Compressed air help?

Question:Hi
is compressed air good for cleaning my nikon d40 slr sensor

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hi
is compressed air good for cleaning my nikon d40 slr sensor

When I change a lens or notice dust specs on an image the first thing I do is take the lens off and ,with the camera facing downwards fire off a blast of 3 or 4 shots.I then check the back of the lens is clean and replace it.This usually gets rid of dust specs but things like pollen are a bit stickier.Check out EarthBoundLight,it's a site in the USA and has lots of good advice and links for Nikon fans.They had a special in their archive from a few months ago about safe cleaning of sensors.

NO,NO,NO!!!!!!!!!

Edited to add: I clean my sensor regularly...there's no great mystery to it, but compressed air can do some real damage. I use a special brush, an air bulb and special swabs.

Be CAREFUL! I'm a professional portrait photographer and I wouldn't try cleaning my sensor by myself. I know there are people who do, but I leave it up to the professionals.

I always purchase my cameras from camera shops that service what they sell. Consider taking your camera to one of these (usually locally owned, not "big box") stores. If you damage the sensor you are really up the creek without a paddle.

Never use compressed air! the propellant can leave all sorts of nasty stuff and it isn't unknown for the nozzle to become detached and crash into the sensor. I use a Giottos Rocket Air Blower. http://www.cameraworld.co.uk/ViewProdDet...
Never had to actually touch the sensor with anything so far (fingers crossed lol)

Maybe a Rocket blower, no more than that, don't used canned air they have contaminants in them.

Cleaning sensors is not as hard as people make out, make sure your battery is full (so the shutter doesn't close on you without warning) and use these pads the correct Eclipse fluid and follow the instructions. Available (UK) here.

http://www.cameraclean.co.uk/

Chris

Yes it is - IF you want to destroy your camera. If destroying your camera isn't part of your plans then take your camera to a professional camera shop and ask their assistance.

Personally I'm not a fan of using even a hand pumped blower inside a camera. Sending dust flying around inside your camera is a good way to lodge it in delicate mechanisms and contaminate the lubricants.