Sensor cleaning with “eyelead”
A camera sensor must be cleaned from time to time. For light soiling, the camera’s automatic sensor cleaning or a simple blower is sufficient. For heavy dirt or dust, the camera must be sent for service or you can take matters into your own hands. For years, I performed liquid cleaning. However, a colleague drew my attention to the “eyelead” adhesion swab. I ordered it and tested it immediately.
How can I determine if my sensor is dirty?
To assess the current state, you must take a picture of a white surface. Use the following settings on the camera: small aperture (f/22), aperture priority, low ISO, and manual focus set to out of focus. In the image editing program, increase the contrast and possibly the black level. You can also flip the image horizontally so that the photo corresponds to the sensor.
Cleaning with the eyelead Cleaning Set:
Everything unpacked and prepared. Perform such cleaning processes in an environment that is as dust-free as possible (if that is even possible). In the camera menu, set sensor cleaning to “Manual” and the mirror will expose the sensor. Now you can remove the protective cap from the swab and press it once onto the cleaning paper. With a clean swab, the sensor can now be cleaned carefully and systematically. Ideally, one pass is enough. Finally, the swab is cleaned on the paper again so that the dust sticks to the paper.
Safety instructions from “eyelead Bluetech GmbH“:
Use the viscose cleaning paper only once. Do not touch the head of the adhesion swab with your fingers to prevent body oils from reaching the sensor. Keep out of reach of children!
Put the lens back on, finish the sensor cleaning, and repeat a test image as described above. Now I’ll keep my fingers crossed that the camera sensor is clean again. For me, it worked, except for two medium-sized and a few tiny spots. I have colored the before/after test photo for comparison.
Conclusion:
I had some dirt and streaks on the sensor. This type of cleaning from “eyelead” has convinced me. Now I will check the other cameras and repeat the process in a few weeks. Make sure to change lenses quickly and cleanly on your camera so that as little dust and dirt as possible enters the camera body.
