7d sensor cleaning

[Bulldog]

Can anybody recommend a sensor cleaning method for 7D? I've got a couple of fairly large feint round marks showing against the sky on my shots. As I'm new to D I'm not absolutely sure it's dust on the sensor but it does seem likely. The range of cleaning products available is enormous and I've been unable to find any manufacturer receommendation for the 7D. I'm currently taking the marks out using the Healing Brush in Elements set to around 60 pixels.

[FujiSigmaNolta]

I am wondering if it's a used 7D (it likely is, some places in still have a few new, but all in the US). If it is used, it may be that someone tried to clean it before and by the sound of it they made a real mess. They may have used a solution that either tarnished the CCD or simply left marks that they have not noticed.

Anyway, what you can try is the SensorKleen Lenspen, I use one, (or used to since I haven't had any more dust problems in almost a year funny enough), to clean it. The 7D's sensor is one of the easiest to clean of its generation, I never had to do more than one pass with the SensorKleen. Jessops sell these and they only cost you about £12 a pop and they last you long enough if you keep them in a nice cool place away from light (it has a small sponge with solution in the cap, if it dries, you need a new one).

Hope that helps,

[Bulldog]

Thanks Luis. I've tried using a puffer brush and most of the specs have gone, just got one stubborn one left so I'll give the pen a try.

[FujiSigmaNolta]

You are welcome. I would just add that it is not advisable to use brushes on sensors, even though it doesn't look like it, they may in fact scratch its surface. Enjoy your 7D, for image quality it is still my favourite.

[Bulldog]

Didn't actually use the brush on the sensor Luis, just used it to puff air onto the surface. Thanks for your feedback.

[MickLL]

I've only ever used a rocket blower and found that always did the trick.

MickLL

[Bulldog]

Lenspen and rocket blower did the trick. Blower on it's own left a spec which I think could have been pollen or something else slightly sticky. All good now.