Anyone tried this sensor loupe?

[Jeff S]

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This one

 

I don't have a problem cleaning my M8.2 sensor, but would like a better way to see the dust while I'm cleaning, if possible.

 

I tried searching the forum, but got didn't see this specifically discussed. I saw some comments on the Visible Dust loupe, but it doesn't have this telescopic feature, which may or may not really work well. Anyone know?

 

Jeff

[cbretteville]

This one

 

I don't have a problem cleaning my M8.2 sensor, but would like a better way to see the dust while I'm cleaning, if possible.

 

I tried searching the forum, but got didn't see this specifically discussed. I saw some comments on the Visible Dust loupe, but it doesn't have this telescopic feature, which may or may not really work well. Anyone know?

 

Jeff

I use the Visble Dust loupe to inspect and an Arctic Butterfly to clean, then reinspect with the loupe. The brush and handle will obscure most of the sensor while I'm cleaning it so in my mind having it fixed to the camera seems like a hinderance more than a help to me.

Carl

[Jeff S]

Thanks, Carl. Your concern is same as mine, so I'm curious if anyone has tried it.

 

The Visible Dust loupe has been discontinued and replaced by a 7x loupe, which is even pricier ($86 US) than the one I linked. Are you happy with it, or any issues?

 

Jeff

[msk2193]

Jeff, I use it handheld and hold the camera upside down to make sure I do not introduce new dust onto the sensor. After two months of almost daily use I have finally gotten to clean the M9 sensor for the first time. I find that I need to do the same on the Nikon D3 at least every two weeks, so this frequency is a plus for the M.

[Jeff S]

Jeff, I use it handheld

 

Which one, Michael? Dot Line, Visible Dust (5x or 7x)? Thanks.

 

Jeff

[tobey bilek]

You need a light and magnifying glass.

 

I tacked a loupe set, 3x,5x ,10X, + a keychain light to my an order from MicroTools.com. It was at small cost, perhaps $20.

 

It is not a nice clean neat package, but very effective. Hold the jewlers loupe in one hand and the light in the other taking care to use the safety chain so as not to drop the light.

All dust can be seen.

 

I use a Gillotos blower after each outing to remove debris before it has time to migrate to the sensor. I do not open the shutter, just blow out the chamber. Keep the ends of the lenses clean and inside of caps clean. Have them ready so the camera stays open as little as possible.

 

Copperhill and Eclipse fluid and sensor swipes work for me for when the occasional dust gets on the senor that I can not blow off. My Nikons are 2 years old, and I recently cleaned the sensors for the first time recently and it was for practice, not because I saw dust on photos. There are complete instructions on the copperhill Site. READ CAREFULLY and follow instructions. It all worked including the canned air as the second step.

 

I have not purchased a Leica digital yet, and most likely will not. I dearly love my film Leicas, but am unclear if a digi Leica is to my best advantage.

[msk2193]

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Jeff, the same 5x loupe you linked to on B&H

[Jeff S]

Jeff, the same 5x loupe you linked to on B&H

 

Thanks much. Did you decide not to use the telescoping feature because it didn't work well, or just because you prefer using the loupe handheld (which I presume you only do before and after cleaning, not during)?

 

Jeff

[Jeff S]

You need a light and magnifying glass.

 

I tacked a loupe set, 3x,5x ,10X, + a keychain light to my an order from MicroTools.com. It was at small cost, perhaps $20.

 

It is not a nice clean neat package, but very effective. Hold the jewlers loupe in one hand and the light in the other taking care to use the safety chain so as not to drop the light.

All dust can be seen.

 

I use a Gillotos blower after each outing to remove debris before it has time to migrate to the sensor. I do not open the shutter, just blow out the chamber. Keep the ends of the lenses clean and inside of caps clean. Have them ready so the camera stays open as little as possible.

 

Copperhill and Eclipse fluid and sensor swipes work for me for when the occasional dust gets on the senor that I can not blow off. My Nikons are 2 years old, and I recently cleaned the sensors for the first time recently and it was for practice, not because I saw dust on photos. There are complete instructions on the copperhill Site. READ CAREFULLY and follow instructions. It all worked including the canned air as the second step.

 

I have not purchased a Leica digital yet, and most likely will not. I dearly love my film Leicas, but am unclear if a digi Leica is to my best advantage.

 

Thanks. As I said in the initial post, I'm well versed in the cleaning process. Just want to see the dust better and determine whether the lighted loupe works (with or without telescoping feature).

 

Jeff

[Guido]

The current VisibleDust loupe works great, although I'd definitely prefer the operation microscope presented some time ago in another sensor cleaning thread here

[mikenic]

No microscope or loupe here, but I did buy a pair of very strong +3 reading glasses from the local chemist. They were the strongest I could find in there.

 

I only use these for sensor cleaning or very fine close up soldering work etc and I wouldn't like to wear them all day, every day. These, along with an "itty bitty book light" shining at an angle to the sensor, seem to work for me, but as usual YMMV.

Mike

[Jeff S]

No microscope or loupe here, but I did buy a pair of very strong +3 reading glasses from the local chemist. They were the strongest I could find in there.

 

I only use these for sensor cleaning or very fine close up soldering work etc and I wouldn't like to wear them all day, every day. These, along with an "itty bitty book light" shining at an angle to the sensor, seem to work for me, but as usual YMMV.

Mike

 

Actually, this was my intended solution prior to seeing the device I posted. I have the light, so maybe I'll look for some glasses (or maybe a jewelers magnifying glass...much less expensive than Visible Dust loupe) and try that approach first. If it doesn't help, I haven't spent much.

 

Thanks to all for comments.

 

Jeff