How do you clean and maintain your Cameras sensor?

jpk0007 Level 1

October 20, 2018, 9:48 am

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One of the most common problems we encounter regarding the maintenance of our cameras is the issue of dust. small microscopic particles of dust to settle on our camera sensor and we are not able to detect it. it is very essential to have completely clean sensors in order to get an optimum performance from your device. how do you tackle the problem of dirty sensors? do you do it yourself or seek help from the camera store. Share your tips and tricks regarding this

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

Please, if you're thinking about cleaning your camera sensor, read your camera manual first, or watch an online tutorial as to the proper way to clean it.

Your camera sensor is arguably the most sensitive and important part of your camera, and damaging it through improper cleaning could ruin it.

First, I'd do some research online for cleaning methods for your camera. You can purchase sprays and brushes from retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama. After you have the cleaning supplies, it should just be a matter of removing the lens on your DSLR, turning it to "manual" mode (so the shutter stays retracted, giving you access to the sensor), and gently applying the cleaning solution and wiping it down.

If you have the time, I'd encourage you to watch Peter McKinnon's video below on cleaning your sensor. He's not only incredibly knowledgeable on the topic, but I think he's a blast to watch!

8 years ago

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amelia88

amelia88

Super helpful post. Glad that you indicated the sensitivities of camera sensors and the risks that can come with cleaning it improperly. It’s a good reminder for folks to make sure they do their research before just diving in!

8 years ago

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EfficientNinja

EfficientNinja

Thanks for the educational post! Our family owns a DSLR but I haven't cleaned the lens yet. I know well that it is one of the most sensitive parts of a camera and cleaning it improperly could lead to permanent damages. I'll take my time to learn how to clean it before trying it on our camera.

8 years ago

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esteban123

esteban123

Wow this is great, I have never knew that it has a video tutorial since I was only using a small brush in cleaning the sensor of my camera. I had never thought that is very sensitive that it needs to have such procedure. I am really thankful for having this article since I was enlightened on such way on how to take good care of our camera sensor since it is one if the most vital and sensitive parts of our camera. This is really helpful and very informative for such beginners like me into some cameras.

8 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

This is really helpful and full of information regarding to maintain and cleaning the camera. We should always remember that in order to lasts longer our gadget we should always maintain its cleanliness so that it will worker same as brand new.

8 years ago

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jeffreyjose48

jeffreyjose48

I agree with you. One must carefully clean camera sensor because its the most sensitive part of the camera. It can be damaged if its improperly cleaned.

8 years ago

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Youngshark

Youngshark

apart from damage you will have to deal temporarily with the problem of blurry pictures. The dirt left on the lens can ruin the image quality at all times making one have a bad picture.

8 years ago

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jeffreyjose48

jeffreyjose48

I clean my camera sensor with a clean white cotton cloth. I also wet it with a little water. I rub it gently until it is cleaned.

8 years ago

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stbrians

stbrians

This is great tips. I will also use them. Thank you for posting

8 years ago

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allyn2017

allyn2017

This is super helpful, thank you for this one. I agree with you, that part is really crucial and sensitive. I have forgotten where I put my manual so now I don't know how yo clean my camera and the lenses.

8 years ago

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focusedwriter10

focusedwriter10

I have been looking for this. These tips are amazing, and I will definitely use them. I messed up with a camera that I had when cleaning.

8 years ago

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allyn2017

allyn2017

This is really helpful, I have plans in buying camera so i need to know how to clean it.

8 years ago

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theresajane

theresajane

This is such a helpful comment. I must be checking this video later as I may damage my camera if I clean it improperly.

8 years ago

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mdayrit

mdayrit

Experienced my camera receiving error and cannot take pictures anymore. Tried searching the internet for the cause of the error and all I can find is that it needs cleaning. It says that the lens cannot connect to the camera because of possible dirty pins. What was advised is to use cotton buds and clean both pins of the lens and camera. Tried doing it but I am still receiving the error. DSLR are sensitive camera so I did not dare to clean its inner parts. Will probably just bring it to the professionals for cleaning.

8 years ago

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amelia88

amelia88

Sometimes I think that’s the best option! There’s certain things that I feel comfortable doing myself, and then others that I’d prefer to leave to someone who’s done it hundreds of times before!

8 years ago

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mdayrit

mdayrit

I also prefer to leave things like that to professionals. I do not want to cause further damage to the camera. DSLR cameras are expensive to take chances. Paying professionals for that task is still cheaper than buying a new camera.

8 years ago

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allyn2017

allyn2017

That's really unfortunate, and yeah that's better because it might wreck if you pushed further.

8 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Use the camera manual to read up exactly what you should do and the best procedure that you are supposed to follow when it comes to taking care of your camera lens.

You should always have it at the back of your mind that without the camera lens, the entire camera is useless. So, take good care of it properly in order to ensure it's durability.

8 years ago

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Barida

Barida

This is true and that is the reason we have the manual booklet to help us see the best way that we can clean the camera when we wish to do so. I have come to notice that what is also very important is getting to feel the good side of enjoying the camera without having any lens issues that came about because the camera wasn't cleaned the right way.

8 years ago

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ElectorAlexande

ElectorAlexande

Its necessary i we clean the lens of our camera but it should be done with care, the manual guide that comes with the camera may have a maintenance procedure and directives or you can make use of videos from YouTube to try and keep the camera in shape because the camera lens is one of the most important aspect of a camera.

8 years ago

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allyn2017

allyn2017

Yes, a lot of facts and how to are in the manual.

8 years ago

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rlpzbeermoney

rlpzbeermoney

I'd rather have the camera store clean it for me than doing it myself. The camera sensor is the heart of the camera. One screw up and you'll have to replace the entire camera. I don't think they can replace camera sensors.

8 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

This is a very good point. Seriously, it wouldn't cost much to have an expert who understands and how exactly how to take very good care of the camera do the work of cleaning it. This would make him use his skills to do it professionally and properly unlike when the owner without any experience tries to do it and then end up damaging the camera.

8 years ago

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rlpzbeermoney

rlpzbeermoney

My camera came with a sensor cleaning kit. It was just some rubbing alcohol pads and some q-tips. I'm like hell naw I'm not going to scrub this on my camera's sensor. Cameras do need to be cleaned don't get me wrong. It's just that let's leave the DSLRs to the enthusiasts and just purchase point and shoots for the casual person. I don't think point and shoots need their sensors cleaned because you can't detach the lens.

8 years ago

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anyone01

anyone01

I agree with you I’m not recommending to clean your own camera unless yoy are aware of the risk. It's far a choice of an owner to desires them to clean it. You need ask your self in case you are prepared to shoulder the price in case you harm your camera and void the warranty of your camera if not then pay your cash and leave it to the experts.

8 years ago

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rlpzbeermoney

rlpzbeermoney

My mirrorless camera has this feature where it mechanically cleans the sensors just by selecting a menu option. It's a Sony A6000. I haven't found myself needing to go to a camera store yet to clean my camera. Even when pixel peeping my shot photos, no specs of dust can be seen nor has the photos become blurry. I've only used this clean sensor option just once out of curiosity.

8 years ago

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jayjaydimson

jayjaydimson

I maintain the cleanliness of my camera lense by wiping it using a clean cloth, I do it regularly so that the dirt won't stick.

8 years ago

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anyone01

anyone01

For the lenses I choose microfiber fabric. If there are grease from fingers or different stains at the glass, I attempt not to apply whatever more than simply a piece of water to wet just part of the fabric. If its persistent, i'd attempt some moderate eye-glass cleaning solution. once more, always moist the fabric and not spray at the lens itself.

8 years ago

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allyn2017

allyn2017

Oh that's great, regular cleaning wilk really help not to stay the dirt in the camera.

8 years ago

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jpk0007

jpk0007

I think that I am glad that I thought of making this post. Often we completely ignore the most important things that we need to be careful about whenever we operate electronic devices and suffer the consequences and regret about our carelessness later on. The camera sensor is one such very important subject about which we are careless most of the times. I agree with all the points that you guys have made here and I think its always better to get professional help when you don't know how to take care of your sensor or you don't have complete knowledge of how to go about it

8 years ago

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stbrians

stbrians

Professional jobs should be left to professionals. It is therefore good to clean it from a professional. Mine is cleaned by the professionals at a fee. There is the manual to be used to clean but I never dare do it myself

8 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

Absolutely, this is a great point. Just like you might not trust yourself to make repairs on your car (like I myself don't), it might be best to take your camera to a professional and have them to do it at a cost. The thought of unintentionally damaging your camera can be frightening, and if you feel uncomfortable cleaning yourself, don't hesitate to have someone else do it for you.

8 years ago

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superlicca

superlicca

I agree with other members that you need to read your manual first or do a research to make sure that will be doing the right steps to clean the sensor of your camera. The sensor of your camera is a very sensitive part. Never blow on your sensor to remove dust since your breath has a moisture that may get into your sensor. You can buy a professional kit and clean it on your own. And If you think you need help, you can ask a professional to clean your sensor.

8 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

In my opinion the best and safest way to clean your camera sensor / lens is to bring it to the shop that you've bought it from and let them clean it for you. That way you could be sure that it is cleaned correctly.

8 years ago

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Barida

Barida

You are correct on this. Sometimes, what is necessary is to take the camera back to the people that sold it to you as they will have better ideas on Tue best way that they camera is going to be cleaned as well.

8 years ago

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focusedwriter10

focusedwriter10

Some of these guys are overcharging for the service. Besides, if anything gets spoilt in the process, you will still be charged for that, which is very unfair.

8 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

When you buy a camera it includes a cleaning cloth that should be used to clean the lens with. In case that no cloth is included then just buy some from where you bought the camera from.

8 years ago

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DISTEFANO115

DISTEFANO115

You should buy a proper cleaning kit, parts that are designed specifically for the camera lens. This will maximize performance and reduce the risk of harming the lens. Think of it as an investment, make sure to keep it in a safe place where it's cushiony and soft.

8 years ago

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theresajane

theresajane

With all the advices that they give you, I think that's more than enough. But for me, the important thing is, treat your camera well. Don't put it on a dusty place or even with the camera's case, it has to be cleaned regularly too to avoid transferring the dust to the camera.

8 years ago

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nrnlss

nrnlss

I've always had a hard time cleaning my camera since I always travel so my cam gets dusty always.

8 years ago

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jayjaydimson

jayjaydimson

Always have some cleaning kit where ever you will go, because there's a lot of mess out there, you need to be prepared on how you will keep your camera sensor clean, like for example, have some clean cloth together with some sprayer(water) so that when there's a mess on your camera you can get rid of it quickly.

8 years ago

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jayjaydimson

jayjaydimson

You can use a clean cloth, a mini cloth that you can bring anywhere whenever you will go to maintain the cleanliness of your lenses.

8 years ago

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MomoStarr16

MomoStarr16

That will be simple by using a clean cloth but if you want the more deep kind of cleaning you need to ask for the assitance of knowledgeable in that. You may damage it if you touch it with bare lens. Watch video on the internet too to have ideas.

8 years ago

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theresajane

theresajane

Yes, you are right. Though you have your clean clothes for cleaning, it doesn't necessarily mean that you can easily clean the most sensitive part of your sensors and have no problems at all. It's best to read the manual or ask for assistance from someone who's knowledgeable about it.

8 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

I just wipe any dust off with the cleaning cloth which was included in the camera package. Sometimes I blow some air to it before wiping it, I do this several times.

8 years ago

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esteban123

esteban123

For me I just wipe a piece of wet cloth that has an alcohol the lens of my camera so that dust particles could be sweep away and prevent it from being there for a long period of time because it can damage the lens beauty and reliability as well. I just see to it that I wipe it gently so that it will not be damage because it is very sensitive and should be taken with good care.

8 years ago

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mhingnhormz

mhingnhormz

How so you clean or maintain your cameras sensor: It was one of the topic that I am interested to, It was a great help to all to have an ideas to maintain our cameras sensor because most of us has our own camera phone. Honestly when i didn't read it yet I only use a cotton cloth to clean my cameras sensor, thank you so much for the additional tips ang ideas.

8 years ago

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esteban123

esteban123

I think for me to maintain the cleanliness and reliability of my camera sensor is that I usually use a cloth and pour a little alcohol on it and I slowly wiped it out in the sensor to remove dust and other particles that surrounds it. I usually do it several times in a week to ensure that it will be used for a longer period of time.

8 years ago

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