Can't be too careful cleaning the CCD

[MatH]

A few days ago I decided to clen my CCD with a blower. A method that isn't thoroughh, but is suposed to be the safest. It is even in the *Ist DS manual. I got one in a drug store.
Anyway, I took a snapshot of paper sheet at f22 and this is what it looked like: http://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd2/4489/Sensor_dust/Sensor_dust_2071.jpg

I then locked the mirror and looked at the CCD for the first time. I could see some dust specks and I started blowing. Some of them seemed to be more persistant so I blew a little harder until I noticed a dozen of what appeared to be little oily stains. Time stopped and my room suddenly became hot. WTF!. Put the lens back on, took the shot:
http://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd2/4489/Sensor_dust/Sensor_dust_2072.jpg
What have I done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek: I've slept very little that night :confused:

Took the camera to my official Pentax dealer in the mornig. Got it back in the afternoon. They charged 50EUR (60$). The sensor now looks like this:
http://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd2/4489/Sensor_dust/Sensor_dust_2097.JPG

Don't use blower like this. It's metalic parts are aparently oiled.
http://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd2/4489/Sensor_dust/Puhalka_2101.jpg

P.S.
Prior to CCD cleaning I blew on UV filter, to make sure the blower doesn't leave any stains and it didn't. :mad:

[ktixx]

When you clean your sensor you aren't actually cleaning your "SENSOR" you are cleaning a piece of glass that covers the sensor. Try the Copperhill Method ( http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning ) by far the best way to clean your DSLR. For the price you paid for your professional cleaning you could have cleaned it yourself 100+ Times. To be honest with you the blower actually makes the situation worse because it blows more dust into the camera. So the fact that is it a "Safe" cleaning method is irrelevant because it isn't a cleaning method at all. Try the Copperhill method, I am sure you will be satisfied.
Good Luck
Ken