Customer Reviews

Sensor Swab Type 2 (Box of 12)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

After having used a few bursts of air via a can of Beseler Duster to attempt to remove small but visible particles from my Nikon D70's sensor, I noticed that the spray of ice-cold air left a powdery residue on the sensor. After quickly wiping the excess off with a dry cotton swab (not recommended EVER), I then hastily took a few test shots to ensure that the camera was still okay. All seemed to be well, that is, until I shot some snowy scenes with lighter exposed areas. Upon close inspection, I noticed that each of those lighter exposed areas contained a very uneven and light pink wash. As you can imagine, I felt rather devastated thinking that I had ruined my D70's ability to take clear images. However, I then read an article in a photo magazine about cleaning digital camera sensors. The article's author reviewed and recommended Eclipse Swabs (sized per chart on their manufacturer's website) coupled with the appropriate accompanying optic cleaning solution - E2 for my specific camera sensor (also per that same chart). I should add that the article's author advised performing ANY sensor cleaning with caution and only per the letter of said manufacturer's instructions ("guaranteed" when used as directed). Not wanting to send my camera to an authorized Nikon dealer for cleaning and such (due to loss of time shooting and the expense of it all), I bit the bullet and tried Eclipse #2 Swabs and the E2 solution. The directions were clear to follow and the results were, well, even BETTER than advertised. Not only did swabbing my sensor completely clean off all visible dust and debris, it also removed the haze left by the Beseler Duster product (this latter benefit being a bonus for me since it surely was not claimed as such by the manufacturer). Incidentally, do not EVER use any of those cans of air to clean your camera's sensor! They simply are not designed for camera sensors and will likely ruin them - I think I just got lucky in other words. I would readily rate Eclipse Swabs and the E2 cleaning solution a "10" on a scale from 1-10. Its a GREAT product, quite the time and money-saver when used with caution and as directed. Using just two of the twelve included swabs in the -admittedly pricey- box per each cleaning, I still have enough remaining product to perform five more cleanings. This was my first such needed cleaning in the almost three years that I've owned my Nikon; I always hold the camera front towards the ground when changing lenses as is recommended.

Read all about cleaning solutions for my camera. very please I chose this one...did the job perfectly.

I purchased the Sensor Swabs for my Canon 5D (I am posting this review across all sizes of the sensor swab to share the review).

Have a look at the image I posted in the amazon image gallery for this item. I used the swab to remove some dust spots from my sensor. On the left side of the picture, if you look closely you can see that the sensor left a liquid-looking residue all the way down the image, covering fully the leftmost 15% of the sensor/image.

This is *much* worse than the original dust that I had intended to remove. To try and fix the problem, I opened up another sensor swab and tried to re-clean the sensor, to no avail. I ended up having to take my camera to a professional shop and pay $65 to have the sensor professionally cleaned.

Lest you think I did something wrong, I thoroughly reviewed the Sensor Swab website and am certain that I picked out the correct swab for my particular camera -- and then I followed the directions precisely.

So, using the sensor swab to try and save some money ended up costing me two sensor swabs (you know what they cost) plus $65 for the professional cleaning. I would steer clear.

Had been contemplating what to do for a while. Actually sent my Canon 20D in twice for dust removal in the last 2 years, and was scared of cleaning the sensor myself. Finally took the plunge and tried 'Sensor Swabs' and they worked great.

I would advise against using these swabs. Use an air blower and if that fails then take it to a professional. I used all four and managed to leave marks on the sensor. Not happy, need to send the camera in. Also they are extremely overpriced.

After having almost destroyed my D300 sensor by using scotch tape and then a Q-Tip and lens cleaning fluid, I was ready to package my camera and send it off to Nikon USA for an expensive repair. So much for my Nikon D300 aftermarket manual's advice on cleaning sensors. Scotch tape DOES leave sticky residue and Q-Tips (even covered with lens tissue) leave a mess of cotton anf lens fiber. A test picture after the cleaning looked like a snow storm. I gambled $50 on the Sensor Swabs and E2 cleaning fluid.

The Sensor Swab is a 2 cent piece of plastic covered with lens tissue selling for $3/each, but it is exactly the right size for the sensor and leaves NO trace of fiber or streaks on the sensor. Similarly, the E2 cleaning solution leaves no residue on the sensor. With just one swab I was able to completely clean my sensor. There are some very helpful videos on YouTube that will show you exactly how to clean the sensor using the Sensor Swab and E2. I suggest you view it before beginning the process.

In summary, the markup on the Sensor Swab is unconscionable, but in comparison with the cost of sending the camera to Nikon, it was a real bargain and worked very well leaving no dust or other residue. If you have a DSLR you will eventually need to clean the sensor. Prepare yourself and best of luck.

I have used the Sensor swabs and Eclipse solution on 2 occasions although they do the job you will need to use a least 4-6 swabs to fully clean the sensor, rarely would one swab do the job.

I have been using this swab for my D200, D300 with 1.5x sensor as well as my D3 with full frame sensor. I realized that this is a jack of all trades. The bigger sensor swab (type 3) for d3 just doesn't work (too tight) as well as this....this is one sensor swab that could work with either a full frame sensor or a 1.5x/1.6x sensors....

Update: April 2, 2010

I have since found other sensor cleaners that works just as well and is very economical. You might consider this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018KXPEO/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Check it out!

I followed instructions very carefully. I have performed the cleaning procedure several times.
However the dust particles were not removed.

I had to take my camera to be professionally cleaned and, of course, that did work.

I first tried the Artic Brush Visible Dust SL-788 Arctic Butterfly with Light to no Avail. All the brush did was to smear and streak my sensor (see my review for the brush), so I had to go wet. I had my camera professionally cleaned because I was going out of town and needed my camera cleaned quickly, so I took it to the local camera shop and had to pay $100+ to get the sensor cleaned. It came back smudge free but had dust on it. After I got home I ordered the Photographic Solutions kit as well as an extra bottle of Eclipse and these sensor swabs just-in-case. I figured I better learn and quickly how to wet clean a sensor, I will never pay $100 again!

I first tried the kit which came with some Eclipse solution and 4 type 2 sensor swabs. I used two of these to try on my Nikon D40, which was never wet-cleaned in five years. I cleaned about 20 or so dust points off the sensor within two swabs and it is now dust free.

I thought this was great success and only took a few minutes, I felt accomplished. I moved on to clean my D90 sensor, that had 4 or 5 good sized dust or dirt blobs on the sensor. I tried and it seemed to push the dust around. Tried some more and it got better. Then tried again and it got worse with some fibers from the swab material showing up on the sensor *look like short strands). I went through the box to get this sensor clean. It is almost clean, but not perfect. There seems to be a piece of something that I cannot get rid of. Thankfully it is small and in the lower right corner. It should not affect me too much unless I stop below F16 and shoot something light in the corner. Even then, I can easily get rid of it in Lightroom.

I give this product three stars. It works, but it loses a star for price (should lose two stars - what a rip-off considering the material costs - I'm being generous today) and forgoes another for the dirt and fibers the swab itself can leave behind although it is advertised as lint free. It requires a lot of patience and trial and error. Although for the price, I can buy at least two-and-a-half boxes of swabs and still be at the price of one "professional" cleaning that did no more than remove some smudges and create some more dust/dirt spots. Bottom line, you need this, it works, do not be afraid. I swabbed at least a dozen times following simple Internet videos and had no issues. If dust or dirt show up and you aren't happy, just swab again! I find that steady even pressure works and you do want to bend the plastic stick slightly with the pressure. Also avoid hitting or rubbing against the sensor box. As stated above, one camera took a few minutes. My other "good" one took me hours and I'm still fussing about with this one. Use at your own risk and patience. I would suggest trying it when you have some peace and quiet in a clean room low on dust and dirt.

As for those that turn these swabs inside out, use cut pecpads, etc. good luck. I have considered this and even tried to reattach a reversed pad, and it is very hard with reattaching the gum band. I would rather just buy another box. YMMV.