Cleaning SLR Cameras.

[ohmygahitscoby]

Hey guys,

I sent out my Nikon lens to be fixed since the focus broke, and I believe some dust got into the camera hole while the lens wasn't on it (We forgot to cover it). Anyways, there's a whole lot of dust and little weird pieces on the mirror, so how can I clean it? It's very fragile so no compressed air or air tanks or anything that can break it/ruin it. Any ideas on how to clean it? Thanks!

-Coby.

 

[beason]

youc an use one of those squeeze bottle brushes, just use the air part. it should have a setting that will open up the sensor so you can blow it off. my rebel does.

 

[Rolex]

That's what's called a 'first surface mirror' meaning that the glass is on the back, so you don't get a ghost image bouncing off the glass before hitting the reflective coating. You might be in trouble. If you can't blow it off, you'll need a fine lens brush to kick the particles loose. If you wipe it with anything, you'll scratch the surface with the dust particles.
If it doesn't come clean with the air and the brush, take it to a GOOD camera store.

 

[sweetdiesel]

My wife uses the artic butterfly system to clean her Nikon. Pricey but works great.

http://www.visibledust.com/products.php

 

[ohmygahitscoby]

Yeah, with all these pricey things to clean it, it would be much cheaper to just have my LCS (Local camera store ) to clean it for me.

 

[sweetdiesel]

The Arctic Butterfly system is a one time investment.

Coby, a good camera shop in your area is San Jose Camera. The cost to do a cleaning is $100-150. Keeble and Schucat is another great shop in Palo Alto, and you can also buy the Artic brushes there.