Wet cleaning SL2 sensor

[helged]

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I guess all Leicas I have used have the same/similar statement regarding sensor cleaning: Send the body to Leica. And I think most of us have ignored this, and we have cleaned/wet cleaned the sensor repeatedly wo problems. The SL is definitely the body I have cleaned least. But yes, SL2 adds one factor to the mix, IBIS. 

Thom Hogan has some (general) comments on cleaning mirrorless bodies with stabilised sensor: http://www.sansmirror.com/articles/mirrorless-accessories/sensor-cleaning-in-mirrorle.html. Main message is: Be careful.... Same author: Send the body in for cleaning...: http://www.sansmirror.com/newsviews/2019-mirrorless-camera/jan-mar-2019-mirrorless/5-things-mirrorless-users.html. 

The above, plus the Fuji info, shows that SL2 is not unique in this respect. Dont expect Leica to recommended diy cleaning, for liability reasons. Clearly, its just a question of time before quite some of us need cleaning. By then, hopefully, we know what to do/dont do. Or perhaps @jonoslack knows...? In the mean time, I will continue using the lovely SL2...

 

[Tailwagger]

1 hour ago, helged said:

In the mean time, I will continue using the lovely SL2...

As will I, at least as of tomorrow, but it does makes me wonder if IBIS is worth the trouble. Guess we'll see.

[giampo]

It is absolutely understandable that Leica (just like anyother company) discourages the user to wet-clean a sensor. But everything should just stop there!
Because they are perfectly awere that so many people are going to do it, at their own risk of course.

So it would be professional by them just to tell the official procedure to do so, otherwise it would be soooo much un-professional.  

[Jeff S]

29 minutes ago, giampo said:

It is absolutely understandable that Leica (just like anyother company) discourages the user to wet-clean a sensor. But everything should just stop there!
Because they are perfectly awere that so many people are going to do it, at their own risk of course.

So it would be professional by them just to tell the official procedure to do so, otherwise it would be soooo much un-professional.  

Legal liability/warranty issues. But no reason they can’t put up a video showing their technicians cleaning SL2s (and doing other things), or using someone like Jono to unofficially share HIS (wink, wink.. their) recommendations. 

Jeff

[jonoslack]

7 hours ago, helged said:

 

The above, plus the Fuji info, shows that SL2 is not unique in this respect. Dont expect Leica to recommended diy cleaning, for liability reasons. Clearly, its just a question of time before quite some of us need cleaning. By then, hopefully, we know what to do/dont do. Or perhaps @jonoslack knows...? In the mean time, I will continue using the lovely SL2...

 

Okay - I’ll bite

I’ve been cleaning all of my sensors (IBIS or not) for years now, although I’m a pragmatist, and I clean them when they’re DIRTY not with a few spots. I’m happier wet cleaning with the right sized swab and the right solution and one stroke in each direction. You can be really gentle.

I wouldn’t dream of recommending anyone else does it (although I have cleaned some friends sensors). 

I rather like Jeff’s idea of Leica putting up a video of their CC people doing the cleaning

All the best

[Tailwagger]

13 hours ago, jonoslack said:

Okay - I’ll bite...

I’m happier wet cleaning with the right sized swab and the right solution and one stroke in each direction.

I'll bite back 😃

All legal disclaimers in place, publicly or privately, care to disclose the definition of 'right'?   How 'bout this... pick a number:

1. Clorox/stiff wire brush
2. Eclipse/Photosol
3. Himalayan Goat sweat/premium Yak tail
4. Lens off, light rain/Ultra soft organic toilet tissue
5. One of the above.
6. None of the above.

 

[Jeff S]

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The cleaning part is basic, as covered here myriad times with other Leica cameras. The only difference, it seems, is IBIS, and the recommended steps for best results and minimization of problems.

Jeff

[thighslapper]

I would have thought that wet cleaning would actually be the recommended option after the obligatory blast with a Rocket Blower.

The usual Leica sticky lollipop requires some pressure to remove dust and it sticks alarmingly to the sensor cover glass. I would have thought that was much more potentially damaging to a floating sensor mechanism than a gentle wipe with a wet swab.

However it does survive being jiggled about in a camera bag, knocked and bumped, so maybe we are attributing too much fragility to a mechanism that has to be fairly robust to survive normal usage. 

[Jeff S]

40 minutes ago, thighslapper said:

I would have thought that wet cleaning would actually be the recommended option after the obligatory blast with a Rocket Blower.

The usual Leica sticky lollipop requires some pressure to remove dust and it sticks alarmingly to the sensor cover glass. I would have thought that was much more potentially damaging to a floating sensor mechanism than a gentle wipe with a wet swab.

However it does survive being jiggled about in a camera bag, knocked and bumped, so maybe we are attributing too much fragility to a mechanism that has to be fairly robust to survive normal usage. 

Could well be the case, but some specific recommended steps for the SL2... like those in post #18 for the Fuji... might be useful.  

Jeff

[Jk1002]

This bugs me actually quiet a bit. If this is supposed to be a pro body how can it require sending the camera in giving the dust prone design?

[frame-it]

On 11/27/2019 at 9:01 AM, jonoslack said:

I rather like Jeff’s idea of Leica putting up a video of their CC people doing the cleaning

All the best

@TheGodParticle has a nice video of his camera being cleaned at Leica.

Edited December 1, 2019 by frame-it

[Jeff S]

14 minutes ago, frame-it said:

@TheGodParticle has a nice video of his camera being cleaned at Leica.

The SL2?  Link?

Jeff

[frame-it]

32 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

The SL2?  Link?

Jeff

nope not an SL2, SL1 and M..but its cool that he shot it inside the support area

the video seems to have gone but perhaps he can post it again

http://www.iso1200.com/2019/01/leica-cameras-official-sensor-cleaning.html

 

https://petapixel.com/2019/01/10/this-is-leicas-official-sensor-cleaning-process/

Edited December 2, 2019 by frame-it

[Jeff S]

40 minutes ago, frame-it said:

nope not an SL2, SL1 and M..but its cool that he shot it inside the support area

the video seems to have gone but perhaps he can post it again

http://www.iso1200.com/2019/01/leica-cameras-official-sensor-cleaning.html

 

https://petapixel.com/2019/01/10/this-is-leicas-official-sensor-cleaning-process/

I've seen Leica videos, and countless other sensor cleaning videos.  But the only reason I and others are curious about the specific protocol for the SL2 is because of the sensor movement induced by IBIS, and concerns expressed here by early owners. Follow the discussion above, including the Fuji example, which provides specific camera settings recommended to avoid issues. Otherwise, it's business as usual.  

Jeff

[frame-it]

2 hours ago, Jeff S said:

Follow the discussion above, including the Fuji example, which provides specific camera settings recommended to avoid issues. Otherwise, it's business as usual.  

Jeff

yes i have...and ive been cleaning my xh-1 ibis sensor without any issues..this is what i sent the OP last week >>

generally one has to clean it while the  camera is on, and kept stable on a table..when the camera is on and kept still on a table looking up,  the sensor should be locked in place once ibis is switched off...remove the lens when the camera is on, and then clean

 

similar procedure for fuji  XH1

"Please note that keeping the camera turned on during DIY sensor cleaning is an exception that we only make for cameras with IBIS. All other cameras should be powered down during sensor cleaning"

HERE IS HIS SUGGESTIONS:

1:Make sure that the IBIS is turned off by selecting SHOOTING MENU>SHOOTING SETTING>IS MODE> OFF. This setting locks the sensor in place while you are cleaning it."

2: Select SET UP>BUTTON/DIAL SETTING>SHOOT WITHOUT LENS>OFF. This makes sure you don't accidentally release the shutter while you are cleaning it(which could have disastrous consequences). "I'll bet!"(my add, not his)

3: Select SET UP.POWER MANAGEMENT>AUTO POWER OFF>OFF. Thhis makes sure that the camera doesn't automatically power down while you are still cleaning the sensor.

4: Remove the lens or body cap and clean the sensor as usual. Make sure the camera is turned ON during the cleaning process.

5: When you are finished cleaning the sensor, don't forget to revert the Power Management, Shoot Without Lens & IBIS settings to their previous operational states."

[dathinc]

Just wanted to share.....New to the Leica family and was curios.

 

https://youtu.be/U4HqjzEIU-0

[michali]

2 hours ago, dathinc said:

Just wanted to share.....New to the Leica family and was curios.

 

https://youtu.be/U4HqjzEIU-0

Welcome! I've wet cleaned my SL2 sensor quite a few times, this sensor seems to attract more dust than most cameras that I've used.

Below is a link I posted some time back to the procedure that I follow. 

Unless I missed it in the video you posted, he leaves out an important step in the process. He neglects to tell people to turn the Power Saving > Auto Power set to OFF.  This could have bad consequences if the camera turns itself off in the middle of cleaning.

 

 

 

Edited May 17, 2020 by michali

[dathinc]

Thanks so much Michali....I'll be sure too follow you path.

[Eclectic Man]

I am guessing that as no camera manufacturer can know exactly what is polluting a sensor, they cannot guarantee any sensor cleaning equipment or process.  Gone are the days of the Leica 'passport' giving free repair not only for manufacturing defects (if any) but for accidental damage, which used to cover R camera bodies and lenses and also binoculars if bought new, bins covered for 30 years! (Does the passport still exist for Leica binoculars?)

 

I've ordered an Eyelead cleaning pen and a Visual Dust cleaning kit as my Rocket blower is just not doing the business, and I'm definitely not using the dishcloth or sticking my grubby fingers anywhere near the sensor.

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[Eclectic Man]

Regarding my Rocket blower (though this may affect other makes).  I just tested it by taking a piece of sellotape(R) and using the blower on it.  The result is quite disturbing:

It seems that instead of cleaning the sensor, it is actually depositing little bits of debris on the sensor. Before (sellotape is clean):

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And after blowing with the Rocket:

At lest two large particles at centre bottom and just right of centre top after blowing.  No wonder my sensor needs cleaning.

 

Any suggestions for a clean blower?