removing dust on 5dmk2 sensor

[billy]

I have had this camera a year and this is the first time a piece of dust has stuck to the sensor. I would love to hear the various techniques for removing dust yourself ........

[JeanMichel]

Hi,

I have a 5D2, which picks up much less dust than the 5D I had previously. Dust does happen and does stick to the sensor. Here is what I found works for me:
Step 1: Use the sensor cleaning feature by either using the menu or simply turning the camera off and on; make sure the camera is held level and not up or down,
I recently purchased the Visible Dust sensor loupe and find it most helpful to see where the dust is on the sensor, I kick myself for not having purchased this much earlier.
Step 2: After checking where the dust might be I use a large bulb blower to try and blow away the dust; check with the loupe; repeat.
Step 3: If there is still dust visible I use the Artic Butterfly (from VisibleDust); check with the loupe; repeat if necessary.
Step 4: With the 5D2 I have only needed to use this once -- different story with the 5D! -- I use the Visible Dust swabs and their pricey cleaning fluid. It may be that denatured alcohol might work but why risk it, so I use a drop or two of the expensive stuff.
Before having the loupe I would shoot a clean melamine panel in my studio, download the file, check on the monitor, repeat ad nauseam...
The cost of the cleaning equipment: Loupe, Artic Butterfly brush, swabs, fluid, and blower does amount to a fair chunk of cash but that kit is really a must.
I believe that VisibleDust (one word) has a video on their site and other information, it may be worth you time to see that.

I have never used the dust delete data method available in the 5D2. I use ACR and don't want to be bothered to use Canon's raw processor for this.

I hope that this helps.

Jean-Michel

[Kirk Gittings]

I've had to clean mine twice since I first bought it when they first came out.

http://www.dust-aid.com/?gclid=CIP7qKj_k6QCFSP5iAod1VbdGw, very simple- it works, wear a dust mask and reading glasses. It takes about fifteen minutes.

[NigelC]

I used Green Clean wet/dry pads on my 5D - hadn't occurred to me that there may be an issue with compatibility of existing products with flourine coated filters. Have to check with Green Clean

[marcmccalmont]

I concur!
1. bulb then 2. arctic butterfly then 3. sensor swabs w/Eclipse I.  The visible dust loupe is a must!
Eclipse I (not II) has the highest evaporation rate of all the sensor cleaning fluids so it works with the least possibility of streaking!
Marc