Getting dust out

[DiscoMick]

Hi guys,
Not being a camera expert myself, I wondered if anyone might have a suggestion about a little problem we came back from the Simpson with. Obviously, it was very dusty out there.
Now, one of the lenses on our Canon 1000 SLR is playing up. Sometimes it works and sometimes it displays unhappy messaqes. The longer lens is working fine on the camera so I assume the problem is with the shorter lens and not the camera.
I got the vacuum cleaner out and gingerly gave it a go. The first time afterwards I used it and it was fine so I thought I'd fixed it, but when the wife tried it later it played up again. I assume there is dust in the connections or inside the lens itself. I was hoping to fix it without having to send it to a camera shop.
So, do I:


Vacuum it more vigorously
Give it a blast with the compressor and then vacuum it
Have a little prayer and laying on of hands session
Send it to the camera shop and cop a bill.

Or is there another trick?
What do you think?
Advice appreciated.

[MLD]

a bit belated. you are more game than I to put a vacuum cleaner or compressed air to something that relies on mirrors being in perfect harmony to get a clear picture.

I had the same problem with a lens and i used to send it to a camera specialist to be dismantled and cleaned. Bit pricey at $120 a clean but better than a perfect landscape shot with a sand grit smack in the focal point of the photo.

I got the poops with cleaning my lenses after a day 4wding and stumped up the cash for an L series lens which is weather sealed. I had paid for the other lens a second time from the frequency of professional cleaning.

MLD

[s7000]

Take it to Canon.

It might cost you, but you know it wont be damaged.

I have cleaned my sensor, but I would never take a vacuum to a camera, that's just asking for damage.

Cleaning costs aren't too bad, and you're always given a quote first

[DiscoMick]

Thanks guys, looks like I'm off to the camera shop.
SO, the storel to the morey is, beware of dust when in the Simpson.