I am afraid I have to disagree with JR sorry. I have a Giotto blower and I used to think it was the be all end all of dust removal and it just isn't. Its not until you look through something like a Loupe at the sensor that you can see the results a blower causes.

I can understand JR thinking they are ok, I did myself until I purchased a VisibleDust sensor Loupe, its only with the use of such a tool that you can really see how much dust settles back on a sensor using a blower.

Bazza

Bazza - it is your right to disagree with me, and I don't profess to have all of the answers, but please take the time to read ALL of my post, before disagreeing.

For your convenience, I have re-posted part of my thread, you will note that at no stage did I suggest using a blower is the be all & end all. It suggested it should be used in CONJUNCTION as PART of a cleaning ritual. I also added that the blower should be used correctly.

Thirdly, I don't dispute the value of using a £99 loupe to detect minuscule fragments of dust or debris - if your imagery detail is scientifically ultra-critical, or you're mad enough to part with that kind of money for something you can do for FREE.

With normal good cleaning habits you can detect any particles that may impinge upon your images. This FREE method would simply be to set your camera to 'aperture priority' and set the aperture to f/16 or smaller. Aim the camera at a clear blue sky or a plain white wall and then take a picture.

Transfer the image to your computer and review it at 100% size. If you notice blotches, spots, etc...it is usually sensor dust or debris. These can then be removed using a blower in conjunction with other cleaning methods.

JR have you used a loupe sensor? costing £58 as a seperate item. I have done the same as you with taking photos of sky etc and cross checking on a computer screen. Yes it is one way of doing it the same as photographing white paper. I have to agree to disagree about the blowers wether used in conjunction with other methods or not. I have actually seen what happens after blowing and definately would not recommend it.
Can I possibly make a suggestion that you, if possible, get hold of a loupe, clean the sensor then use a blower and see the result. I think you will change your mind like I did

Bazza

This debate about the use of a blower is interesting.

When I tried it - keeping the lens mount facing down throughout the procedure and using one hand to angle the nozzle while the other squeezed the bulb - I found that it it did seem to help, and cleared quite a few spots off the sensor, going by test photos at f22. It just didn't shift all of it, hence the subsequent wet clean.

Bazza - this extra dust you're seeing on the sensor after use of the blower, is it all very small stuff, i.e. are you saying that the blower puts small particles on the sensor, too small to show up using the photo-at-f22 method?

Hey, Gents, any info on using ordinary optical wipes as opposed to special lens ones?

Bazza - I have used a loupe; they are not new!

The Military photography section I do work for have some - but they have stopped using them. WHY?? because as I said, the loupe is for the paranoid - it detects specks of micro-debris that will be magnified x10 on the loupe, but unless you are taking exacting images for scientific purposes will NOT effect even professional images if you have a good sensor cleaning discipline.

I can understand how the marketing of these products suck people in to part with their hard earned cash thought.

Snapper - its hard to offer advice without knowing what you are using. However, in my experience, usually when something is advertised as a 'specialist' product...it usually attracts a corresponding price.

I have used spec wipes and filter/monitor Safeclens spray

Thanks, they do suggest using them on photographic equipment but one does worry as you hear different opinions and horror stories and I did not know if I was committing some error and be destined to finish up with the lens coating peeling off. Remember my accountants glasses doing that once, we alway reckoned he cleaned them in vodka.

I suppose I am a bit fussy about dirt on sensors, it depends if your happy if a few dust partical possibly show up in a photo. Ok most editing suites have spot removal as part of their program but I would prefer not to have them in the first place.
Doing a check the JR way is ok, don't get me wrong, but having tried both methods I find using the loupe is far easier and gives a more accurate view of a sensor. Infact I did suggest a similar method in an earlier tip doing it the JR way.

Ok it is a costly bit of kit for what it is and how often it is going to be used, but unlike a lot of photographic "extras" this really is one of those really does the job.

I think of it this way, how much does it cost to send a camera away for cleaning and how long are you without a camera? can you be sure it is completely clean? when you weigh up these factors it makes the loupe work out a bargain.

As for sensor cleaning I purchased Eclipse Optic Cleaner and swabs/wipes etc designed for this purpose which can be found on the web/ebay.


Everyone has their own way of keeping dust out and I accept that, its just that having recently discovered this bit of kit and having used it I all I can do is say is add it to your Christmas/birthday wish list.

Bazza

I've got a spot of dust on my sensor at the moment that is proving hard to remove and is quite noticeable in my photos, what do you guys suggest I do?