Green Clean - SD14 sensor cleaning tips

Well, I just got done with both a dry and then wet cleaning of my SD14's sensor. This is not a procedure for those with unsteady hands, or those who want to rush.

Simply put, it's a pain in the behind - mainly because of the way the dusk shield/IR filter clicks in and out. You could easily break the filter, as Sigma mentions in the manual, and you may introduce more dust than you rid the camera of.

Tips (NOTE - Proceed at your own risk):

• Use a small pair of 'plastic tipped' tweezers to remove/replace the dust filter. That way, if you do slip, as I did once (and said oh sh-t), the plastic tips will be less likely to scratch the filter.

• Wear lint-free, powder-free gloves

• Do not over-wet the sensor with the wet cleaning process

• FOLLOW the 'Green Clean' instructions with regards to vaccuming first, and all other steps. You cannot recover from a scratched sensor - that would be a real bummer, and Sigma ain't gonna warranty it

• ONLY apply pressure (and slight at that) to the black plastic edges of the dust filter when re-inserting. DO NOT apply pressure to the glass itself, as many folks have reported breaking it.

• Don't have too much coffee before doing this procedure.... ; - )

I used the Green Clean system as shown here: http://www.sensor-cleaning-system.info .

The following is a post-image taken of the blue sky...looks pretty good if I do say so myself. No spots and no streaks...yeah me!



As I mentioned though, if you attempt to do this yourself - BE CAREFUL!

Mark T.
Ocala, FL

I realized that the blue sky above was shot @ ISO 100. Here's a new one @ ISO 50 - only a slight difference, but a difference nonetheless:



Take care.

Mark T.
Ocala, FL

Mark Turney said:

Tips (NOTE - Proceed at your own risk):

• Use a small pair of 'plastic tipped' tweezers to remove/replace the

dust filter. That way, if you do slip, as I did once (and said oh
sh-t), the plastic tips will be less likely to scratch the filter.

Click to expand...

I use a small pair of 'flesh tipped' fingers


I think it gives me more feel for what's happening.

--
EAS (UK)

BE CAREFUL! my dust protector is the third, perhaps it is easier to give the camera to sigma service
greetings and good luck pit

I agree; inserting the dust protector is the trickiest part. It does get easier upon the second or third time you do it (but don't break it!!). Upon closer inspection of the blue sky image, I did notice a slight streak, and being the OCD guy that I am, had to clean it again. This time, I got it, and will now leave my sensor alone....LOL.

Here's a pic of the semi-white wall in my living room, out of focus, and post-second cleaning (couldn't do a blue sky pic due to weather):



Take care.

Mark T.
Ocala, FL