How to Clean Medium Format Sensor with Vswabs

Quick answer

To clean a medium format sensor, use a 30-33mm VisibleDust Vswab with the appropriate solution, following a single-pass motion from one side to the other without stopping or reversing.

Step-by-step sensor cleaning with Vswabs

1. Prepare your workspace and camera: Work in a low-dust environment. Set your camera to Sensor Cleaning mode (usually found in the Setup menu). Lock the mirror up and open the shutter so the sensor is exposed. Remove the lens and mount the camera facing downward to reduce airborne dust settling. If you cannot find Sensor Cleaning mode, consult your camera manual. Forcing the mirror can damage the mechanism.
2. Apply cleaning solution to the swab: Shake the VisibleDust cleaning solution bottle gently. Place one or two drops onto the pad of the Vswab—do not soak it. The solution should spread evenly across the fabric via the mini-channels. Wait 1-2 seconds for absorption. Too much solution can leave residue; too little may not lift dust. One drop on each side of the pad is usually enough.
3. Position the swab at one edge of the sensor: Hold the Vswab by the handle and align the pad with the short edge of the sensor. Tilt the swab slightly so the V-shape follows the chamber contour. Gently touch the pad to the sensor surface at the starting edge. Do not press hard—the swab should glide with light contact. Excessive pressure can damage the sensor's microlens layer.
4. Perform a single continuous pass: Slowly and steadily drag the swab across the full width of the sensor in one smooth motion. Do not stop, lift, or reverse direction mid-pass. When you reach the opposite edge, lift the swab straight up without dragging back. Stopping mid-pass leaves a cleaning line. If you must stop, discard the swab and start over with a fresh one.
5. Inspect the sensor and repeat if needed: Use a sensor loupe or take a test shot at a small aperture (f/16 or f/22) against a plain white or gray surface. Check the image for remaining dust spots. If spots persist, use a fresh Vswab and repeat the process. Never reuse a swab—the collected dust can scratch the sensor. Always use a new Vswab for each pass.

Products mentioned in this guide

• VisibleDust Ultra MXD-100 Green Vswab for Medium Format 30-33 mm (12 Pack): Digital medium format swabs specially designated to fit Leica S2, Pentax 645, Pentax 645D, Pentax 645Z, Fujifilm GFX 50S, Fujifilm GFX 50R, Hasselblad X1D with patented mini-channels and V shape. The V-shape allows you to maneuver the swab inside the tight mirror box of medium format cameras without touching the sides.

  

• VisibleDust DHAP Orange Vswab for Medium Format 30-33 mm (12 Pack): Fits medium format digital SLR 30-33 mm sensor size vertical length or width cameras such as Leica S2, Pentax 645 series, Fujifilm GFX 50S/R, Hasselblad X1D with patented mini-channels and V shape. The DHAP Orange is a cost-effective option for routine cleaning, still providing even solution saturation and safe single-pass coverage.