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96 http://www.digitalcameraworld.com
MINITEST
Sensor cleaning can be scary, but there are
products that’ll make it a painless process
OU’D be forgiven
for thinking that
modern
interchangeable lens
cameras can keep dust at
bay using their integrated
sensor cleaning systems.
But shoot in dusty spaces, or
change lenses often, and it’s
only a matter of time before
your sensor will need to be
cleaned manually.
You’ll know when to break
out the cleaning products as
images of clear blue skies or
plain backdrops begin to
feature unwelcome dark spots
- especially obvious at narrow
apertures. But don’t fret, with
a steady hand and the right
kit you can restore your
sensor to its former glory!
DSLRs are slightly trickier
to clean than mirrorless
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lock the mirror up to access
the sensor, and don’t forget to
fully charge your camera’s
battery beforehand. Then
it’s just a matter of using a
squeezy blower, brush, or a
sticky pad to remove loose
dust, while more stubborn
dirt can be dislodged using
swabs and cleaning solution.
Of course it helps to have
a decent view of what you’re
doing, and though a good old
head torch and magnifying
glass will do the job, a
cleaning kit with a dedicated
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reveal even the smallest of
specks or stains.Sensor cleaners
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to banish dust
quickly, effectively and without damaging your sensor(^01) Wet or dry?
Using specially-designed swabs and solution will remove most gunk
from your sensor, whilst an air blower puffs dust away for a quick clean.
(^02) The perfect view
A kit with a loupe and light will really help you see where exactly needs
cleaning. Some designs also allow you to clean while the loupe rests
safely on the lens mount.
(^03) Plan ahead
A basic blower will never run out of puff, but if you go for a wet cleaning
kit, the included swabs and solution will only go so far. Make sure
replacements are readily available and don’t cost a fortune.
(^04) Fit for purpose
Camera sensors are incredibly delicate devices, so make sure that you
only use swabs and solution specifically designed for cleaning imaging
sensors, not just optical glass.
(^05) Less is more
Squeezy blowers may be safe for a sensor, but don’t be tempted to up
the ante with a compressed air canister. Their high pressure and
freezing propellant can cause serious damage.
FIVE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
£71/$56 http://www.delkindevices.com
£60/ $45 http://www.lenspen.com
DELKIN’S KIT is equipped to
remove loose particles and more
stubborn contaminants. The
SensorBulb blower puffs dust
away, albeit in the same
uncontrolled way as any blower,
meaning dust can just be blown
around and onto the sensor.
Should this happen, you can
always switch to the included
cleaning swabs and solution. You
get 15 double-ended wands and a
decent supply of streak-free fluid,
but results are mixed... The
wands have a tendency to move
some particles across the sensor,
rather than picking them up.
A LED loupe is included in the
kit and it shines brightly into the
camera chamber, however we
found the sensor surface to be
slightly out of focus when
compared to the LensPen loupe,
and annoyingly there’s no focus
adjustment. Delkin’s loupe also
lacks a cutout on the side, so you
can’t clean with the loupe in place
and it means one hand is always
needed to hold the loupe.
A better tactic is to use the
included SensorKlear II pen. Its
hinged tip ensures contact with the
sensor, but it doesn’t attract debris
as well as the Dust-Aid Platinum or
SpeckGrabber tools on test.
LENSPEN proudly asserts that
its cleaning equipment is used by
NASA on the International Space
Station – a bold claim indeed.
This kit includes a range of
gadgets for performing a dry
sensor clean. Identifying any
dust is a cinch thanks to the
SensorKlear Loupe with its LED
illumination. The loupe’s focus
is adjustable to cover different
sensor sizes and it rests securely
on the lens mount of your
camera. There’s also a very useful
opening on the side so you can
clean with the loupe in place.
But while you get a great view,
cleaning performance is hardly
out of this world. The included
Hurricane Blower will dislodge
loose particles, however simply
blasting air in this fashion can
result in dust from the
surrounding chamber being
blown onto the sensor.
Delkin SensorScope Travel Kit
LensPen SensorKlear Loupe Kit
VERDICT
PROS: Contains everything needed
for most cleaning scenarios...
CONS: ... But none work that well,
and the kit isn’t cheap in the UK
WE SAY: Seems decent on paper,
but misses the mark in practice
VERDICT
PROS: Loupe gives a perfect view;
SensorKlear cleaning pen is useful
CONS: Blower isn’t always potent;
neither of the tools will bust stains
WE SAY: A nice kit for the money,
but not the most versatile solution