Professional, while-you-wait sensor cleaning
Carried out with complete transparency.
At Cameracal Services, your camera is cleaned in your presence, with every stage explained clearly.
You see the process. You understand the process. You see the result.
With over 10 years of specialist sensor cleaning experience — and 35+ years in the photographic industry — we have cleaned more sensors than any other independent service in the UK.
A Controlled, Professional Cleaning Environment
All cleaning is carried out in a bespoke controlled-air cabinet designed to prevent airborne contamination.
- HEPA-filtered airflow prevents dust from settling back onto the sensor
- Cleaning is performed under high magnification
- Non-water-based fluid and professional-grade swabs are used to avoid streaking
The Right Tools — Selected Through Experience
- Non-water-based cleaning fluid (avoids smearing and residue)
- Professional-grade swabs that do not moult
- Vacuum-sealed, single-use swabs (one clean per swab)
- High-magnification inspection loupes for fine particle detection
- Filtered air blower designed specifically for sensors (not an unfiltered ‘rocket’ blower)
- HEPA-filtered enclosure preventing recontamination
DSLR Cleaning — Mirror Box & Shutter Pathway Cleaning
- Inspection and cleaning of the mirror box
- Controlled dry shutter cycling to release hidden particles
- Re-inspection and secondary cleaning if required
Mirrorless Cleaning — Increased Exposure
Mirrorless sensors sit closer to the mount opening and can be exposed during lens changes. This is a design trade-off, not a flaw.
Nikon Z-Series Engineering Note
The Z mount’s large throat diameter and short flange distance improve optical performance but increase sensor exposure during lens changes. We tailor our cleaning approach accordingly.
Automatic Sensor Shake / Vibration Cleaning
Useful for removing minor loose particles, but it does not remove oil spots, bonded debris or prevent recontamination.
Dust Delete Data / Dust Mapping Setup
Where supported, we store dust reference data for Canon DPP / Nikon NX batch correction. A helpful backup — not a replacement for sensor cleaning.
IBIS Protection — Why Experience Matters
Before cleaning, IBIS must be disabled or stabilised. Failure to do so can damage the stabilisation assembly. We know the correct procedure for each model.
Pricing
Why Choose Cameracal Services
- Thousands of sensors cleaned
- Hundreds of photographers trained
- HEPA-controlled cleaning environment
- Model-specific handling expertise
- Complete transparency — the cleaning is performed in your presence
Cameracal Sensor Analysis Application (Desktop)
Coming soon for macOS and Windows — enabling users to diagnose contamination, evaluate visibility at different apertures, and batch-correct affected images.
How do I know if my camera sensor needs cleaning?
Typical signs include dark or grey spots appearing in images, especially when photographing at smaller apertures (e.g., f/8, f/11, f/16) against light or plain backgrounds such as sky, walls or paper.
If you’re unsure, we will check your camera at no charge and advise accordingly.
How often should a sensor be cleaned?
There is no fixed interval. Frequency depends on:
- How often lenses are changed
- The environment you shoot in
- Whether your camera is mirrorless or DSLR
- How the camera is stored
Mirrorless models typically require more frequent cleaning due to direct sensor exposure during lens changes.
We will guide you based on your usage, not a generic schedule.
My camera has automatic sensor cleaning — isn’t that enough?
Automatic vibration/shake cleaning only removes very fine, loose particles. It cannot remove:
- Oil spots
- Moisture-bound dust
- Static-clinging contamination
It is a helpful preventive feature, but not a substitute for professional cleaning.
I’m worried about damaging my sensor — is cleaning safe?
Yes — when done correctly.
Modern cameras do not expose the raw silicon sensor; they expose a multi-layer optical stack.
The key is using:
- The correct cleaning fluid
- The correct swab type
- The correct pressure
- A clean, controlled environment
This is where experience matters — and why we clean your camera in your presence.
Do you clean DSLR mirror boxes?
Yes. This is a critical part of DSLR sensor cleaning.
Dust often accumulates in the mirror box first and is later transferred back to the sensor by the shutter.
We clean the mirror box and dry-fire the shutter to remove hidden particles, reducing rapid re-contamination.
Do you work with IBIS-equipped cameras?
Yes — we handle them every day.
Cameras with In-Body Image Stabilisation require the IBIS system to be stabilised or disabled before cleaning.
We know how to correctly perform this for each manufacturer and model.
This is important — incorrect cleaning can damage the IBIS unit.
Why are Nikon Z-series cameras mentioned separately?
The Nikon Z mount design offers excellent optical performance, but the:
- Large mount opening
- Short distance between mount and sensor
mean the sensor is more exposed during lens changes.
This often results in more frequent contamination, so we tailor the cleaning process accordingly.
What if I have multiple cameras?
We offer reduced rates for multiple bodies cleaned during the same session. Simply let us know your equipment when booking.
Do I need to bring lenses?
Yes — bring at least one lens, so we can perform:
- Focusing screen checks (DSLR applicable only)
- Final test images to verify the sensor is genuinely clean
How long does the clean take?
Typically, around 30 minutes — and always while you wait.
No camera is taken off-site or left behind unless specifically arranged.
Do you offer courier service?
Unfortunately not at present, most clients choose in-person cleaning to benefit from:
- Full process transparency
- Live inspection and explanation
- Immediate image testing and verification
Will you show me how to avoid future contamination?
Yes. We explain:
- Best lens-changing technique
- Safe storage and transport practices
- Realistic expectations (especially for mirrorless systems)
You leave with confidence, not uncertainty.
Will your upcoming app tell me when I need a clean?
Yes — our Cameracal Sensor Analysis Application (macOS & Windows) will allow you to:
- Diagnose sensor contamination
- Evaluate visibility at different apertures
- Decide when a clean is required
- Batch-correct affected images in the meantime