I've noticed that my lens has some specks of dust on the inside of the camera. I found a video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_sP4yLf6lA that shows how to clean it. Would you attempt this yourself or fork out the extra dough to have it done somewhere else? If you'd have it done, where do I take it, and how much would it cost? If you've cleaned your camera yourself, any tips? Thanks!
I would strongly suggest not touching it yourself. I watched many of these clips and some of them are quite dodgy ... not to mention they can void your warranty. I would say take it to a professional. They do a great job and don't always charge loads. I use the London Camera Exchange in the UK and they are very good. Good luck Tricia!
@kezzam I'm in the US. I called Wolf Camera, but they said to contact the manufacturer. She said I'd have to mail it to them and it usually takes about 4 weeks. This is my only camera, and I really can't be without it that long. I'm not sure what to do now...
I've been debating about it myself too. I called Wolf Camera and my local one said that they would have to send it off, it takes 3-4 weeks and it's $65 for the camera body and $25 for each lens. That's not too pricey in my opinion for a professional to clean it, but I don't want to be without my camera for so long either.
I agree. I have a small p&s but it's not the same as having my dslr. I have thought about cleaning it myself as I've seen lots of tutorials on it as well but I am *soooo* scared of messing up my camera. But I have heard of so many people having good results with cleaning it themselves that it makes me want to try. My husband keeps telling me to go with my gut instinct on this one and in the end, I won't have anything to regret if it goes sour. I think I'm just going to suck it up and take it in to be cleaned. I would rather go without than to have to buy a new one because I messed it up. But good luck with whatever you decide. Let me know how it works out for you if you choose to venture it on your own. :)
@minxymissk@kezzam@jennarichards Ok ladies, I went for it. I was very nervous, especially since my camera is a different model number than the one in the video. I was sort of winging it, but it worked. No more big blobs of dirt when I take photos! If anyone else wants to attempt it, make sure you have very delicate, steady hands. I wouldn't recommend that everyone do this, but it worked for me. I can now say that I truly know my camera inside and out.
I have cleaned my own sensors for many years, and although it is scary at first, it is not so hard once youve done it a few times. Often you can blow the dust off with a quality bulb blower (one made for such things such as a Giottos rocker blower, not a cheap one as they can blow bits of rubber into your camIera). If that doesn't do the trick, I have a special dry brush (google "Arctic Butterfly" or "Copperhill sensor brush") that is charged and can pick up dust the blower couldn't get. Last in line is a wet cleaning with a special solution aand sensor swabs. I've done many over the years and never harmed the sensor nor voided my nikons warranties, but it's certainly a do at your own risk kind of thing. Here's a couple decent articles on the matter: http://www.bythom.com/cleaning.htm
@triciaanddazzle - Good job cleaning your sensor. It is really scary the first time you clean it. It makes it easier to do when you know that you're not actually touching the sensor. There's a filter that sits on top of the sensor to block UV light and protect the sensor. (kinda like a UV filter for a lens) The filter is pretty difficult to scratch and it can be replaced.
The biggest thing you need to worry about is the shutter closing on your tools. This will happen if you don't properly lock up the mirror (IE use a 30 second or bulb exposure to lock it up instead of correctly locking it up in the menus) it may also close on you if your battery is low or defective and you loose power half way through cleaning your camera.
@triciaanddazzle I just noticed the tutorial you posted was for a sealed sensor in a point and shoot camera......that I think I would send in to get done. My above post was for a dslr. Good luck!
@pixelchix Mine is a different model number, but almost the same camera. I tried it. Got the dirt out! Yay me! I'd still like to get one of those little blowers in case I have to do it again.
i have canon 30d and i clean my sensor myself... i use a rocket blower on a regular basis exp because i have a zoom lens which tends to allow more dust to get to the sensor and i also am always changing lens... i also use lightroom which has a wonderful tool for cleaning dust spots from images. if it looks like there is a spot that i cannot edit out of a capture then and only then to i resort to cleaning my sensor -- for that i use the eclipse optic cleaning fluid with sensor swabs --- the most important thing is to be sure to fully charge the battery before you begin the process... and watch the videos for cleaning the sensor for your camera on line and read your manual -- good luck for me it feels like doing this is part of being a professional... now i would not take a part a lens... but cleaning a sensor is a skill to learn.
@clarissajohal I was nervous, but I separated all the screws. Like an outside pile, another pile for the next layer, then another pile for the VERY inside. It wasn't too terrible, actually.
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The biggest thing you need to worry about is the shutter closing on your tools. This will happen if you don't properly lock up the mirror (IE use a 30 second or bulb exposure to lock it up instead of correctly locking it up in the menus) it may also close on you if your battery is low or defective and you loose power half way through cleaning your camera.