Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack)

  • Price: $32.79
  • B&H # PHST3
  • Mfr# SS3BOX

Product Highlights

  • Clean DSLR Image Sensors

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The Photographic Solutions Sensor Swabs are designed for cleaning the imaging sensor (CMOS or CCD) of DSLR Cameras and other delicate or hard to reach optical and imaging surfaces. Clean room manufactured and sealed, these swabs are the ultimate in purity.

Sensor Swab Type 3 is designed to clean the image sensors of the following DSLR Cameras:
Canon EOS 1Ds, EOS 1Ds Mark II, EOS 1Ds Mark lII, EOS 5D
Contax N Digital
Kodak DCS 14n, DCS SLR/c, DCS SLR/n
Leica DMR
Nikon D3, D3X, D700

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack)
 
4.1

(based on 43 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (18)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (17)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (3)

88%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (30)
  • Reliable (18)
  • Lightweight (13)
  • Durable (7)

Cons

  • Not functional (4)
  • Pricey (3)
  • Pricey / poor value (3)

Best Uses

  • Everyday (10)
  • Portraits (9)
  • Studio (8)
  • Landscape photography (7)
  • Macro photography (7)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Semi-professional (19), Professional (16), Enthusiast (7)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (24)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Visible Dust Products are GREAT!

I have been cleaning my sensors since owning a Nikon D70. I have owned the Nikon D200, D2X, D300, and now the D3. I have always had good results with Visible Dust products...Read complete review

I have been cleaning my sensors since owning a Nikon D70. I have owned the Nikon D200, D2X, D300, and now the D3. I have always had good results with Visible Dust products. Yes, sometimes it takes 3-5 pads to get your sensor clean (along with using a brush a few times), but that is still much cheaper than sending off your camera to Nikon (which by the way has come back with the largest dust spot I have ever seen on a sensor?!?!).

I have used other manufacturers' products and I personally haven't had as much luck. One IMPORTANT note! Use the 1.5/1.6 sized swabs on the full framed sensors. I purchased another brand "full frame" swab and it is almost impossible not to touch the sides of the camera. This leaves a lot of junk on the sensor (probably from the fragments of the brush itself). The Visible Dust swabs also look like a fabric (vs. cloth) construction and leaves no traces of "junk".

Also, the Visible Dust solutions are able to work with the new D300/D3 sensors, unlike other manufacturers'... that should say something about the quality to begin with in my opinion.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Useless for all but the biggest chunks

I've been cleaning my sensors on 10 DSLRS for 7 years now, always using a carefully fitted rubber spatula wrapped with a Pec Pad and with 2 drops of Eclipse. Usually got perfect results ...Read complete review

I've been cleaning my sensors on 10 DSLRS for 7 years now, always using a carefully fitted rubber spatula wrapped with a Pec Pad and with 2 drops of Eclipse. Usually got perfect results with 1 to 3 applications.

Recently I felt rich and tried out the Sensor Swabs, both the Type 2 for my D300 and the Type 3 for my D700. I went through an entire box of a dozen and my D300 is every bit as dirty as when I started. The fabric appears to release as much particulate fiber matter as it claims to remove, and the wrapping of the plastic spatula is sloppy, a far poorer and less precise tool than my trusty old custom-made rubbermaid-based instrument. Halfway through the box of Type 3 Swabs, my D700 looks worse than when I started, and I'm chucking the rest, writing off the loss, and getting me some more Pec Pads.

If all you care about are particles the size of rocks they should work fine for you.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 43 customers

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4.0

It Works but a little expensive

By Jun

from Olathe, KS

About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easy To Use

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Cleaning

    Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

    It works for cleaning sensor. However, it is a little expensive.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

    (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    FX Perfect

    By Jim

    from Long Valley, NJ

    About Me Semi-Professional

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Use
    • Lightweight
    • Reliable

    Cons

    • One-time use

    Best Uses

      Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

      I had heard if you are new to sensor cleaning (which I am) get a Type 2 sensor because its earier to manipulate than a Type-3 swab. I did get the Type-2 swab with the kit I bought that came with the E2. However, after a couple swabs, I didn't see the point. It's really a simple process. If you ever used a squeegee on a window, you're ready for sensor cleaning. As far as the Type-3 being a tight fit: steady hand, watch what you are doing, take your time, and you should have no problem. Overall it's a good product, saves time if you can't make 'em yourself, but you pay for that convenience.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Cleane as a whistle

      By Jefphoto

      from South Florida

      About Me Professional

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Durable

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Portraits

        Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

        Non damaging. Easy to use.Just right to fit my sensor. Instructions are clear. It takes a bit of dexterity

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

        (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        3.0

        Just the right size

        By kimww

        from IN

        About Me Semi-Professional

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Reliable

        Cons

        • Too pricey

        Best Uses

        • Sensor cleaning

        Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

        Needed these swabs for my full sensor camera.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

        (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        1.0

        These Sensor Swab's leave a mess

        By JimVetter

        from San Francisco, CA

        About Me Professional

        Verified Reviewer

        Pros

        • None

        Cons

        • Not Functional
        • They leave a mess of lint

        Best Uses

        • Cleaning the toilet

        Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

        I'll be blunt. These swabs leave more lint behind than was on the sensor before cleaning. I'd have been better off using my sock to clean my sensor.

        Do NOT buy these things.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        4.0

        expensive but effective

        By rutger

        from chicago

        About Me Professional

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Durable
        • Easy To Use
        • Gradually effective
        • Lightweight
        • Reliable

        Cons

        • Pricey

        Best Uses

        • Everyday use
        • Home
        • Landscape Photography
        • Portraits
        • Studio
        • Traveling

        Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

        pretty simple to use. there is a pretty high markup on these and you could almost make your own using the plasitic applicator when you are done. i usually have to go through about three times over the sensor because you can never quite get all the dust. my photography usually is at f22 1/320 sec so i am kind of picky about every spot.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Best out there

        By skidavid

        from photo32

        About Me Semi-Professional

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Durable
        • Easy To Use
        • Lightweight
        • Reliable

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Everyday use

          Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

          These are the besst swabs out there. I have used another less expensive brand that has swabs on both ends.
          Would nice if they would also put swabs on both ends of the stick.
          There is still no doubt that these are the best I have used. I have to admit though, I aslo bought the cheaper brands and use them first then finish up with these.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          4.0

          Right tool for the job

          By RSchulz Photography

          from Valencia, CA

          About Me Semi-Professional

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Use

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Home
            • Landscape Photography
            • Macro Photography
            • Portraits
            • Studio

            Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

            These seem to work well. I had a ton of dust on a 5DII and this, along with high quality sensor fluid work well. They a flexible enough that I dont think you could really hurt your sensor with them. I have another brand and the swab doesnt wrap around the plastic like this one and it worries me a bit that a the side can become exposed and scratch somthing. The design of these seems more robust. They are a little pricey for what you get, especially since I generally need a couple before the sensor it totally clean an you only use them for essentially one swipe.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

            (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Effective in sensor cleaning

            By Anello

            from Calgary, AB - Canada

            About Me Semi-Professional

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use

            Cons

            • Too expensive

            Best Uses

            • Sensor cleaning

            Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

            When everything fails, this is the way to clean your sensor.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

            (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

             
            4.0

            Work

            By K Lee

            from Davis, CA

            About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Safe to use

            Cons

            • Inefficient

            Best Uses

            • Everyday use

            Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

            The only reason I'm giving these four stars is because I wish they could make them a bit more efficient. I've cleaned sensors in my D200, D300S and D700 and it ALWAYS takes from five to ten swabs to get most of whatever the junk is off the sensor. The first few tend to move it around and then finally it's either off to the edges far enough not to matter, or close enough to perfectly clean to call it quits. It may be my technique, but I've done it a lot and watched videos and don't think I'm missing anything. Still, it's better than driving across town to drop off the camera (if that's even an option), waiting a day or two, driving back and paying nearly $100 for someone else to do it.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Just the right tool for the job

            By Elie from Oolite

            from Portland, OR

            About Me Semi-Professional

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Durable
            • Easy To Use
            • Lightweight
            • Reliable

            Cons

              Best Uses

                Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

                These swabs are well build. Easy to handle, don't break, do a fantastic job leaving the sensor spotless.
                Just follow instructions to add a few drops to one side, swipe the sensor with the wet side, flip it over and swipe again with the dry side. You are done.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                4.0

                One of the best

                By BANG.GL

                from Nuuk, Greenland

                About Me Professional

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Durable
                • Reliable

                Cons

                • Expencive

                Best Uses

                • Everyday use
                • Home
                • Landscape Photography
                • Macro Photography
                • Portraits
                • Studio
                • Traveling

                Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

                Just works every time.. and nessesery when you change glass in rugh enviroment sometimes.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                4.0

                best choice when you have to clean

                By Raul

                from Tyler, TX

                About Me Professional

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Effective

                Cons

                • Takes Practice

                Best Uses

                • When required

                Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

                Takes a little practice but is the best way to clean I've found. May have to do multiple times if really dirty.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Great Product ...

                By DLTBGYD

                from Lakeview, OR

                About Me Semi-Professional

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy To Use

                Cons

                • None

                Best Uses

                • Full-Frame sensor clean

                Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

                [...]Using these swabs (the #3 is the Full-Frame sensor size, 24mm) with the Eclipse solution did a great job.It was my first time cleaning the sensor on the EOS-1Ds, but it had to be done. Everything else had failed (a blower and a brush). I was a teensy nervous about the cleaning because I know if you are not very careful, you can harm the sensor.I'd say there is no fear of harming the sensor with this product (used with the Eclipse solution). I followed the instructions … just a couple of drops of Eclipse … swipe the sensor in one direction … swipe back in the other direction, and toss-away the swab. (It is really, really tempting to reuse the swab; don't do it!)The sensor is perfectly clean and un-harmed.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                don't be afraid to clean to DIY

                By studioW

                from Naperville, IL

                About Me Professional

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy To Use
                • Lightweight
                • More economical
                • Reliable

                Cons

                • Expensive

                Best Uses

                  Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

                  I've never understood why people take their cameras in to have the sensor cleaned. The process is simple, and safe if you just take your time and be careful.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Comment on this review

                  (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  4.0

                  Right product for the right job

                  By bamw

                  from Ct.

                  About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Landscape Photography
                    • Macro Photography
                    • Portraits

                    Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

                    These Sensor Swabs do the job really well. A swipe in one direction, then flip it over and swap in the opposite direction and you're done. No more smears or dust left behind. Perfectly clear.
                    I would definitely recommend these over pec pads.
                    Give them a try.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Comment on this review

                    (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    Not cheap but they work

                    By Mark

                    from Maryland's Eastern Shore

                    About Me Professional

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                          Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

                          Dirty sensor that air can't clean? Use this and a solution and you are good to go!

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Comment on this review

                           
                          4.0

                          Great for cleaning camera sensors

                          By Camera Dave

                          from Los Angeles, CA

                          About Me Professional

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Reliable

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Digital Cinema Cameras

                            Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

                            This is the only item I have used on 1" sensors in digital cinematography cameras. It works exactly as expected and cleans all the dust in two or three swipes across the sensor.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Comment on this review

                            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            5.0

                            Worked Great on D700

                            By Nate

                            from Murrieta, CA

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Easy To Use

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                                Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

                                Had to use 4 of them to get the job done, but still cheaper than sending in the Camera to Nikon.

                                Comment on this review

                                 
                                4.0

                                Great, mostly

                                By Elizabeth

                                from Brooklyn, NY

                                About Me Professional

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Easy To Use
                                • Lightweight
                                • Reliable

                                Cons

                                • Poor Design

                                Best Uses

                                • Everyday use
                                • Studio

                                Comments about Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack):

                                I would give these 5 stars except the last time I bought some, 3-4 of them were not properly put together, the cloth hung off of the sticks in such a way that the end tip was too wide to fit into my sensor area. Considering the cost of the swabs, I would hope that each one would be perfect. Other than the few defective swabs I've seen, these work great to clean my 5d (mark i & ii) sensors.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

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                                Care & Cleaning

                                Visible Dust -  VDust Plus Formula Solution
                                • Price: $20.95
                                • Add to cart for lower price
                                 

                                What's in the Box

                                Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab Type 3 (12-Pack)
                                • 12 x Sensor Swab Type 3
                                • Instruction Sheet
                                 
                                 
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