Image sensor smudges

[Kevin McRae]

Hi, I've been having issues with smudges on my photos for some time now. I've been trying many ways to clean my sensor/mirror; I even bought sensor cleaning "swabs on a stick", designed for cleaning sensors. Sometimes when I clean I make it worse. More smudges show up depending on the shutter/exposure. This is very frustrating, how the hell can I get it clean! Also, it's not the lenses...it shows up on all lenses.

[Bambi]

I think I would take it to a camera place and cough up for a professional clean.

[Andrew]

Some cleaners are pretty specific on what they will take off. My guess is if you're getting smudging then there is an oily texture to the dirt. Make sure you are using quality products and follow instructions and there is no reason you can't do as well as some shop. There's no magic. They all had to learn too. A benefit to sending to the manufacturer is they will not only clean the sensor but also give it an inspection. Oil has been an ongoing intermittent problem they may correct for you. Choice is yours.

[Marko]

I'm with bambi here - I try to clean myself...and when i do an awful job...I send it to a pro.

[Mad Aussie]

Are you sure you've followed the instructions right Kev?

Make sure you don't use too much fluid, do one pass across the top half of the sensor, then turn the stick for the 2nd pass or you'll redeposit the problem back on.

[Andrew]

I have to agree with a couple of others here about the proper chemicals and following instructions. For this task there is no disassembly or technical requirements that called for special training from the manufacturer. Re-visit your procedure. Getting it right will save you money and down-time in the future. (And give you some self-satisfaction as well.)

[Mad Aussie]

Hoping not to offend here ... but I've seen it before ... are you sure you are cleaning the sensor? I've seen people trying to clean the focusing screen instead.

[Yisehaq]

For me, I clean my sensors myself. There is no other alternative over here. I use methanol for cleaning, as it can clean as well as evaporate very fast. If it doesn't get clean the first time you have to do it again and again. Sometimes some of the dust and other particles on the sensor are so stubborn. Having said, I have to tell you that I have learned everything the hard way.

[susan]

Man. I envy you guys. I wish I had the guts to do my own cleaning. Just had two camera's sensors cleaned this summer - about broke the bank!

[Andrew]

Really, it's not that hard. I think most people are afraid of breaking something. Do an internet search and some reading. If you can lay down a good coat of nail polish you will be able to clean the sensor.

[susan]

Thanks for the encouragement, Andrew. Baby steps - perhaps experiment on the 5D :-)