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Sensor Cleaning

JCW_Snaps

JCW_Snaps

Member
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 :)
 
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.
 
pdk42 said:
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.
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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 :)
 
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
 
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
 
kbouk said:
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
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Thanks, I’ll probably try that next time. I’ve seen both methods suggested so I’m guessing it’s down to personal preference :)
 
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.
 
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AlanC said:
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.
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Thanks, it looks like that’s the way to go next time :)
 
I'm too scared to wet clean my sensor but I know that one day I'm going to have to bite the bullet.
 
JCW_Snaps said:
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 :)
Click to expand...
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
 
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.
 
ChrisM said:
I'm too scared to wet clean my sensor but I know that one day I'm going to have to bite the bullet.
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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 Daumenhoch1000023763.jpg
 
I've only had to wet-clean my S5II sensor once, just recently.

I used this product: VSGO VS-S03E:

vsgo_vss03e_1.jpg

The swabs are only used once, and you only put one drop of liquid on it.

I was worried about doing it but it was easy and effective.
 
CharlesH said:
Looks interesting. This is available on Amazon, for $23.59 USD. With mostly very good reviews.
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Yes, I had looked at the reviews and also some YouTube videos showing how to use it.

I liked that it was simple and that the swaps are the width of the sensor. You just put one drop of liquid and give it a few seconds to absorb, then wipe along the sensor in one direction and then back again using the opposite side. Done!
 
Pete_W said:
Z04 Computer HaukaputtI've only had to wet-clean my S5II sensor once, just recently.

I used this product: VSGO VS-S03E:

View attachment 8511

The swabs are only used once, and you only put one drop of liquid on it.

I was worried about doing it but it was easy and effective.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that is what I used for wet. It was separate solution and the sealed disposable swab sticks are great.

I think some freak out with the word "wet" thinking of water and damaging electronics. The supplied solution won't do that.

It is healthy to have extreme caution as you realise it's critical you don't damage the sensor and mech shutter etc.

I once got an old Pentax SLR in a cheap Ebay joblot of gear (there was a gem lens in it I wanted)... The SLR mirror looked like it had been cleaned with sandpaper or wire wool and destroyed so if you're not the competent type then get someone else to clean the sensor for you.
 
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