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Article ID : 00027110 / Last Modified : 09/25/2023

How to clean the camera body, lens, and image sensor

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This article provides guidance on cleaning the camera lens, body, and image sensor.

Before you start

You will need a small blower, brushes, and a cleaning cloth:

Blower: Use it to clean any dust and dirt on and in the camera.
- Plain blower (preferred)
  - We recommend the use of a plain blower instead of a brush blower.
  - Squeeze the bulb with your fingers to force the air out. Adjust the air pressure as needed.
- Brush blower
  - The brush blower can be used both as a blower and a brush. If you use one with a removable brush, remove the brush when you use it as a blower to prevent blowing dust from the attached brush into the camera.
Brush: To brush the dust away from the camera body or lens. Use a small or large brush depending on the situation.
Cleaning cloth: Use it to wipe the camera or lens. We recommend using a synthetic fiber cleaning cloth that you can wash and reuse.

Notes:

Don't use an air duster or compressed air as it may damage the image sensor or cause a malfunction.
Don't touch the surface of the image sensor or blow on it too hard.
Your product warranty doesn't cover any incidental or consequential damage due to mishandling at unauthorized service locations.

Tutorials

Watch the video tutorials or follow the steps to clean your camera, lens, and sensor.

Camera lens cleaning:
Cleaning the E-mount camera sensor:
Cleaning the A-mount camera sensor:

How to clean your camera, lens, or image sensor

IMPORTANT:

When cleaning your camera, work in a dust-free location to avoid dust as it may enter the camera.
Don't apply lens cleaner solution directly on the lens.
Don't use any organic solvents such as thinner or benzine to clean the lens.
Some cameras have a image sensor cleaning function. Refer to the camera Help Guide and use this function before physically cleaning your camera.

Use the brush to sweep away any loose dust or dirt from the camera surface. Use a large brush for the camera exterior and a small brush to reach corners and delicate parts. Sweep gently and don't press the brush hard against the camera.
Use a blower to remove dust and debris from delicate parts.
Remove the lens cap and remove any dust from the lens surface.
If the lens surface is particularly dirty, you may use a soft cloth dampened with a lens cleaner solution. Lightly wipe with a circular motion from the center of the lens.
Attach the front lens cap to prevent dust from adhering to the lens.
Press the lens release button to detach the lens from the camera. For detailed instructions, refer to the product manual. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

IMPORTANT: Don't touch the image sensor.
While using the blower, tilt the camera slightly downward so that the dust falls away from the sensor.
Re-attach the lens.

Note: For an A-mount camera, make sure the mirror is completely locked down before you reattach the lens.
Check that the sensor is dust-free.
1. Set the shooting mode to Aperture Priority (A) and set the aperture value to F11.
2. Take a picture of a white wall, a white sheet of paper, or the sky.
3. Make sure the no dust spots show up on the image.