[IanHoughton]

I've had a few stabs at cleaning the sensor on my D50 using a rocket air blower and also some swabs with sensor fluid cleaner but without success. Are their any services where you can send away your camera to get it cleaned ? I know my D50 isn't worth much nowadays but I can't afford a new one and am getting fed up with dust / dirt ruining my shots.

[Dabhand16]

I guess there are many places that will do this for you. I'd get quotes from a Nikon service centre, and an independant like Camtronics or Fixation.

Don't forget to let us know how you get on.

[Dave Canon]

I am sure that if you send it away they will do the same as you and clean it with swab and cleaning fluid.
I use Digipad and eclipse fluid and sometimes one wipe in each direction is insufficient. In these cases I use a clean swab and repeat. I have never had to repeat more than once. The more stubborn "dust" is usually pollen which is a bit sticky so harder to clear. However, the dust will return after a few weeks or months. I can remember that dust used to be one of the biggest problems in a darkroom as well.

Dave

[Dabhand16]

Interestingly, the manual for my D300 states:

"Remove any dust and lint from the filter with a blower. Do not use a blower brush as the bristles could damage the filter. Dirt that cannot be removed with a blower can only be removed by Nikon authorised service personnel. Under no circumstances should you touch or wipe the filter". (My bold).

Obviously Nikon authorised service personnel have a method of removing stubborn dirt from the filter without touching it.

Do they chant a mantra? Use mind over matter? Maybe voodoo is involved?

If anyone does know the inner secrets of the Nikon service coven, please enlighten us.

[fgates]

I took my wife's camera in for repair to the official Canon place. If I remember correctly, they wanted 39 EUR for sensor cleaning. Is that a good price? I would consider paying it, in the light of the damage that can easily be done.

[Dave Canon]

You are not actually cleaning the sensor but the protective layer above it. While I am very happy to clean my "sensor" and cannot see what could go wrong with this simple process which takes only a couple of minutes, I would not wish to encourage anyone to do so if they do not feel confident.

Have a look at the video below which shows just how easy it is though I would not recommend that you clean your sensor in a car park.

Strobist: Sensor Cleaning Demo