Tried and Tested Dust Busters?

[Andy M]

I know this is a topic discussed often, but I've read through many reviews (and looked at quite a few products), but I'm still pretty nervy about which way to go about cleaning dust off my 20D's sensor and there appears to be no definite answer as to which is the best route to take.

I own, and use regularly, a Giotto rocket blower, but it's not shifting all of the dust off my sensor. I've phoned around my local camera stores and none have an in-house facility to clean the sensor - all require that the camera be sent away for 2-3 weeks+. Therefore it appears the (scary) DIY route is the only option

So, my question is this: what tried and tested methods have you used, and would recommend?

I see a couple of people have bought Intemos' DSLRClean digital SLR sensor cleaning stick - how did they perform?

I've also seen that at least one person here has bought a sensor sweeper produced by 'VisibleDust' - £50+ seems a lot to pay 'just' for a brush?!
Does anybody know how it compares with 'SensorSweep' (www.pbase.com/image/42963246)

Any information would be gratefully received

[HankScorpio]

Andy M said:

I see a couple of people have bought Intemos' DSLRClean digital SLR sensor cleaning stick - how did they perform?

Didn't do it for me, only pushed the dust to the side. The liquid is a good lens cleaner though!

Charged brush worked best for me but still not perfect.

I ended up making use of Nikon's while you wait service, 20 odd quid and perfect, I won't be going near it again myself.

[ehasler]

These threads might be of use:

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=194776

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=234184

Once you've done it a couple of times, it does get a lot less nerve wracking, and IMHO I'd much rather do it myself than send my camera off to someone else.

The important thing is to just take your time, make sure the camera is fully charged (or plugged into the mains) and follow the instructions.

[Andy M]

HankScorpio said:

I ended up making use of Nikon's while you wait service, 20 odd quid and perfect, I won't be going near it again myself.

Bugger!

I've phoned around all of the camera stores near me, but none have heard of anybody other than Canon offering the service - if you want to go this route it's £40 and a 2-3 week wait.

I'm aware Fixation in London offer a while-you-wait service, but does anybody know of anywhere in the north west?

[Don]

HankScorpio said:

I ended up making use of Nikon's while you wait service, 20 odd quid and perfect, I won't be going near it again myself.

Where was that? An excellent idea...

[HankScorpio]

Service department at their HQ in Kingston.
Took < 10 mins so well chuffed.