Cleaning sensor on Leica CL-easy?

[EddieO]

I have a lot of spots that appear on bright skies or whites in my pics on my Leica CL. I am assuming this is dust. I understand that the Leica store near to where I live will clean it for $50.

Is that worth it or this something that can be done fairly easily by buying a kit, without risk of ruining the sensor?

 

[Godfrey]

I would try the very simplest cleaning routine: using a nice, clean bulb blower (like the Giottos Rocket https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/259157-REG/Giottos_AA1900_Rocket_Air_Blower.html), you take the lens off, hold the camera with the lens mount facing down, and gently give a few puffs onto the sensor from an inch or so away hoping to dislodge and make the dirt drop away from the sensor. That will usually clean up anything that isn't sticky/stuck to the sensor cover glass.

For anything like that, you need to use a cleaning solution and sterile/clean applicator, which is when you decide whether it's worth $50 to let someone already practiced at it do the job and take the risks, or you learn to do it yourself and take your own risks. 😉

I've been in the habit of dusting out my camera bodies with a Rocket almost every other time I pick them up, and as a result I've never had anything get stuck to any of my cameras' sensors.

G

 

[Darthfeeble]

There's a great fear of damaging the sensor, it's not unfounded but not necessarily true if one is informed and careful. Search sensor cleaning and you will find a host of information on technique and equipment. I use Sensor Swabs, they come in a variety of sizes to match your sensor size. Eclipse is generally accepted as the solvent to use. Take a deep breath and be gentle.

 

[EddieO]

I would try the very simplest cleaning routine: using a nice, clean bulb blower (like the Giottos Rocket https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/259157-REG/Giottos_AA1900_Rocket_Air_Blower.html), you take the lens off, hold the camera with the lens mount facing down, and gently give a few puffs onto the sensor from an inch or so away hoping to dislodge and make the dirt drop away from the sensor. That will usually clean up anything that isn't sticky/stuck to the sensor cover glass.

For anything like that, you need to use a cleaning solution and sterile/clean applicator, which is when you decide whether it's worth $50 to let someone already practiced at it do the job and take the risks, or you learn to do it yourself and take your own risks. 😉

I've been in the habit of dusting out my camera bodies with a Rocket almost every other time I pick them up, and as a result I've never had anything get stuck to any of my cameras' sensors.

G

Thanks. Great advice-especially keeping that camera facing down when doing it.

 

[EddieO]

Thanks for the info.