Question about sensor cleaning...

[Blue_In_AK]

I've been looking at CopperHillImages.com sensor cleaning stuff and the VisibleDust stuff that F.Gordon wrote about a while ago. Can anybody tell me why the VisibleDust kit is so much more expensive than the Copper Hill stuff, and also can anybody explain why CopperHill says they can't ship their complete kit to Alaska or Hawaii (although they will send this little gizmo)?

http://copperhillimages.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID#MOREINFO

[F.Gordon]

1. I know Cooper Hill method is very popular

I picked Visible Dust because of the longetivity and quality of the equipment. I saw it as a better use of money for the "long haul". Have no idea why they won't ship to the country of Alaska. Maybe someday we'll let you into the Union.
:hi:

[Blue_In_AK]

2. I think it has something to do with Homeland Security...

We looked all over the internet for people who sold it, but every kit that included the liquid they wouldn't ship to Alaska or Hawaii. It said something about shipping regulations prohibit it. They only ship it by UPS ground, and I guess UPS doesn't drive up the Alcan. The little swabs and brushes, though, they'll ship anywhere. So it must have something to do with not wanting the liquid (Eclipse, I think they call it) on airplanes, is all I can think. :shrug:

[CC]

3. You are right it is the Eclipse

but not homeland security, it is very flammable so isn't allowed on air freight. Might of been the rules after the Miami plane crash that oxygen containers caused. Might be a camera shop or science supply around that carries it though.

[Blue_In_AK]

4. Yes, I'm hoping you're right...

I'm going to call around a few places today.

[CC]

5. I will warn you that a

couple years ago, when I couldn't get it online, I couldn't find it anywhere. But then I did not venture into any of the big cities around here to look and I do live in a rural area.

[Blue_In_AK]

6. I'm in luck...

Our good old local Stewart's Photo Shop (in business here for over 60 years) carries Eclipse and the necessary swabs. This is great - I won't even have to wait for it.

[CC]

7. Send some of your

luck this way, they are trying to tell me my windows won't be in for another 4 weeks and they need to be here this week. Round 2 Monday with them.

It is good to know it can be found locally and now you get to tell us how easy or hard it is to clean the sensor for a first timer. Before I attempt to clean one. :evilgrin:

[Blue_In_AK]

8. Well, I've got the stuff now

Cost an arm and a leg, too -- not the Eclipse itself but a dozen of the swabs were 48 bucks! Ouch! But then you've got to figure that $4 a cleaning beats sending it off to Canon, so it's probably worth it. Once I gather my courage, I'll let you know how it goes.