M8 Sensor Cleaning

[mark-b]

There are some dust specks on my M8's sensor that won't come off with a blower bulb. What can I safely use to remove them? Are those swab kits safe? What do you think about using those ultrafine brushes?

 

[kbg32]

I use the Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly. Cleans wonderfully.

 

[mark-b]

never heard of it, but i'll do a search for it. thanks 🙂

 

[chief]

I'm using DUST-AID Platinum, very easy and effective.

 

[Gid]

www.lenspen.com - SENSORKLEAR Great for getting stubborn spots / grease off and very cheap. For dust I use an arctic butterfly.

 

[Keith]

Chances are if the specks won't budge with dry cleaning they are spots of lubricant from the shutter mechanism and will require wet cleaning. I had such an issue and it took a couple of attempts to get the sensor clean ... on the first try the stuff just smeared all over the surface and looked horrible! 😛

 

[250swb]

I think you need two strategies, the first a wet clean system for oil and grease (and dust), like Eclipse sensor swabs, and a purely dust related cleaning system like 'Dust-Aid' Plantimum, and on the Leica forum people are reporting this is what Leica technicians use to remove dust.

Steve

 

[mark-b]

A brush is a good choice, before resorting to a full wet cleaning. Sometimes you just can't avoid it, however. But try the former first.

I'll try a brush first. Seems all the cleaning kits out there are outrageously priced.

But reading up on this subject, along with your responses, I take it that the sensor isn't as fragile as I've been previously led to believe. Thank you.

 

[Keith]

Sensor cleaning kits don't have to be expensive ... I bought a very basic one from an eBay seller in the UK for a fraction of what local sellers were asking!

 

[Keith]

The other thing I meant to add is don't be apprehensive about this process ... it's not as big a deal as it seems once you've done it.

I was extremely nervous about cleaning my M8 sensor initially but it really is just a matter of following instructions and being careful.

 

[_mark__]

A clip of the tools used by Leica to clean sensors can be seen here towards the end

http://leicarumors.com/2009/09/13/a-video-tour-of-leica-m9-assembly-and-testing.aspx/

 

[ramosa]

i also use the Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly. great product. they have some other great products for cleaning sensors, too. not cheap stuff, but very good stuff.

 

[ampguy]

microtools and their eclipse solution packages (E2 for M8 I believe) have good packages with pads, proper sized swab holder, etc. for the 1.33x sensor size.

 

[Robin Harrison]

I use the Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly. Cleans wonderfully.

I second this choice. Quick, simple, effective. And gives the impression that there is no chance of damage, scratches. I find swabs a scary thought, although I have had to use them on my G1 after an 'accident'.

 

[mark-b]

Well if Leica allows the sensor to be exposed for visual inspection and/or cleaning, I take it that it should be fine....like, no kleenex tissues, or hankies, heh heh 🙂

btw, the blower just blew the dust around. I tried the sable brush for cameras, and it got most of it out, save for two micro blobs that can be cloned out no problem =)

now, i'll never switch lenses unless i absolutely have to.

 

[sfokevin]

Just a side note: The Arctic Butterfly and other brush methods are great for dust but if you have any oil on the sensor (Which is VERY common on the M8) the brush will just smear all over and will also contaminate the brush... The wet method is the most comprehensive method and may look intimidating but is easy once you get past the initial fear... search YouTube for a bunch of vids showing how quick & easy it really is...


Here is my favorite!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z11mBKz22Uw

Watch when he throws the lens & camera in the bag separately!!! 😛😛😛

Here is a more professional guy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi6S3jHA21w

 

[_mark__]

http://dotlinecorp.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1121&products_id=6832

As used by leica

 

[sfokevin]

http://dotlinecorp.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1121&products_id=6832

As used by leica

The ad seems to say it can prevent smearing of dust particles???... But how is that achieved?

What happens if you use this on a oil spot?...

 

[_mark__]

They use a combination of isopropyl alcohol and this dabber at the sensor cleaning stage of M9 assembly in Germany.

 

[oldoc]

Valuable thread!
Mods, how about a sticky here?