PRODUCT ADVISORY - EYELEAD Sensor Stick (Sony Version) | How to Clean if You have used this product

[@fredmccaa9257]

I have and still use a gel stick to clean my sensors on all my cameras and lenses, the one I use is called Dot Line by DLC and it too would leave a sticky residue behind I figured it was because it is made from a gel so what I did was wash the tip in some dishwashing dish soap by Dawn and let it dry and then when I used it no more sticky residue but you need to make sure to test before you use it to see if it needs to be cleaned again and I do that using a UV filter and if it doesn't leave any residue on that then I use it on my sensor. But that is my experience with this particular brand you might try it with yours and see if it makes a difference.

[@paulkane7636]

Have been using Eyelead on my 1Dx and 1Dx ii bodies for years, with no issues at all... And yes...even use a sensor loupe when cleaning !

[@ArcanePath360]

Thanks for this, just what I wanted to read before buying to use on my 1DXii

[@dougd2723]

HI Michael, I value your perspective a lot. I do enjoy your videos. I've had different experiences with Eyelead with my A6000 initially and now my A7rii. I dropped the sensor onto the tip of the air blower I owned. It left some of that tip embedded in the AA filter, at that time I thought it was the sensor. I needed to stamp the surface many, many times but with patience there wasn't any plastic tip on the surface and checking it with small f/stop test pic I no longer could detect signs of it's existence. The directions recommend using the sticky tape to remove debris it picks up. One time I have to admit that I used the Eyelead out of the case without stamping the sticky tape first and I did see some stuff from the Eyelead was left on the sensor on the A&rii. It came off, as far as I can tell, after stamping the sticky tape. I hope this makes sense. I've been very happy and appreciative of Eyelead especially after I thought I ruined my new camera, it was disheartening at first and a great relief after it worked for me.

[@MMaven]

Doug D thank you Doug. I used the sticky paper and followed the instructions to the letter. If I had this problem, others will as well. I believe it’s a quality control issue. It was way stronger than it needed to be. Not sure if that helps, I could almost pick the camera up with the sensor stick on the sensor.

[@dougd2723]

@@MMaven Agreed, it's aggressive for sure on the AA filter and almost slippery on the A7rii. I was thankful for it's tenacity to remove the embedded plastic. I don't know if the Eyelead is for FF or APS-C. Thanks for your APB, I know it helps.

[@MMaven]

Doug D i hear you. I’m actually hanging on to it just in case. There are other cleaning kits that don’t get the super aggressive spots. I know I can remove this residue, though not easily, so it’ll be my last resort for something like your situation. I appreciate the comments.

[@NoelDelPilar]

100% agree with you. I offer the cleaning sensor service in my area, and try the stick Eyelead, and it is a problem. Also, some sensor swaps are not the best, due to the residue. The best results that I find is the Dust Wand Kit the you show. It is a little bit difficult to buy, but it is the best option for great result.

[@MMaven]

Noel Del Pilar thank you my friend

[@johncallery814]

First Sony has a design problem with their mirrorless cameras. They have a significant issue with sensor dust and sensor cleanliness. I believe the magnitude of this problem depends on the type of photography You do and where you photograph. If you’re in a studio or if you rarely venture More than 500 feet from your car and take photos it is less of a problem. However, if you hike 5-10 or miles in the outdoors on a regular basis in all types of weather conditions like wind, rain, and snow this is a huge issue. I have found using the bulb blower on my Sony A7RII is next to useless. I do all the best practices of lens changes to include changing with the mount down, changing the lenses quickly by having lens caps loosened, etc. and it just doesn’t keep the sensor clean. I use the sensor gel stick after every trip (5-10 times a month) and do a wet clean once every 60 days. I didn’t have this issue with my Nikon and Olympus cameras. I did wet clean those sensors, but only 1-2 times a year. For my type of shooting I would have to get rid of my Sony A7RII if I did not have the gel stick.

[@craigbrockway652]

Thank you Michael, you confirmed my suspicions. What set off alarms is this stick is cleaned with an adhesive, I then knew further checking was needed.

[@quarantinaakalillian7359]

👍 Taking one for the team was a gutsy move... I'm just glad you were able to clean it. You just saved me a lot of time and at least $60 USD. Thanks!

[@RogerZoul]

I had this happen to me in the last month on my 80D! It left some kind of glue on the sensor! The gel end was dirty! Interestingly, the first one I bought from them (off Amazon) worked fine but i was forced to buy a new one after misplacing up on a recent trip.

[@justinholding02]

The red one? Or the blue one? Amazon probably sells Chinese copies

[@marksummers5504]

I feel better now. I’ve used 8 and ran out of the wet cleaning sticks and there is still some residue around the edges. I’ve ordered some more.

[@petersagi275]

Could this be something to do with the lack of AA filters or some other kind of coating that mirrorless sensors have? Maybe it's an issue worth pursuing further.

[@MMaven]

It’s something specific to Sony filters. The blue one also has had problems with them.

[@Hsukhaybir]

Did you try Pentax gel stick ? I didn’t have any issue with it used it now 3 times with A7r iv

[@rich1953]

Possibly try it out on a piece of clear glass or even a mirror to check for residue before using any product on your sensor..

[@MMaven]

I tried that it plays nice with plain glass. There is something about the nature of the gel stick and the properties of the sensor cover.

[@sergeiegorkin7873]

Thank god I bought a pack of wet swabs back then. I’m very pleased with a regular wet swab, 60% of the time, it works every time.

[@JefferyAHoward]

Thank you for sharing this info. Great video.

[@nord7556]

Hello Sir, I bought a sony camera a month ago and since I am a beginner I was unaware of the sensor dust issue while I removed my lens out of curiosity. Now my sensor has many large dust spots and while using a blower it did remove some particles and failed to remove the larger ones. What do you recommend in this case?

[@MichalJuul]

Would you also not be able to use (DustAid Platinum DSLR Sensor Cleaner) for Sony A6000 and A7R

[@marlonb.8243]

On a Leica M9 and M10, the Eyelead has to be used repeatedly. Once does not remove all the dust. You have to use it, take a photo, and see what is remaining on your sensor. On Canon and Sony cameras, a one-time cleaning will do it.

[@youareawesome8]

Hi michael, I did have different experience with this product. I got the blue one and is made in germany. I used on canon 5 to 6 years ago. and i used it on sony now and is find. but i find that is not as sticky as on canon sensor. I quess is a good think. This product actually bail me out when my friend who does not know about interchangeabl camera, remove my lens and put it in a bagwithout a cap and return it to me. lucky it was my cheap sony A5000 and I use this to clean it up. I try many cleaning salution before. Fro me this work the best. been using for 5 to 6 years now.

[@MMaven]

I haven’t heard of issues with the blue version on normal dslrs, only on Sony sensors

[@ron5935]

Amazon sells counterfeit products. My pink one is stamped Pentax on the handle which is what Leica uses. I tried it on my plastic prescription eyeglasses which are coated with no problem. No residue. no overstick. Just cleaned a D700 Nikon with new swabs and Eclipse. Always left some dust. The blue cleaned up what Eclipse moved around.

[@MMaven]

The one I purchased was sold by the original manufacturer. There isn’t a way to fake that.

[@that_johnny_guy]

Thank you. I almost opted into this idea. You definitely saved me a headache 🙏🏽

[@cliffordzeman3475]

Had the sensor stick (blue) for a few years and was kept inside a desk drawer cool location. Last time I used it the blue sticky end came off the stick and was stuck on the sensor. I was able to remove the blue blob and lucky it didn't kill my sensor. I came to the conclusion that if you use it as much as you like in the first year and then dump in the garbage, you saved more than the price of the stick when you cleaned your sensor for one year and then replace with a new one. Going to stay with wet cleaning from now on, don't want to push my luck again.

[@aussie8114]

I might be missing something with cleaning DUST off a sensor but why not just use a rocket blower to blow it then I have a very soft little artists brush to brush it then blow it again.

[@MMaven]

LAZY DOG air bulbs also introduce dust themselves. This is why I recommend visualizing your Sensor before cleaning.

[@davex142]

Amen to that, Michael. I sign every word. Than you for this video a lot !

[@stans5270]

I always use Playdoh to clean my sensor. Works every time.

[@eduardopaganotti7296]

Thank you for this information, very informative!

[@howie8582]

I couldn't disagree more. I use the Eyelead sensor stick on my Sony full frame and APS-C cameras with great success and have been doing so for many months. I can only assume that your stick became contaminated as the gel surface is super sticky. Personally I'm extremely careful to keep the sticky pad away from everything apartt from the sensor and I clean the tip it on the cleaning pads each time I use. For dust that won't lift I have found this to be a great product, wet cleaning is now my last resort. As an aside I also use the MagLight, as my cameras are mirrorless I use a Nikon to E-mount adaptor to maintain the correct distance.

[@MMaven]

I used the paper and followed the instructions to the letter. Took about 15 wet swabs to remove that residue. It’s terrible.

[@no15minutecities]

@@MMaven Maybe you have the knock off. Been good for me

[@Always_help_when_you_can]

I also disagree with your conclusions, I have a very good experience with the product and even now I ordered my second one, it's a great product if you know how to use it. I have a Sony Alfa 7 iii camera and using the Eyelead stick occasionally.

[@jries77]

Best and cheapest tool I have used to clean my sensors for almost a decade............. a Q-tip. My sensors have been spotless. From my experience, most sensor cleaners are an waste of money.

[@prkane1]

Thanks for the heads up. This probably saved lots of folks money and aggravation.

[@JuhaNuha]

I just have good experiences with eyelead.

[@tidesofkali]

I just goto Canon office and they have a machine there that does the sensor cleaning ( fully auto ) it cost 35 dollars but the peace of mind is PRICELESS!! Free coffee and other stuff while you wait :) and play with other canon equipments!

[@no15minutecities]

So there's a Canon or Sony office in every town in the world??? WOW!

[@Noealz]

I wouldn't let anything near my sensor

[@philindeblanc]

You never touch your actual sensor, AA filter or not, it is behind a thin layer of glass. Regardless, you should not use that cleaner. Best solution is EWIPES cut to a size of sensor with CCArd cut to size of sensor, and wipe carefully in one stroke directions.

[@justinholding02]

The problem is probably Sony. Not Eyelead 😂

[@midiplaybox3453]

Only way to really clean your sensor at home is by using gel stick, but most sellers do not recommend it for SONY and FUJI camera.

[@philipcunio4089]

I found the same problem.

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

I have not had your experience. BTW, write Leica and tell them that they are screwing up as they use the Eyelead gel stick on their sensors.

[@MMaven]

“Sony”

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

@@MMaven I guess you missed the part where I said I have not had a problem with Eyelead. Nor have most people. Your problems are yours. Any survey with an observation of 1 is notoriously inaccurate. Indeed, it is anecdotal and can be dismissed.

[@MMaven]

@@zoltankaparthy9095 well you might want to do a search, I’m definitely not only one. But of course ignore my warning at you own risk if you are using the “SONY” version of this stick.

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

@@MMaven I have searched and I have checked the reviews on Amazon. You are in the distinct minority. Could you have used a counterfeit Eyelead? You are not the only man in the platoon who is in step.

[@michaelandrew5209]

@@zoltankaparthy9095 So....it wasn't a survey observation of just 1? Sounds like you have learned something. Did you search beyond the amazon reviews to find the others as wells? Either multiple documented incidences from different sources are all one offs and anecdotal or they are not. Sensor products should have no reported incidences of actually harming the sensor, let alone many. We can disagree with that. Yes while the minority seem to be experiencing this problem, the cost of replacing a camera or sensor is dramatic (as you read in the reviews), so I do believe this is a fair warning to those who dont want that experience. The product I purchased appears to be 100% authentic (you seem to have found the link from which it was purchased, so please verify the listing to determine what part of it might be fake or give a hint to being fake). The packaging also seems authentic. Seems as though are you suggesting it would be better to say nothing to my students and viewers as a fair warning. We will have to disagree with that too.

[@aaauto]

proof of the residue? Is this even photo channel?

[@lamarroth8339]

I have been using the Blue version of the eyelead stick for the last 3 years. Last night, I was cleaning my sensor on my 5D M4 and I was horrified to see significant smudges where ever I used the stick. I took it to a camera repair shop and 45 minutes later and $43 out of pocket, the sensor was clean again. I don’t know if the product deteriorated over time or if I was leaving minute layers of adhesive in the past and it was just worse today. I do not recommend using this product! Thank you for the video.

[@MMaven]

I think that’s what’s happening with this product is that as it sits over time the rubber deteriorates. I will say that it is possible to remove it but it takes about a dozen or so swabs with a wet cleaning kit-thank you for your feedback

[@MMaven]

Lamar Roth And yes it is quite terrifying when it happens

[@dr.mahera9284]

If you bought it from Amazon its most likely a fake..please get one from Photographylife i.e Nasim Mansurov..i have used this one on my Sony Cameras for more than 4 years now..no issues whatsoever

[@MMaven]

So you are suggesting Eyelead is selling fakes of their own products? Thats interesting. (I bought it from Eyelead on Amazon). I stand by my findings, its likely a quality control issue.

[@MMaven]

Even more, here is what the company says now: "For Sony A7 II, A7R II and A7S II, Since the cameras have in-body stabilization, If it's the first time sensor cleaning, we highly recommend to do a cleaning by using high quality wet cleaning solution, instead of the sensor cleaning gel stick. If in case you see smears after cleaning, please clean the sensor asap using the high quality wet solution." So it sounds to me they are fully aware of the problem.

[@dr.mahera9284]

Still Mike I would suggest you try a copy from photography life..i have used both the eyelead gel stick and wet cleaning for many years before this..with DSLRs i had to clean the sensor once every 2 years..mirrorless however is a different story..i end up cleaning once every month..with the eyelead stick the cleaning process is a breeze and appreciably less expensive..i still use wet cleaning once a year..as the gel stick does not get rid of oil spots from the shutter mechanism

[@dr.mahera9284]

Nasim at Photography life is a pretty solid professional just like you..albiet a little blindsided for Nikon and Fuji stuff..trust me on this..other popular photographers/videographers that use the eyelead stuff include Phil Bloom..

[@trystwithlight]

100% agree. Do NOT use on sony sensors!!!

[@crxracer805]

The lollipop of death.

[@no15minutecities]

Adults don't need lollipops

[@blarkdexture8899]

Just swab it

[@lalljp]

Why are there so many sensor cleaning gimmick products? Just use the usual swab with fluid. No need to see what you're cleaning, just pick up the big particles with a wet swab, throw that one away, wipe the whole sensor with another wet swab a couple times

[@halsnyder296]

Wow...

[@lorenzo4262]

This is a bad information. For sony sensor is the blue version... if you use the red it's too strong... Important is do not use pression. you softly touch without any force and immediately remove and clean with dedicated paper

[@MMaven]

Unfortunately this is incorrect you can find many examples posted all over the Internet with people having similar issues

[@RishabhSharma-lq1id]

Almost everytime, I just send my camera to service centre.

[@DalsPhotography]

OMG, thank you !!! couldn't believe it, the company will get sued sometime I guess?

[@no15minutecities]

nope

[@DalsPhotography]

@@no15minutecities there is a good cleaner done by Jay Cristina! :)

[@robertchiew8295]

This product looks such a gimmick device. Both my Canon or Fujifilm would go back to the Service centre for cleaning. I would not risk 3rd party cleaning it's not worth it.

[@eviem70]

Robert Chiew how much does Canon charge you to clean your sensor?

[@justinholding02]

Don't agree. I have used this on all my Canon cameras with great results.

[@MMaven]

Let me guess....the blue one? On a DSLR? That’s not the product we are talking about, I even mention this in the video

[@justinholding02]

@@MMaven bingo. Sorry, i haven't watched the video yet. But I've seen so many negative reviews about this product, whereas I find (at least the blue one) excellent

[@no15minutecities]

Rubbish