Pa said:
This post probably belongs in the Technical Discussion, but the moderator says keep it clean!
There is quite a bit of discussion over at Digital Grin about sensor cleaning, but I haven't seen anything mentioned here. Since those are mostly Canon folks I though I'd like to see if anyone here has experience at this.
Is there a consensus on the best method ? I haven't tried it yet, as I screwed on the kit lens when the camera arrived, and haven't taken it off yet.
Nikon, Canon, it really doesn't make much difference in my mind. Sensor maintenance is sensor maintenance.
Here are the steps to follow for sensor maintenance:
1 - Get over the freak-out/growing pains period of your first DSLR. I think this is a common thing for many new to the threat of their first dust bunny. The first reaction is OMG!!!!!+<favorite forum rant>+<dramatic music>. Dust happens. It WILL happen. You just have to deal with it.
2 - Once #1 is taken care of, go shoot. And change the friggin' lens. That's kind of one of the main features of a SLR... seems like a silly idea to keep only one lens on, when it's no real guarantee to keep the camera dust free.
3 - Once #2 is taken care of, go shoot some more.
4 - From here, camera maintenance is a peice of cake. Do as others have suggested and try some common sense.
4a - Don't try to change a lense in a known dusty environment. If you're shooting your kids during a pillow fight, you better go in another room (or even outside) if you need to change the lens.
4b - Point the camera down when you change lenses & move quickly. Turn your back to the wind if possible. If this is your first time to change a lense, you should try to visualize the steps of removing the lens, the lens cap, etc.
4c - Go shoot.
5 - In the event a dust bunny is located, follow the steps below, else goto :end.
6 - Giottos Rocket Blower. Say hello to my little friend. I've had my D70 for almost a year and I've used it only 2 times, each successfully. Use it to blow dust off your camera body & lens before working on the inside. I use it on the sensor and the mirror (had a nasty looking one that was present in the viewfinder).
7 - If #6 doesn't work, then you have three choices.
7a - Send it in to Nikon. Probably the best & safest way, but you'll be out of action for some time. Conversely, you could try a camera shop as well, and save some time.
7b - The Copperhill method. I've ordered a kit myself while in stage 1, but never used it. I figure if it gets that bad, I could try 7a first.
7c - The Sensorbrush. I'm intrigued by this approach, but it seems expensive. I would be inclined to try this first before 7b, but having to charge the brush with canned air for 7-10 seconds seems a bit annoying.
:end
8 - Go shoot s'more.
