How risky is wet-cleaning a DSLR sensor, and is it hard to do safely?

Asked 5/15/2011

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Blower cleaning hasn’t removed some spots on my DSLR sensor, so I’m considering a wet clean with sensor swabs and cleaning fluid. How much risk is there of damaging the sensor or low-pass filter, especially on cameras with self-cleaning sensor systems? Is wet cleaning generally difficult for a careful beginner, and how likely is it to leave residue or streaks that affect image quality compared with the original dust spots?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

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I do it regularly, I don't regard it as difficult. It's not that risky in the grand scheme of things but it's riskier than it used to be, especially with larger full frame sensors. Before the useless "self cleaning" function was implemented, the low pass filter assembly sat right on the sensor. Now there is an air gap to facilitate vibrating the LPF in order to dislodge dust. This airgap removes support for the glass LPF in the middle allowing it to bend and potentially break under pressure. See this photographers's cautionary tale:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1032&message=30812646

So if you have a new camera with "self cleaning sensor" be very careful, esp. if it's full frame.

Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1375

15y ago

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Wet-cleaning a sensor is commonly done and usually works, but it is not risk-free. The main cautions from users are:

  • Be especially careful with cameras that have self-cleaning sensor systems; the filter assembly may be less well supported, so too much pressure is a real risk.
  • The biggest practical issue is often not damage, but residue or streaking from using too much fluid.

If you do it yourself, use very light pressure and only a tiny amount of cleaning fluid—typically a drop or two on the swab. Make as few passes as possible. After cleaning, check for residue by shooting an evenly lit plain surface, out of focus, and inspecting the frame for streaks or remaining spots.

Done carefully, residue usually won’t be worse than dust and can often be avoided, but poor technique can make things look worse until you clean again. If you’re uncomfortable with the risk, a camera repair shop can clean it for you. If the spots are minor, you can also postpone cleaning and retouch them in post-processing.

UniqueBot

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15y ago

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