Sensor (OLPF) Cleaning - What is recommended?

[Ryan E. Walters]

So what is the official word on the proper method of cleaning the sensor (OLPF to be exact) on the Red One?

After doing a search, I found the following tools (below), but no real answer, or suggestions on the correct way, method, or tool to use. I would appreciate any and all input on this matter as I'm looking to invest in the proper tools for the job.

Dry Tools-
https://www.micro-tools.com/store/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=PSI-6
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486073-REG/Visible_Dust_3425966_SD_800_Arctic_Butterfly_Pro.h tml#features
http://www.nrdfirefly.com/

Wet Tools-
http://www.delkin.com/products/sensorscope/sensorsystem.html

[Jarred Land]

We use the Sensor Swabs and the delkin scope at RED.. but If I remember either Evin or Brook compared a bunch and had a pretty good summary of what they thought was best.

One thing to note is your first link for the sensor swabs you have the wrong size.. you want the ones made for APS-C size cameras ( type 2 ) , not type 3 for Full Frame sensor cameras.

[KETCH ROSSi]

I use a combination of cleaning tools, I always start by looking in with the Visible Sensor loupe, to see what I have on the sensor, then I blowing it with the FireFly, to remove dust with out creating static, some times I follow with a regular blower, as it has stronger blow of air, and then return to the use of the FireFly, I do this few times then look again.

I always try to avoid touching the sensor, and do so only if I just can't seem to be able to blow the dust away, or simply discover that what I have is not dust but dry wet spot, from condensation or any type of dirt that got in during the change of lens.

In this cases I use the Green Clean sensor cleaner, first the wet foam swab and immediately after the Dry sweeper, very careful and very delicately, trying to stay away form the corners and sides of the sensor not to catch and or remove the oils from it.

This combination has worked greatly on all of my cameras, they also make the swab for full frame sensors, and I would not use one or the other in the wrong size sensor to avoid again to touch spots that you re not supposed to, like the corners and extreme sides of the sensor.

ciao

[Ryan E. Walters]

We use the Sensor Swabs and the delkin scope at RED.. but If I remember either Evin or Brook compared a bunch and had a pretty good summary of what they thought was best.

One thing to note is your first link for the sensor swabs you have the wrong size.. you want the ones made for APS-C size cameras ( type 2 ) , not type 3 for Full Frame sensor cameras.

Thanks for the correction. :)

I also appreciate the info. I'll do a search under Evin or Brook to see if I can find that post- it did not come up when I searched for it the first time.

[Ryan E. Walters]

I use a combination of cleaning tools, I always start by looking in with the Visible Sensor loupe, to see what I have on the sensor, then I blowing it with the FireFly, to remove dust with out creating static, some times I follow with a regular blower, as it has stronger blow of air, and then return to the use of the FireFly, I do this few times then look again.

I always try to avoid touching the sensor, and do so only if I just can't seem to be able to blow the dust away, or simply discover that what I have is not dust but dry wet spot, from condensation or any type of dirt that got in during the change of lens.

In this cases I use the Green Clean sensor cleaner, first the wet foam swab and immediately after the Dry sweeper, very careful and very delicately, trying to stay away form the corners and sides of the sensor not to catch and or remove the oils from it.

This combination has worked greatly on all of my cameras, they also make the swab for full frame sensors, and I would not use one or the other in the wrong size sensor to avoid again to touch spots that you re not supposed to, like the corners and extreme sides of the sensor.

ciao

Thanks for that detailed response. Are these the Green Clean cleaners you are talking about: http://www.green-clean.at/en/camera/sensor-cleaning-system/ ?

[KETCH ROSSi]

Thanks for that detailed response. Are these the Green Clean cleaners you are talking about: http://www.green-clean.at/en/camera/sensor-cleaning-system/ ?

Welcome Ryan, yes they are, just make sure to purchase that have the full bottom curve in GREEN, the one with a 15mm stretch.

Also very important to open the wet foam swab right before you use it, as they dry quickly, same goes for the sue of the Dry sweeper, do so right after you finished with the wet swabs, as not to let any dirt, get dry again on the sensor.

ciao

[Bill Anderson]

I've used the "Lenspen Sensor Klear" made by Optex on my DSLR- It has worked perfectly well so far. It's a simple dry pad cleaning method, the pen lasts for years.
Perhaps there are unique circumstances, but consider this as a very decent and easy to use remedy for particle removal. It costs about 25$ and should be available in most drug mart type camera departments as well as pro shops.

[Shawn Nelson]

I use a combination of cleaning tools, I always start by looking in with the Visible Sensor loupe, to see what I have on the sensor, then I blowing it with the FireFly, to remove dust with out creating static, some times I follow with a regular blower, as it has stronger blow of air, and then return to the use of the FireFly, I do this few times then look again.

I always try to avoid touching the sensor, and do so only if I just can't seem to be able to blow the dust away, or simply discover that what I have is not dust but dry wet spot, from condensation or any type of dirt that got in during the change of lens.

In this cases I use the Green Clean sensor cleaner, first the wet foam swab and immediately after the Dry sweeper, very careful and very delicately, trying to stay away form the corners and sides of the sensor not to catch and or remove the oils from it.

This combination has worked greatly on all of my cameras, they also make the swab for full frame sensors, and I would not use one or the other in the wrong size sensor to avoid again to touch spots that you re not supposed to, like the corners and extreme sides of the sensor.

ciao

Except you arent touching the sensor, that's just the olpf, a piece of glass right? The sensor is safely behind that

[KETCH ROSSi]

Except you arent touching the sensor, that's just the olpf, a piece of glass right? The sensor is safely behind that

We say sensor cleaning out of general understanding, as not every one really knows the complexity of a design in the Sensor and OLPF stacking, for the construction of the sensor module.

BUt yes I do refer ( Underlined) for those that know to the OLPF, as we can't reach the Sensor directly, but it is just the same a very delicate layer of softened Glass, which in some cases, it shows a jelly effect when cleaning it, if a light pressure is applied, not suggested!

Below I attached few pics, one shows the OLPF it self in carious shapes for different applications, and the other is a diagram from a Nikon sensor system, to show case their cleaning technology, here we can clearly see the elements that make up for this particular system were the sensor is firmly attached to the mechanical and electronic element, in the very center of the five components of this system is the OLPF.

ciao

[Jarred Land]

correct.. and even without the OLPF filter it would be impossible to touch the actual sensor.. as there is an additional protective glass bonded to the ceramic frame of the sensor itself.

[KETCH ROSSi]

correct..:)

[Ryan S]

Excellent tips all, thank you for sharing.

[Ryan E. Walters]

Ketch-

When you are using the Visible Sensor loupe how well does the cover the PL opening? Is it easy to drop into the cavity? If so, how do you prevent it from slipping and hitting the sensor? (Or is it just a matter of being UBER careful.)

[KETCH ROSSi]

Ketch-

When you are using the Visible Sensor loupe how well does the cover the PL opening? Is it easy to drop into the cavity? If so, how do you prevent it from slipping and hitting the sensor? (Or is it just a matter of being UBER careful.)

Ryan, the visible Dust Loupe, needs to be held over the lens mount, depending on the size of the mount, you will need to hold it over it, and look to see in to the sensor chamber, the led lights inside the Visible dust loupe, will illuminate the inside.

The loupe will only be on top of the lens mount and not ever inside, so no way that can be even close to touch the sensor.

If and when the lens mount aperture is larger then the loupe it self it should not be allowed to be go further then the lens mount surface, as the LED's need to have a bit of distance to illuminate the sensor in its entirety.

ciao

[Ryan E. Walters]

Thanks Ketch. :) The Youtube video I saw of one of them in use on an DSLR showed it locking onto the mount, but the loupe on B&H looks to be smaller then the aperture of the PL mount- so that got me a little worried. Good to know. :)

[david farland]

trying to stay away form the corners and sides of the sensor not to catch and or remove the oils from it.

I'm interested that you keep away from the edges.
You must be careful not to rewipe the grit from the edges onto the main surface but I not sure I could sleep if I didn't clear these areas as they're a haven for debris.
D

[KETCH ROSSi]

I'm interested that you keep away from the edges. Not sure I could sleep if I didn't clear these areas as they look like they're a haven for debris.
D

Correct David this is why I stay away from the far edges s not to remove the oils near the frame , if I can not remove the dust particles with out doing so, then I'll take the camera to a Pro shop and have it cleaned there, and they will also replace the lubricant.


Edit: Unfortunately do to the amount of medications I take daily, I have shaky hands, so better careful then sorry :)

ciao

[david farland]

Ketch,
I wasn't aware there was a lubriant round Red's olfp that could dissolve and breakdown the seal and of course smear over the sensor?
I always thought residue left on the sensor was a result of impurites in the cleaning fluids. I don't use VisibleDust fluids for this reason.
Dave,

[KETCH ROSSi]

Ketch,
I wasn't aware there was a lubriant round Red's olfp that could dissolve and breakdown the seal and of course smear over the sensor?
I always thought residue left on the sensor was a result of impurites in the cleaning fluids. I don't use VisibleDust fluids for this reason.
Dave,

Yes David there is a "Chamber Lubricant" some manufacturers put more then others, Canon been one of those that puts more, and this can get easily spread to the surface of the "OLPF" and that you will not remove your self, you will have to send it in for cleaning service.

Now is to note that this is particularly true to Still cameras, so Jarred can elaborate about the RED process and their use of Chamber Lubricant.


ciao

[LCamak]

Jarred,

On the Sensor swabs usage, can you tell me which fluid you reccomend? There seem to be two types: Eclipse or Eclipse E2?
Or do you prefer a different solution?

Thanks,
Lael Camak

#1673

[Stephen Strangways]

For the RED, you want the original Eclipse, NOT Eclipse E2.

[JanneJansson]

Very good OLPF cleaning method.
http://www.copperhillimages.com/index.php?pr=Tutorials1

Very short summary of method:
- Clean sensor in a clean room
- Clean sensor with rocket blower first removing lose particle.
- Clean using Eclipse (Methanol) on pec-pad wrapped on a sensorswipe.
- Put 2-3 drops on pec-pad (not on OLPF)
- Wipe sensor with "penforce" ONCE in a: left upper corner -> right upper corner -> move pad down to right lover corner -> lefter lover corner motion

If all specs are not removed. Ignor and try next week again.

Do not use:
- Alcohol (can dissolve ahesive arround OLPF and smear)
- Lens fluids, lens tissue, they can leave recidue
- Adhesives methods (tejp)
- Artists painting brushes

On B & H:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/127525-REG/Photographic_Solutions_EC_Eclipse_Optic_Lens_Clean ing.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/242758-REG/Photographic_Solutions_SS2BOX_Sensor_Swab_Type_2.h tml
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/71154-REG/Photographic_Solutions_PAD44_Pec_Pad_Photo_Wipes.h tml