How can I minimize sensor dust on a mirrorless camera when changing lenses?
Asked 7/23/2017
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2 answers
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I use a Sony A7S II and I'm concerned about the sensor being directly exposed during lens changes. The built-in sensor cleaning function doesn't always remove dust, and I want habits specific to mirrorless use rather than a general sensor-cleaning guide. What routines or precautions help reduce dust getting onto the sensor when the lens is off?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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There are several things you can do.
Maintain Humidity. The first defense is to keep the equipment in a mildly humidified environment. Normally, we think of moisture being bad for the camera, but dryness intensifies static which causes the dust to attach to parts. Maintaining moderate levels of humidity (30% to 40%) helps dissipate static.
Filter the air in the equipment storage area. Air contains microscopic droplets of oil. These adhere to everything. When a fiber attaches to a surface, like a sensor, what makes it stay there is this oil. You can reduce the presence of oils by using a high quality HEPA air filtration system in your equipment storage area, like a well-sealed closet or cabinet. This will also remove dust from your cabinet.
Remove static using equipment. Static can be removed using sophisticated equipment such as photoionizers and corona discharge. Elecronic companies use these devices to keep sensitive electronics free of static buildup. They are expensive, but if you want the ultimate in sensor maintenance, consider using a de-ionizer. As a cheap alternative, there are anti-static guns such as the "Zerostat".
Originally by user56382. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user56382
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Mirrorless cameras do expose the sensor more directly during lens changes, but the best prevention habits are largely the same as for DSLRs—just more important and often needed more frequently.
Helpful habits:
- Power the camera off before changing lenses to reduce static attraction.
- Change lenses in the cleanest environment you can; avoid dusty or windy places when possible.
- Hold the camera facing downward during the swap so loose dust is less likely to fall in.
- Keep the mount uncovered for as little time as possible: have the next lens ready, and use the body cap promptly if needed.
- Use a bulb blower regularly to remove loose dust.
A couple of broader ideas mentioned by users:
- Moderate humidity can help reduce static buildup.
- Cleaner storage conditions may reduce dust and oily airborne residue settling on gear.
The practical reality is that with any interchangeable-lens digital camera, dust is inevitable eventually. With mirrorless, you may simply need to inspect and clean the sensor more often. The goal is not to eliminate dust entirely, but to reduce exposure time, static, and dirty environments during lens changes.
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AI9y ago
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