Dust!

[billkay]

Anyone have any ideas how to remove dust and other nasties from a CCD? I've had some icredibly bad luck with getting "stuff" on my CCD and have some concerns over how to clean it with out sending them out to a pro repair facility. I hink the dust and stuff gets on them while changing lenses. My cameras are Nikon D-1's if that makes any difference.

 

[Kickaha]

The basic procedure is:

1. Use a brush-free blower to gently blow dust from the CCD. DO NOT use a brush to do this.

2. Moisten a SensorSwab with a few drops of Eclipse optical cleaning solution. Do not allow the SensorSwab to touch ANYTHING after opening it. Use the SensorSwab and Eclipse Brands only. Don't use any other brand of swab or cleaning solution. Eclipse is alcohol-based and will evaporate quickly, so make sure everything is ready before you start.

3. Wipe one side of the swab across the entire length of the CCD - ONLY ONCE. Repeat with the other side of the swab. Any cleaning solution should not pool or remain on the CCD; if pooling or streaks occur, you may have too much solution on the swab. The solution acts as a solvent and lubricant to remove contaminants from the surface.

4. Examine the CCD surface in a strong light. Take an out of focus picture of a flat, illuminated surface to see if any dirt or dust remains. Dust or dirt particles are recognized as a soft shadow or dark blemish in an image.

5. Repeat steps 1-4 if any dust remains.


HOWEVER

Check with the manufacturer for your specific camera. The methods suggested for different cameras seem very specific to the camera model. For example, most of them tell you to keep the AC Adapter plugged in while doing this. Some cameras even have menu options for telling the camera you're doing this.

NOTE THAT THIS MAY VOID THE WARRANTY ON YOUR CAMERA.