Sensor Swabs?

[WDWFigment]

My Nikon D7000 has a bunch of oil droplets on the highpass filter covering the sensor that the rocket blower can't remove.

I could send the thing into Nikon, but that is a huge hassle. I'd rather just clean it myself.

From what I understand, I should be able to take care of the issue with sensor swabs. I'm wondering if anyone has ever used these, and if so, whether they work well?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Camera-Lens..._Photographic_Accessories&hash=item43aa192aba

 

[GrillMouster]

I haven't tried it myself, but I hear great things from others who have. Just make sure you get the correct one for your camera's sensor size. I think Kelby Training has a step-by-step video on cleaning your sensor.

 

[Marlton Mom]

I'm guessing that you're aware that oil droplets on the sensor is a common report from D7000 owners.

I am taking a trip up to B&H on Monday and one of the things I'm going to ask about is sensor cleaning kits, which they sell (of course). I'd be curious to find out what size I need (D90) since I can't find information about the sensor size and swab size needed. I have found when shopping for swabs & kits that the measurements of my sensor size are not easily converted to the measurement of the swabs (If that info is even included!)

I am also going to ask them about the B+W - 77mm Kaeseman Circular Polarizing Multi-Resistant Coating (MRC) for use with my Tokina 11-16 and my Nikon 18-105mm lenses. I'm thinking this is the way to go as far as polarizers are concerned and I'm willing to spend the $$. I was using the 18-105 lens at the beach Thursday and the lack of polarizer in the ultra bright sun was painful!

The Singh-Ray - 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter will have to wait until I manage to rob a bank but the General Brand - 77mm-67mm Step-Down Ring (Lens to Filter) looks like it will happen due to the affordable price

If you Google cleaning a camera sensor you can find videos demonstrating the technique. I found a lovely one in Japenese that seemed to be telling me start from the center and work your way to the edges. Once I purchase a kit I'll review the ones in english!

Good luck with that D7000 oil droplet problem. At least it's accessible and can be fixed. Have you come around to liking the D7000 yet or are you still pining for the D90?

~Marlton Mom

 

[WDWFigment]

^Yeah, I'm aware of the oil problem. Dealing with Nikon is a pain in the *** for something so minor, so I'll clean it myself.

I saw a video last night, I just wanted to see if anyone I "know" has first hand experience using these. It doesn't seem too difficult.

Eh, the D7000 is okay. I enables me to use my favorite lens (the Rokinon 8mm), which is a plus, but ultimately, I think I should have just gone full frame. I'm not paying inflated prices for a D700 at this point when it's due for a replacement, so for now, I'll just wait.

 

[Shutterbug]

My Canon 40D had many of those static dusts and droplets on its sensor at one point. It was pretty bad. Yeah the rocket blower would not blow them off.

I bought the kit made by Photographic Solutions. They make swabs that will match the exact sensor size of your camera. The kit came with dry swabs and the Eclipse cleaning fluid.
http://www.photosol.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=25&idcategory=6

I was nervous at first but I was careful in how I applied pressure. Also was careful in how I put the sensor down into the sensor space.
My sensor was so bad, I need to run the swab across it twice, flipping it over between swipes.
Having a bright small flashlight helps to see if you got all the spots.

I keep the kit in my camera bag,,,which reminds me I needs buy some more swabs to refill the kit up.