the first time you clean your sensor, also you need to have a pack of the cleaning papers for the stick to get the stuff off of the stick when you use it. I am more careful about anything wet or damp and electronics, I am a old comsec tech.

 

[Oíche]

I'm too scared to wet clean my sensor but I know that one day I'm going to have to bite the bullet.

Don't be, I have used sealed wet sensor cleaning mop sticks (not separate solution and cotton buds or something) to clean stubborn marks, which used to be sticky pollen from changing lens in the mountains, I don't do this any longer with Lumix 24-105 instead of DSLR and primes etc.

N.B. if you don't want or need a wet clean check this out...

Less stubborn marks I used a rocket blower or if you don't want to wet clean I have the excellent Pentax dry cleaning kit which uses sticky pads and and a "presser device" you press lightly on then remove it to the sterile sipplied sticky pads, not dragging across the sensor as wet cleaning requires.

The Pentax kit is not cheap but a specialist product and it will last you years, I got mine over a decade ago and still have most of the sticky pads left