Sensor cleaning for Z9

[Ivan Rothman]

I've seen Steve's recommendation for wet sensor cleaning. I have Delkin Sensor wands and Delkin sensor cleaning solution.
But previously with my DSLRs, I would first try cleaning them with the Eyelead Sensor Gel stick and was usually successful with it, although always felt a little nervous about possibly damaging sensor.
I'd like to hear experience of others in how they are cleaning their sensors.
Also, since you can set the Z9 to have the sensor exposed when the camera is turned off and therefore can just take the lens off to clean, does it make any sense to remove the battery from the camera before cleaning to eliminate any chance of a charge on the sensor that might affect the cleaning process?

 

[dabhand16]

I only use a wet swab on my sensors.

I've been using Eclipse fluid and Digipad swabs for years. Recently tried to order some Digipads and can't find them. Looks like they have might be another victim of Covid. I've also got an illuminated loupe which is useful, and a rocket blower.

I have a Nikon D850 and Fuji XT-4 cameras. The Fujis have IBIS and have to be switched on when cleaning the sensor. This locks it so it can't move when cleaning. I'm sure that I've read somewhere that you can clean Nikon morrorless sensors with the camera switched off, but I'd check this if I were you.

AFAIK the advice is to always use a freshly charged battery with sensor cleaning. Do you know if the sensor blind will stay open without a battery?

 

[John_DE]

For all Nikons, including the Z9, be sure to turn the camera off before cleaning. Off = locked sensor for Nikon, exactly the opposite of Fuji.

 

[Ivan Rothman]

I've done some more internet searching on cleaning Z9 sensor. I've come to this conclusion: Setup Menu > "Sensor Shield Behavior at Power Off" > turn off "Sensor Shield Closes" > Turn off camera > Remove battery > Remove lens. IBIS will be locked. Can now clean the exposed sensor.
I still have the question - better to use dry cleaning with Gel Stick or wet cleaning with sensor swab and sensor cleaning solution?

 

[dabhand16]

I still have the question - better to use dry cleaning with Gel Stick or wet cleaning with sensor swab and sensor cleaning solution?

I have only ever used wet swabs for over 20 years now.

 

[fcotterill]

I have always been wary of direct cleaning and always try and get cameras cleaned by local Nikon agent, but otherwise use a blower [links in parallel thread notably using a Visible Dust Sensor Loupe ]

 

[Wes Peterson]

The coatings seem to make a sensor brush very effective... but honestly having an ftz adapter and the sensor shield make cleaning much less frequent. I suspect im around 50k shots and ive needed to clean my sensor once and it honestly wasnt very bad.