Why are these swabs so expensive ? What are they made of – Gold?
Sensor swabs are manufactured by hand in a clean room environment. We have not yet found a way to machine make them that will be any less expensive than they are now.

Why can’t PEC*PAD be used to make my own swab? Why is your warranty voided if a PAD is used to clean a sensor?
The swab material is NOT the same as the PAD material. PEC*PAD was never tested by us or any camera or sensor manufacturer so we do not know if it will be safe to use. We cannot be responsible for sensor damage when the PAD’s are handled, cut and folded by the end user. Handling the PAD’s will allow airborne residues to contaminate the PAD; cutting them will destroy the bonding and allow loose strands to get stuck in the sensor baffle. We have had a few reports that users have caused damaged to sensors after attempting to save a few dollars by making their own cleaning wands; we have also heard that many folks do this with success. We also know that some folks clean their sensor using a strip of adhesive tape ! To each his own.

Who recommends the Swab?
Currently the swabs are officially recommended by Eastman Kodak, Leica and Fuji.
We also list many individuals, well-known and not-so-well-known who endorse the Swab and Eclipse method.

Other manufacturers have varying policies regarding what materials should or should not be used. See our web page for current details. swabproduct.htm

Note: A manufacturer may choose not to publicly have their name listed for any number of reasons, usually to avoid liability if they recommend a procedure and the user causes damage. Our products are safe on ALL camera makes and models when the directions and common sense are used. Please see our Guarantee for the details.

What is the difference between Types 1, 2, and 3?
Size matters. Type 1 is 20mm in width. Type 2 is 17mm and Type 3 is 24mm.

How can I find out which swab type will clean my camera?
Check out our Sensor Swab page here.

Why not print this information directly on the swab box?
As new cameras are introduced, this information will change – often several times per month. The info if printed on the box would become outdated often and quickly.

What about the other cleaning methods discussed on the internet and digital camera forums?
There are many other methods available for sensor cleaning and these are described and sold on the internet. Some people are willing to try and save money by using a piece of tape to clean; or by making their own re-usable hand-made swabs. Many report great success. A few do not and face repairs of $700. or more ! The choice is up to each camera owner.

Note: Cleaning the sensor has gotten to become a necessity. You now have many choices for sensor cleaning. Please review these choices and the companies behind them very carefully. Some companies list no phone number or other contact info other than an email address. None have the backing of any camera manufacturer. None have bothered to submit their product to any manufacturer to test. None offer live tech support or other help. None state the conditions under which their products are made. None have been selling swabs for as long ! One company even claims they were the first with cleaning products - they did not exist in 2003 !!!!
Carefully read the information from the few that DO offer information : Notice how their wording is strangely identical to ours !!!
Trust your sensor to Photographic Solutions, Inc. We INVENTED sensor cleaning, in 1998 ! And have been in business since 1983 .