Original Sensor Swabs for Cleaning dSLR Sensors


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solarii

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The Original Sensor Swabs

sensor-swab.jpg


Have you cleaned your CMOS/CCD Sensor recently? If not, you may not be getting optimum image quality from you camera. DSLR cameras are virtual dust boxes, and its almost impossible to keep your sensor free from dust without any maintenance on your part.

Sensor Swabs by Photographic Solutions Inc are designed for cleaning CCD chips and other delicate or hard to reach optical and imaging surfaces. Clean room manufactured and sealed, these swabs are the ultimate in purity.

Why should I DIY?

You can send you dSLR back to the manufacturer for sensor cleaning. However, you will be charged around $21-$28 per session. This does not include transport, parking, waiting time etc.

By cleaning the sensor yourself, you can save yourself the hassle of making your way down to the service centre and waiting for the technicians to perform this simple task for you. You can also save a considerable sum of money each time your clean your sensor (about 60% savings). Besides it's not hard at all.

Is it safe?

Manufacturers often warn you not to attempt to clean it yourself as you may scratch and damage the filter protecting the sensor. This is true if you use products not designed for the task.

Sensor swabs are individually packed in a clean room environment, and specifically designed to clean CCD/CMOS sensors. The process is not complicated – simply open a pack and brush it over your sensor. The filter protecting your sensor is pretty thick and its actually very hard to scratch it using a soft swab.

Sensor swabs normally retail as a pack of 12 and cost about S$100. This is costly, especially if all you need is 1 piece, which usually gets the job done. In this offer, I am retailing these swabs INDIVIDUALLY for $10 a piece including postage to any address in Singapore. Each swab is good for 1 cleaning. Buy 2 pieces for a reduced price of $18 (ie $9 each)

I use them myself to clean the sensor of my 350D with no problems at at.

Supported Cameras:
Nikon D1/h/x, D100, D70, D50, D200, D2H, D2Hs, D2X
Canon D30 & D60,
Canon 10-D/20-D, Rebel XT / 350D, Rebel 300D
Konica Minolta 7D, 5D
Olympus E-1
Pentax *ist D, *ist DS

Ordering Info:

Payment can be made via ATM/I-Banking to the following account:
POSB Savings 048-37561-8

After payment is made, PM/SMS (nine-seven-nine-nine 1740) me your address and I will send you your order via local mail. (Registered mail add $2.00).

Each package contains:
The ordered amount of individually packed swabs

So clean your dSLR sensor in the comfort of your own home, at your own time. Less hassle, lower cost, less down time. Order yours today!

Disclaimer: As always, products send via local mail is done at the buyer's risk. The seller shall not be held responsible should items be lost in mail. However, I have never lost an order via mail and I do take precautions to ensure product is securely packaged.


For more information, you can refer to their website:
http://www.photosol.com/swabproduct.htm
 

Before Cleaning:

dirty_web.jpg



After cleaning with Sensor Swabs:

clean_web.jpg



The images you see are actual pictures taken with a 350D. Initially, I tried blowing away the dust with a rubber blower, but it only made the problem worse. Which is why it is important to use specifically designed products for the job. Sensor swabs will not damage your sensor if used as directed.
 

How To Check Your Sensor For Dust/Dirt:

Zoom to your maximum focal length (standard zoom lenses work best), close your aperture down to around f/22. Focus and photograph a piece of white paper. Any dust spots will show up as seen the the previous post.
 

I've received some enquiries so I'll answer the questions here to clarify any doubts.

1. Do I need the Eclipse cleaning solution to use with the swab?

No. Although the instructions recommend that you use the solution, I find it perfectly alright to clean the sensor without the solution. The material is very soft so it won't damage your sensor.

For those who aren't comfortable with swabbing with a dry swab head, you can use any good alcohol-based lens cleaner. You can test your lens cleaner on a coated filter to see if it leaves any residue. A good cleaner will not leave any residue and can be used.

In general, you'll need an alcohol solution only if you need to remove oil-based stains like fingerprints etc. If you use your camera normally, its VERY unlikely you'll have any oil-based impurities on your sensor - its just dust - so a dry swab will suffice. The swab head will pick up any dust particles so there's no fear of it "pushing the dust around" unlike some brushes or blowers.

2. I don't know how to do it/Am not comfortable with doing it.

Every dSLR user should learn how to clean his/her own sensor. It really that important. Dust is bound to end up on your sensor - unless you never change lenses. Sending it in every time is expensive and inconvenient. Putting up with the dust is also not advisible.

The process is really as simple and effective as described. However, if you require any additional tips, advice or help, I'll be willing to provide it.

I too, was initially apprehensive about doing it myself after hearing all the horror stories and warnings. However, after trying it out, I was surprised at how easy it was - Ironic when you think about the big fuss made by the manufacturers and some users over such a routine maintenance task. I can't believe I almost went all the way down to Harbourfront, paid $21 and wasted 1+ hr over something that takes less than 1 minute.

So I hope fellow photographers will give this a shot when its time to clean your sensors. If you've always wanted to DIY but don't want to purchase an entire box cos you're unsure of whether or not it'll work, this is a great chance to try out the original sensor swabs!
 

Upz....still have quite a few pieces left!
 

Good news! I'm currently producing a mini e-guide to cleaning your dSLR sensor entitled:
Cleaning Your Digital SLR Sensor 101

This e-guide discusses the various cleaning accessories, their Pros/Cons, as well as provides you with useful tips and advice on how to clean the sensor yourself.

This guide will be sent FREE to all who purchase Sensor swabs via this order.

Existing buyers will have the guide sent to them after it's launched in a few days!
 

Bro, 2 pcs for $18 and if 4pcs for how much?
 

donchua said:
Bro, 2 pcs for $18 and if 4pcs for how much?

$34 inclusive of postage + 1 free sensor cleaning e-guide.
 

Have 4more pcs left! :)

Next batch will probably be available in June/July.
 

Ok last pair taken up.

I'm not getting any more till prob. June.

However if anyone still wants, let me know. I'll place an order earlier. :)
 

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