DSLR dust problem? Here's a solution!

For those of you who've got dust problems on your CMOS/CCD, here's a solution that I've come up with - it's inexpensive and can be done by ANYONE! :)

- Nathaniel

DIY Sensor Cleaning Tutorial

*Disclaimer: I have done this successfully but I will not guarantee (along with other companies who sell their DIY sensor cleaning products) that you will not damage your camera. Please exercise common-sense and follow the instructions carefully before attempting to clean your camera's sensor.

Before you do this, please:
1) Clean your hands
2) Have everything you need ready: Your camera, Blower, A filter, Fresh Batteries/External Powersource, Cable Release *for D100/S2Pro etc, Cleaning Fluid/Chemist's Methanol, Lint Free Lens Tissues, Scotch Tape (or anything of its equivalent), Your Home-made sensor swab stick & Yourself.

Figure 1:

Choose a material that isn't too hard or rough. I've chosen a piece of laminated cardboard from a 'Glade' box. Notice that it's smooth and folded. I recommend using a folded piece of laminated card like what I've used. Why? The lamination means it can resist the cleaning fluid - it won't become soft on contact with the liquid. It's also stiff but not rough - the laminated side is really smooth and straight; just what we need!

Figure 2:

I have cut the card to size - approx 22mm x 55mm. The top is tapered and measures exactly at 20mm.

Figure 3:

Take a piece of lint-free lens tissue and cut it so you get a piece that's about 40mm wide. It can be wider but only slightly. Fold it in half.

Figure 4:

Attach the lens tissue to your cut out card. I've used Scotch Magic Tape to secure the lens tissue to the card. If you wish to reuse the card (which i do), stick the tape 1/2 way around the side of the lens tissue so that you will be able to remove it easily later. Don't tape it all around. Ensure that the tissue is secure.

Figure 5:

Take lens cleaning fluid or Chemist's methanol (i've used both and they work just as well) and apply very very sparingly onto the tip of your 'swab'. You might need to repeat this several times to get it right and not put too much fluid on it. Too much fluid will tear your lens tissue.

Figure 6:

Place your camera on a non-abrasive surface and remove the bodycap or lens. For cameras without mirror lock-up to clean the camera, set your camera to 'BULB' mode and use a cable release. ENSURE THAT YOUR BATTERY POWER IS FULL OR USE AN EXTERNAL POWER SOURCE! Lift up your camera body and blow out any dust that could be on the inside. A few powerful blows on your sensor would be good too, to remove as much dust as possible before wiping it down.

Figure 7:


*Before you attempt this step, you might want to 'TESTDRIVE' your new sensor swab on a filter. Hold the swab firmly and start in one smooth stroke from LEFT to RIGHT without stopping or moving back. How did you do? Once you're able to do it without leaving streaks behind, you're ready to move on! PS! This is also a good time to see if your swab is level!

Take your wet swab and start from the left. Hold the swab firmly and as you bring it across the sensor, apply light pressure as you sweep across.

Figure 8:

If you have done it right, there will be no streaking. DO NOT USE YOUR SWAB AGAIN - REPLACE THE LENS TISSUE before attempting to pass the swab across your sensor again. If you don't replace the tissue, you might get more dust on your sensor or scratch it if there's anything abrasive on the sensor or the swab.

You now have a clean sensor! Cheers!

Photographs & Tutorial by Nathaniel Tan - ParkertR