How to clean the lens and image sensor of interchangeable lens cameras and camcorders

This provides guidance on cleaning the camera lens and body by yourself.

• Blower - This is used to blow away dust and dirt on or in the camera.
  • Plain blower (recommended)
    
    
    • We recommend a plain blower instead of a brush blower, etc.
    • Squeeze the bulb with your fingers to force the air out. You can easily adjust the air pressure.
  • Brush blower
    
    
    • This can be used as both a blower and a brush. When using a brush blower with a removable brush, remove the brush when using it as a blower. This prevents dust on the brush from being blown onto the camera.
      
  • Brush - This is used to wipe away dust on the camera body or lens. Use a large or small brush for the lens according to the situation.
  • Cleaning cloth - This is used to wipe off the camera or lens. A cloth made of synthetic fibers, which can be washed and used over again, is recommended.
  Notes:

  • Do not use an air duster. Doing so may damage the image sensor, or cause a malfunction.
  • Do not touch the sensor's surface or blow on it too hard.
  • Sony is not liable for any incidental or consequential damage due to mishandling at non-Sony service locations or otherwise.

Videos with cleaning instructions

How to clean the lens

Tip: Learn how to turn captions on or off when watching Internet videos from YouTube

How to clean the image sensor

For E-Mount cameras

Tip: Learn how to turn captions on or off when watching Internet videos from YouTube

For A-Mount cameras

Tip: Learn how to turn captions on or off when watching Internet videos from YouTube

How to clean the camera

Tip: Learn how to turn captions on or off when watching Internet videos from YouTube

How to clean the camera and lens

Note: Some cameras have a sensor cleaning function. Check your camera's Help Guide before attempting manual cleaning.

1. Remove dust and debris from the camera body.
   Use a brush to sweep dust and debris from the entire camera. Use a large brush for the outside of the camera and a small brush for delicate parts. Do not press the brush hard against the camera; sweep gently.
   
2. Remove dust and debris from delicate parts using a blower.
   
3. Take the front lens cap off, and use the blower to remove dust from the lens surface.
   
   If the lens is very dirty, dampen a soft cloth or lens tissue with a lens cleaner solution, and wipe in circular motions from the center of the lens outward.
   
   
4. Replace the front lens cap to prevent dust from attaching to the lens.

5. Press the lens release button, and detach the lens.

   *For the ILCE-QX1
   
   IMPORTANT: Be careful not to touch the sensor's surface.
   

6. Use the blower while holding the camera facing slightly downward so that dust and debris easily fall off the sensor's surface.

   *For the ILCE-QX1
   

7. Reattach the lens.

   *For the ILCE-QX1
   
   Notes:

   • Take the lens off and on in a dust-free location. Dust and debris may easily enter the camera and lens in a dusty location.
   • For an A-mount cameras:
     When you attach the lens, confirm that the mirror has been completely locked down.

8. After you are finished cleaning, check that all dust has been removed.

   • Set the shooting mode to Aperture Priority (A), and the aperture value to F11.
   • Take a picture of a white wall, white paper, or the sky.
   • Make sure that no dust shows on the image.

If dust remains after cleaning, the product may require repair. Go to Product Repair.