This past week, I received the Smear Away liquid and swabs from Visible Dust. I also ordered a kit from Copper Hill Images as a backup. Today was the first chance I have had to to get my D700 back to working order.

First, I tried the Smear Away to clear the smears on the sensor left when I cleaned it last week with the Visible Dust product. I went through two swabs and it was only marginally better. I had this knot in my stomach and fear (actually anxiety) thinking I would have an excuse to buy a D800e.

Second, I tried the Copper Hill swab with their Eclipse sensor cleaning solution. It took two tries, but the sensor is clean and smear free (I did use the blower after cleaning as there were still a few particles). I just shot a test shot and everything looks fine.

Copper Hill (http://www.copperhillimages.com/) sells a complete kit. I would suggest evaluating what is included to see if you need everything. Personally, I could have purchased just the sensor cleaning equipment and received all that I needed.

I need to check on the type of alcohol to clean the Visible Dust brush. Their tech support guy told me to use 99% pure isopropyl alcohol (Amazon and Walmart appear to sell it). I'll ask the pharmacist and a couple of chemist to see what they say.

And, as Alan stated, save the alcohol until you are done! Although, I could have used something to steady my hand....


Gary

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