Never use old wet sensor swabs to clean your sensor...

[jaapv]

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3 hours ago, lucerne said:

The OP is satisfied with his purchase so we needn't feel concerned or encourage him to reverse his decision.

One can strike it lucky and if it works it works - but most of the stuff sold on Alibaba and Ali Express is not subject to either the quality controls or consumer protection laws that we are used to. For sure, China produces high quality products, like Leica microscopes for instance and quite some  other gear, but in Europe we prefer our products to have the real CE hallmark and be subject to our regulations, which may mean: produced in China or wherever, but put on the market by a company that vouches for quality and customer support. I would be very hesitant to risk a 2500+ Euro repair on a cheap product of uncertain origin.

[Casey Jefferson]

I watched few of angry photographer (Theoria Aphophasis) sensor cleaning videos. As controversial as some of his videos go, he probably has the best tutorials on sensor cleaning. One of his videos:

 

[jaapv]

There are dozens if not hundreds of such instructions on the internet, and all are essentially the same. II would advise use one from the manufacturer of your sensor swabs or the supplier. Adorama has clear instructions, for instance.
https://www.adorama.com/alc/the-secret-of-effectively-and-safely-cleaning-your-digital-camera-sensor-yourself/

However, in this case the OP did exceedingly well  - and was very lucky- to get his sensor clean.
A few remarks on his videos:
Using the same swab over and over again is not advisable using  <three drops on a dry swab> systems. In that case one should use one swab, one pass one way, one pass the other. If needed once again using a new swab (disclosure: I sin from time to time ) and remember that the human body produces saliva droplets in its breath, so when hanging over your open sensor it is wise to wear a clean surgical mask.

The blowing away of  particles before any cleaning is essential. Have the mouth of the camera facing down to allow  the debris to fall out, otherwise you are just moving, not removing. Or vacuum-clean. You do not want to drag a small bit of sand across your sensor by accident!

[MikeMyers]

Just watched your video.  I'm very happy for you that you were able to remove all the debris.  Hopefully it all came out with the first "wet swab".  You seem very careful, very methodical, and you have a wonderful way to let us see what was happening with the video from your phone.  Thank you for posting.

I still have sensor cleaning swabs from maybe ten years ago - I guess they go into the dumpster.

It is so sad when what seems to be a simple fix leads to all sorts of additional problems.  You are very lucky, in addition to being skilled and methodical.   :-)

Best wishes!!!

[jaapv]

Another pitfall: using an old (plastic) bottle of fluid. Over time, those same plasticizers will dissolve into the cleaning fluid, creating nasty smears.

[lucerne]

I'm sure we all got the message.  But to be sure.... Only buy what you need when you need it. Always try the blower.   Test.  If neccessary Dry wipe, then wet .   Never re-use the applicator.

Can we move on now?🤭

[jaapv]

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New owners all the time, new members all the time. You know it, I know it. But  do all newbies?
If we can prevent one disaster the annoyance at reading a repeat post is well worth it.

[lucerne]

Make it a sticky then.   

I dont see where this topic has last appeared.   

[jaapv]

Can't make stickies out of everything... 🙄

[MikeMyers]

Suggestion - create a "cleaning" forum, and move this post there.  It will probably remain a fairly small forum, so things should be findable?

Otherwise, I wouldn't know where to search for this post.

The previous discussions about cleaning the sensor could be move there as well.

[jaapv]

If anybody would bother to read the M FAQ....

[MikeMyers]

I guess I'll volunteer to look rather ignorant here, more so than usual, but two things....

a) I didn't know there was an "M FAQ", and

b) Now that I know it exists, I can't find it.

 

I looked on lots of places, found the "Search" tool I didn't know about before, but either it is too well hidden, or I need new glasses.   :-)

[jdlaing]

39 minutes ago, MikeMyers said:

I guess I'll volunteer to look rather ignorant here, more so than usual, but two things....

a) I didn't know there was an "M FAQ", and

b) Now that I know it exists, I can't find it.

 

I looked on lots of places, found the "Search" tool I didn't know about before, but either it is too well hidden, or I need new glasses.   :-)

Above the “Start New Thread” button on each M page. M-10, M-240, etc, etc, there is an FAQ subject line:

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[MikeMyers]

No wonder I don't see it - I have been looking here:

How would I have known I have to go to a "start new thread" page to find it?

I'll check things out tomorrow.  

I guess once I learn how to find it, I'll be OK from now on.   :-)

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[jdlaing]

5 minutes ago, MikeMyers said:

No wonder I don't see it - I have been looking here:

How would I have known I have to go to a "start new thread" page to find it?

I'll check things out tomorrow.  

I guess once I learn how to find it, I'll be OK from now on.   🙂

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

It’s not a start new thread page. It’s at the top of every M page.

Xample: Click on the M-10 page is t the top. Click on the M (type 240/262) it’s at the top. Click on M9/ME it’s at the top.

 

Edited March 9, 2021 by jdlaing

[MikeMyers]

Found it; thanks!

[colonel]

In terms of swabs and equipment I recommend VisibleDust (the most expensive but best) or UES

Never reuse a swab. Go once in one direction, then reverse, and back in the other direction, then discard.

Yes its expensive in swabs but nothing compared to what your sensor is worth

Note that most official Leica shops (e.g. one in London) will clean the sensor for you. They have always done free for me in the London one.

 

[platel]

On 3/7/2021 at 2:47 AM, jaapv said:

One can strike it lucky and if it works it works - but most of the stuff sold on Alibaba and Ali Express is not subject to either the quality controls or consumer protection laws that we are used to. For sure, China produces high quality products, like Leica microscopes for instance and quite some  other gear, but in Europe we prefer our products to have the real CE hallmark and be subject to our regulations, which may mean: produced in China or wherever, but put on the market by a company that vouches for quality and customer support. I would be very hesitant to risk a 2500+ Euro repair on a cheap product of uncertain origin.

I understand your remarks. If they were available I would have gone for Green Clean swabs, but they are not here in the Philippines, and also the company did not respond to my two emails asking if they might ship here. 

None of the stores here sell any of the wet cleaning swabs/liquid like Eclipse (I had that one a long time ago when I was in Boston). 

The only option presented to me was send it in for repair (as no body seemed to be able/willing to do wet a sensor cleaning here). Knowing the crazy repair-times from Leica and exuberant prices, I decided to give cleaning a try with swabs I could order online here. True, a lot of stuff on Lazada is crap, but if you are careful what you order and look at reviews, it can be fine. These sensor swabs weren't cheap and came from a respectable Chinese camera-shop. It worked out luckily.