Cleaning your DSLR's sensor

[SaltyWenStirred]

There is no way I'm going to try this myself, zero.

I have a D90. For those of you who take them in for servicing, how often do you go?

I've had mine for 2 years and haven't taken it in, and I also don't have any dust showing on my pics. Wondering if I should take it in now.

 

[Recty]

If you have no dust showing, why would you want the sensor cleaned?

 

[Misled]

I "dry" clean mine once a month or so as needed. "Wet" clean every 6 months or so if needed. I spend all of my time in the boonies. I also shoot wildlife, so I switch out lenses regularly. It's really no big deal if done correctly. Too see it it's needed, run your aperture way down, (higher number), and take a pic of the sky or a white wall.

 

[SaltyWenStirred]

If you have no dust showing, why would you want the sensor cleaned?

I change out lens fairly frequently, so I'm wondering about general maintenance.

 

[Misled]

You only need to clean it if dust is present. If you have a local shop that does it, it shouldn't be that bad. Most in my area send them out to be done.

 

[Recty]

I change out lens fairly frequently, so I'm wondering about general maintenance.

As far as I know and have experienced, there isnt any general maintenance needed on your DSLR until you see a problem. Basic cleaning of the outside of the body never hurts, but again it isnt needed unless you're seeing smudges and dirt. To me it definitely seems to be one of those "if it aint broke dont fix it" hobbies.

Like Misled said, take a picture at f/22 of a white piece of paper and you'll see if you have any dust showing. Even then, unless you're shooting at very small aperture you'll never see it in your pictures.

I guess what I'm saying is personally I wouldnt worry about it unless I notice it in my shots, then I'd fix it. Cleaning your sensor, if it's already clean, will gain you nothing and cost you more than nothing, so you're taking a loss.