I'm not sure of the correct forum for this type of question. That being said I will post it in the Canon and Pro Digital Corner forums. I use three Canon bodies (5D, Mark III, and Mark IIn) I currently send them in for cleaning mirror, sensor at a local dealer. The cost is around 50 dollars per camera.
My question are the cleaning of these bodies difficult? Would I be better off to clean them myself? What is the best equipment to use? Last of all how do I learn the correct way to clean?
Thanks for your time and any helpful comments.
Since I don't know what is involved with the cleaning from your local dealer, it is hard to say. If they do a lot more than a sensor cleaning and the cameras need it, I would say that is money well spend. BUT, if all they are doing is wiping down the outside and cleaning the sensor, I would say to save your money until the cameras need the real cleaning. First, I would get a bulb lower like the Giottos Rocket blower and use that first. That will get rid of loose dust and will save some more in depth cleanings. For that stubborn stuff, one way to learn is to the Copperhill Method. Do a search on that and you get an idea.
I use the Copperhill method for the stubborn stuff. And to check if it is clean, I put a lens on the camera, focus to Infinity, set the fstop to something like 22 and go shoot the blue sky with nothing else in the frame. Then inspect the shot on the lcd with magnification. If there are any large spots remaining, I clean, shoot, inspect until I get it all. As a warning, the first 1 or 2 times you clean the sensor, it is a little nerve racking but once you do it a couple times, it is pretty easy. Just be very metnodical and you can do just fine.
This is what I do and it works for me. You will undoubtably get many other suggestions.
For under 20 dollars you can get a device called a rocket blower by giottos. Search B&H.
It does wonders to clean your sensor in a safe way. In terms of cleaning the outside of you camera body, use damp lint free towel to wipe off dust or residue.
Bulb Blower with camera body facing down for routine maintenance and getting rid of stuff floating around the chamber. Use the bulb here and there to keep things clean.
If that does not work, a sensor brush like the Artic Butterfly does wonders most of the time. Very easy to use.
For the most stubborn dirt you must use fluid and a sensor swab.
I use a tiny make up brush to ever so lightly clean both the mirror and the sensor filter , when necessary BUT I do this of my own volition knowing the risks involved.
No matter how much you try there will always be tiny amounts of debris that will statically stick to the sensor, this is a real bastard but something we digi photogs have gotta deal with.
