arctic butterfly, which is better?

[davidd]

I was about to buy one, is the 724 worth the extra £18?

D

[Stigmundfreud]

Just a word of caution which ever AB you get, be sure to not let it touch the cambre or you might end up with a nice film of lube all over your sensor!! Worth getting a wet clean system at the same time (e2+swabs)

[4hero]

Could some point me in the direction of a good step by step guide on cleaning sensors? I've heard so many ways to do it, and am confused

[davidd]

Stigmundfreud said:

Just a word of caution which ever AB you get, be sure to not let it touch the cambre or you might end up with a nice film of lube all over your sensor!! Worth getting a wet clean system at the same time (e2+swabs)

So am I better just getting a wet clean kit?

[Stigmundfreud]

I'd say the AB is a good kit, but it has an FAQ covering the issue I pointed out (thankfully!). I'd noticed what appeared to be grease over the ccd anti-aliasing cover and on their website it explains where and why and how it happens.

Personally I believe in both wet and dry, wet to really get rid of the st thats on there and a dry system for out in the field or quick clean action. I need to clean my AB brush but tbh since doing the wet clean I have had no issues with dust in over 4 months of lens changing etc. Its a 5d I have renound for their dust issues (as a result of canon over lubing their chamber at factory).

I used the AB swabs and the e2 fluid as e2 is compatible on the newer ITO coated sensors (if you have a full frame sensor I recommend you get a 1.3 crop swab or its a pain to avoid touching the chamber whilst getting at the sensor)

[Antarctic Mat]

I tend to use an arctic butterfly on my film gear but it never really does the job with my digital kit, not really sure why. I'd go for the wet kit as mentioned above, works on my old 20d that attracts dust like mad! You'll find you don't have to do it that often unless you are in a dust bowl.
Cheers.
Mat

[davidd]

I've been doing a bit of reading..

so what about..

http://www.cameraclean.co.uk/acatalog/Dust-Aid_Sen...

or..

http://www.cameraclean.co.uk/acatalog/Kits.html

Cheers

D

[Stigmundfreud]

I'd looked at the first option at one point but the idea of putting a sticker on my sensor? No thanks

[davidd]

So, should I go fr a butterfly first, or straight to a wet clean?

The rocket blower has got shot of most of it but there is still a litte in there.

D

[havoc]

I bought an AB, used it, found it smeared badly on the filter in front of the CCD, swore lots, ordered a wet kit for quick delivery. Put AB away until I could be bothered to clean the brush with a mild detergent and then with Eclipse fluid to make sure it was spotless.

I then used the wet kit (Eclipse fluid and sensor swabs), checked it (still dust). Used it again, checked it (still dust). Used it a third time (getting expensive now!), checked it...STILL little bits of dust!!!



So I went out and bought a 40D with the sensor self-clean function!

[davidd]

havoc said:

So I went out and bought a 40D with the sensor self-clean function!

I've just done that, and managed to get dush on it!

[Stigmundfreud]

havoc if you were still having dust after the wet clean either your technique was off or there was more to it.

To the OP, if the dust is stuck think about what its like when you get a drop of emulsion on your skirting board. If you wipe it off when dry you may be able to chip it off but if you use a little bit of water, a jay cloth it wipes off easily.

I would say if your sensor is a ff then go for a 1.3 swab, if its 1.3 crop then go for a 1.6 swab, if its a 1.6 crop go for a 2.0 crop it just makes life much easier you get the picture.

Once the intial smearing has happend with the AB you shouldnt get it again, it typically happens on first use and is usually due to either touching hte chambre or there actually being bit of oil on the ccd (common on 5ds from shop)

You wont kill your camera if you are safe

[havoc]

Stigmundfreud said:

havoc if you were still having dust after the wet clean either your technique was off or there was more to it.

I think it must have been in the chamber / lens and just got transferred back as soon as the CCD charged up.

[Stigmundfreud]

you can get chamber cleaning kits too but what you can get, if you are not careful with teh swab, is some actual lint transfer (lint free maybe but catch it on the way in and it will unthread)