The Problem: You come back from a photoshoot and download your images and start evaluating your work. You notice dark spots in the same location in every frame. Now you have to spend countless hours "retouching".

What happened? We know that particulate (dust, pollen, and other types of dirt) can stick to the surface of the image sensor filter. This particulate creates a shadow on the image sensor array, degrading the image quality (see illustration below).

A common reason for particulate sticking to the image sensor filter is the presence of electrostatic charges. The electrostatic charges will attract and "hold" onto any particulate that comes under the influence of its electric field.

The camera’s image sensor filter can possess both positive (+) and negative (-) electrostatic charges, so it is important that the method used to clean the sensor is capable of neutralizing both types of charges.

The Solution: While there are many methods available to the photographer to clean the image sensor filter, only the FireFly provides a convenient, safe, and effective method to neutralize electrostatic charges on the components of the mirror box, shutter chamber, and image sensor filter.

The FireFly utilizes a nine-volt battery to 'ionize' the air passing through the body of the Firefly, producing and delivering both positive (+) and negative (-) air ions to the outlet air stream. This assures that the static charges are neutralized, allowing the particulate matter to be blown off by the ionized air stream and flushed out of the camera body.

Before	After using the FireFly

• The wet method: This method requires touching of the delicate imaging sensor filter and potentially damaging the protective filter layer. The wet method also requires the use of chemicals that can not be carried aboard a commercial aircraft. Lastly, if not done properly it can leave behind 'swirl' marks.
• Anti-static brushes: This method also requires touching, which can scratch the surface. Brushes must be properly cleaned before each use or they will transfer contaminants to the surface you are attempting to clean.
• Air blower: Using unfiltered air can transfer rubber and other contaminants from the bulb to the sensor. Air blowers do not produce the air ions needed to neutralizer static charges, therefore they can only move the contaminants to a different position of the imaging sensor filter.
• Adhesive pads or tape: Can leave behind a "sticky" residue. As the pad separates from the image sensor filter it can generate a static charge on the surface, attracting particulate to the cleaned surface.

The new 2nd generation FireFly includes many improvements over the original FireFly. We have reduced the size and weight, added a new compartment for the battery making it easier to install, and we added a new 'Timer' circuit that will automatically turn off the FireFly after 15 seconds - making it possible to use the new FireFly one-handed.

When compared with all the other methods and devices, the NRD FireFly is the clear choice for today's photographers.