Sensor cleaning fluid?

[geckophoto]

Just wondering what is IN sensor cleaning fluid? I've never had to use it to clean my sensor, used canned air all the time on my S2 and S3, but now have a 'glob' that won't blow off. Looking to buy the Sensor Swabs and see you need the cleaning fluid.

I do have some drum scanner mounting fluid and also drum scanner cleaner Aztec Kami DC 2001 that evaporates immediately and leaves no residue and was wondering if this is the same type of stuff you pay big $ for with the cleaning swabs? Not that i"m going to use it but just wondering if it would still do the trick? The only thing on the label that may show me what is in it, it says : De-greasing of skin by Solvent Naphtha and n-Hexane result.

[Tom V]

I think the fluid is basically pure alcohol. It is not rubbing alcohol or other types of alcohol that contain moisture (water). Water will leave waterspots on your sensor.

If I recall correctly, Everclear is 90 or 95% alcohol, and I think some people have used it as a cheap alternative to "real" sensor cleaning fluid.

I am sure you can find some old threads about this topic. Some resident alcohol experts :cheers: know all the differences between the various kinds of alcohol, and posted opinions and recommendations.

I wouldn't use a dry sensor brush.

[Bilbo]

Don't use Old Speckled Hen - that wouldn't work - and it would be a shameful waste! :woot:

I use SensorSwabs and Eclipse - recommended by Fuji and works fine on my D200.

Useful link ... http://www.photosol.com/

Bob

[Steve Wynn]

Eclipse fluid contains methanol, which is not consumable. There are probably some propietory chemicals too. I think a 2 oz bottle is about $10.00
It works very well using the recommended Pec Pads

My favorite is is Everclear, available from most state liquor stores. It is ethanol and is drinkable. It is 95% ( 190 proof ) alcohol. A 1 liter bottle of it was $13.95 when I bought one in the summer of 2005. It works equallyl well and I can't tell the difference between it and Eclipse.

Steve

[Theo2005]

Eclipse fluid contains methanol, which is not consumable. There are probably some propietory chemicals too. I think a 2 oz bottle is about $10.00
It works very well using the recommended Pec Pads

My favorite is is Everclear, available from most state liquor stores. It is ethanol and is drinkable. It is 95% ( 190 proof ) alcohol. A 1 liter bottle of it was $13.95 when I bought one in the summer of 2005. It works equallyl well and I can't tell the difference between it and Eclipse.

Steve

Better not try that on the newer sensors like the Canon 5D one...even Eclipse has a new E2 version of their liquid for these cameras (the 5D is NOT the only one out there).

Theo

[sandman]

I've been trying out a newer 'wet/dry' system which works on compressed air , but sucks instead of blowing , seems to work well and cleans out the chamber as well .
Not cheap , but effective and with the bonus of staying clear of the glass filter .

http://www.digitaldepot.co.uk/acatalog/Green_Clean_.html

Brian

[Auminer]

Hmmm, I thought Everclear was 90 proof or better too, but unless they make a more potent variety... :friday:

I didn't use it as I got a hold of some Eclipse to do the job, and a couple of lens cleaners folded around a piece of pressed cardboard cut to size. Just used one lens cleaner at a time... :doh: Worked like a charm on my D2x. :getdown: :woot:

[Steve Wynn]

The label on my bottle is almost identical...except 95% Alc. By Vol, (190 Proof) and the lower right corner says F392. Maybe they can't sell it in Alaska, they can't in Ohio but Kentucky sells it. My apologies, I paid $15.99 before tax.

Steve

[Steve Wynn]

Here's my bottle

Steve

[Melody]

Ok your making me paranoid as usual :( there is a spot on my sensor I was so hoping it was on a lens nope...and I've had to edit it out so many times I can just scream... too chicken to clean it myself I'll have to make an appointment and take it in hopefully to someone who can just do it while I wait and better yet really knows what they are doing.

Melody

[Auminer]

...and take it in hopefully to someone who can just do it while I wait and better yet really knows what they are doing.Not a prbolem ya beeter hurry four thsi cleanre is almsot ggone. :friday: :woot: :cheers:

[Theo2005]

Here's my bottle

Steve

:lol: At 95% a teaspoon full would already be overconsumption :rofl:

[Theo2005]

Ok your making me paranoid as usual :( there is a spot on my sensor I was so hoping it was on a lens nope...and I've had to edit it out so many times I can just scream... too chicken to clean it myself I'll have to make an appointment and take it in hopefully to someone who can just do it while I wait and better yet really knows what they are doing.

Melody

Here in the Netherlands I got a "sensor cleaning lesson" at the official Canon Service Centre.

They only use wet cleaning as a last resort. Their normal cleaning is with Visible Dust sets.

If you are not looking forward of cleaning your sensor - which I can fully understand if it's your first time - simply have it done at your dealer or service centre.

Good luck,
Theo

[chris72]

Eclipse and SensorSwabs are the best solution !

[Wichita Wayne]

I have used methanol (lamp fuel) and ethanol (Everclear) with good results. I have also been told by several people that nitromethane is the best, but it can only be purchased in large quantities for racing fuel. I usually use Everclear because I keep a pint around for sensor cleaning and to start cranky engines on mowers and shredders.

[Steve Wynn]

If you use Everclear, put some in a small squeeze bottle, label it, and when the job is done, clean your CCD, inspect it, then pour it some into your soft drink, (just tell any observers you like to keep the cleaner fresh).

Steve