Woody001 From United Kingdom (England), joined Feb 2004, 529 posts, RR: 34 Posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 1167 times:
I took a shot of the sky today to check out for sensor dust. I opened the image up in photoshop and hit auto levels, result - 7 or 8 'blobs' of dust. I put the camera (10D) into sensor clean mode and looked inside, I could clearly see the particles. I used a blower to try and shift them - no luck.
JeffM From United States, joined May 2005, 3247 posts, RR: 58 Reply 1, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 1109 times:
I've used it with my Nikon about three times in a year and a half. It works like a charm, total cost for materials was about $12 bucks. Worth 5 times that easily when dust appears, but a word of caution..... A fellow Canon shooter tried it and ruined his sensor. There is a whole thread on it.
Planedoctor From United States, joined Mar 2001, 286 posts, RR: 2 Reply 2, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 1059 times:
I used to be obsessive-compulsive about cleaning my sensors, and I have used the method described on pbase. The dust bothered me tremendously until I feared I had ruined a sensor because of cleaning it (I found out later that it wasn't ruined after all), but I think the method on pbase is risky- you must be absolutely certain there is no dust or impurity that gets on the Pec-Pad that might scratch the sensor. I also found it was hard for me, anyways, to get the swab just right- the corners would flare out too much and it would be too bulky- even though I was using a small thin spatula as suggested. It was especially hard with the 1Ds since the sensor is full-frame and goes to the edges inside, so getting the corners was really tough. It was easier on a smaller sensor for sure, but still really stressful for me.
Eventually I did end up realizing that a lot of nerves, sweat, and worry goes into cleaning the sensor properly, and I decided that for the most part, it is easier to just clone the spots out in Photoshop. Spots are usually only seen in solid areas- the same areas that are easiest to rubber-stamp clone in Photoshop. I will clean my sensors, but not like I used to. I suggest you only clean it when you get a huge piece of dust or string that drives you nuts on every photo- which would probably come out to about 3 times in a 1 1/2 years like JeffM said. And I suggest using a Giotto Rocket Blower instead- it is a powerful yet controlled stream of air that is safer than compressed air, and it will last forever. http://www.2filter.com/prices/products/rocket.html I know you mentioned you used a blower already...I don't know if you used one of these before, but there are blowers (like the baby kinds) and then there are Giotto Rockets! Otherwise it isn't worth the risk. At least that is my opinion- you can do what you want.
Woody001 From United Kingdom (England), joined Feb 2004, 529 posts, RR: 34 Reply 3, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 1023 times:
Many thanks for describing your experiences Ken, to say I'm nervous is an understatement.
I think I will keep going with the clone tool in Photoshop for the time being, a much safer route.
DB777 From United States, joined Apr 2001, 882 posts, RR: 54 Reply 4, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 974 times:
Graham Hitchen swears by Nick's SensorSwipe in another thread about sensor cleaning a while back.
I ordered one and it arrived two days later but I haven't tried it yet because I haven't bought the PecPads or Eclipse yet. Read the numerous testimonials on the pbase site - it's enough to convince me that it's the way to go.
Photographing aircraft since the Earth was flat and on Airliners.net since #338.
Karlok From Netherlands, joined Mar 2002, 838 posts, RR: 3 Reply 5, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 961 times:
I have a D100, and to remove little dust spots I use a little blower. For difficult spots I bring my camera to the Nikon dealer in Holland, it takes +/- 10 min to have a full cleaned sensor and cost nothing.
Joge From Finland, joined Feb 2000, 1433 posts, RR: 56 Reply 6, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 943 times:
I think it can't get any easier than grab a Q-tip, rip off a bit the cotton from the head so the stick won't touch the sensor by an accident, twist the cotton between the fingers and wipe the dust. Just did it recently for the second time and it works fine. No scratches and no dust left on the censor.
Fireguy274 From United States, joined Dec 2003, 299 posts, RR: 12 Reply 7, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 943 times:
I have that rocket blower Ken an I swear by it. You cannot compare the smaller hand blowers to it I havent found any dust I could not blow off with it yet....Artie
Planedoctor From United States, joined Mar 2001, 286 posts, RR: 2 Reply 8, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 939 times:
If you think you have not scratched your sensor, there is a way to find out if you really have. Some people swear by the dry Q-tip method for cleaning- but I would NEVER do that after having performed this test: Set your camera to MF, set focus to the closest focusing distance. Shoot in Aperture Priority at f32 or the closest you can get to f32 with your lens, and point your camera at an open area of blue sky with exposure compensation set at +1. Now open that image in Photoshop, and maximize contrast in that image (usually setting "Autolevels" in Photoshop will achieve this). Now examine your image at 100% magnification, and you will see what the surface of your sensor REALLY looks like- you will see dust, and also scratches if they are indeed there. Now, I'll admit that the scratches will likely not be an issue in most photos, but I assure you that they will be there and never disappear, and if you shoot a solid subject at a small aperture (maximized DOF) greater than say, f20, these scratches MAY come back to haunt you. If they don't bother you, you will be fine unless you try to sell your camera and the buyer performs this little test! This is why I will never use anything but the Rocket Blower (and only rarely), and I will never touch my sensor unless absolutely necessary.
Chris78cpr From United Kingdom (England), joined Feb 2004, 2698 posts, RR: 57 Reply 9, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 935 times:
I was going to go down the route of the old swabing sensor until i found the giotto rocket spaceship blower thing!!! While it is a scaary looking thing it works like a charm!!!! My 10D gets a blast every 1-2 weeks and i hardly ever see dust!!!!!!
Much cheaper and safer than the ccd swab! If u really want to have the ccd swabbed take it to canon/nikon and get them to do it so that if they f**k it up they can replace it then and there!
Chris
Canon 5D2 + 1D2 with other bodies and lots of L glass.
Joge From Finland, joined Feb 2000, 1433 posts, RR: 56 Reply 10, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 932 times:
Ken,
I did that test after cleaning, but on a white area. Nothing too notable (except that very small dust).
Now what comes with the selling, the price I payed for my D30 was already that low, that I don't think I would get much of the camera anyway. Also, taking pics at f20 or smaller aperture is something I wouldn't even think about...
Woody001 From United Kingdom (England), joined Feb 2004, 529 posts, RR: 34 Reply 11, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 926 times:
Ok, I'm convinced it needs some cleaning after shooting this weekend.
So where in the UK can I purchase one of these 'Rocket Blower' things...?
JFKTOWERFAN From United States, joined Sep 2001, 1099 posts, RR: 22 Reply 12, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 927 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW DATABASE EDITOR
I have a blowball(thanks to Mark Garfinkle for giving it a proper name) which works for a while, but my 10D in the last week has collected so much dust on the sensor that it is almost unusable. I have sent the camera back to Canon for cleaning(and because of an issue of the mirror locking up with err 99 message). As for the blowball I would recommend you get one, you can get it at B & H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=97690&is=REG
Ckw From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 13, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 917 times:
The problem with the Q-Tip method is that there is a chance that the Q-Tip head may contain fine grit - these things are not produced in clean room conditions etc. as are Pec-pads and the like.
It seems like leaving too much to chance. Also I would think there is a more than small chance of leaving stray fibres behind which may then work themselves into other parts of the camera.
I'm not quite as cautious as Ken, as I have found the need to swab to remove a sticky speck, but I wouldn't touch the sensor without the best materials available, crossing my fingers, being nice to everyone for a week and sacrificing my youngest child to the gods.
OK, I'm lying about the last bit. I saving the child for a swap for a 500mm f4LIS
Chris78cpr From United Kingdom (England), joined Feb 2004, 2698 posts, RR: 57 Reply 14, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 906 times:
Colin,
You serious about a 500IS??? Hell of a nice lens!!! Can just imagine you standing out the sun roof of the previa at the esso garage with that thing!!! lol
Chris
Canon 5D2 + 1D2 with other bodies and lots of L glass.
Planedoctor From United States, joined Mar 2001, 286 posts, RR: 2 Reply 17, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 836 times:
I don't know about the UK availability of the Rocket- but it is a worthy investment IMHO. It allows you to be gentle or even nearly as powerful as compressed air, yet it is much safer to use, and it never needs replacing like a can of air does. I always thought canned air was funny- people pay money for canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned stew... now some genius has come up with canned air! That is what I call good marketing
Ian, I was actually surprised to discover that the 500 f4 IS is actually quite a bit smaller than the 400 2.8 IS. The 400 2.8 IS is actually as heavy as the 600 f4 IS!! I almost got the 400 2.8 IS before I saw just how huge that sucker is (plus how expensive it is!).
Ckw From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 18, posted (5 years 7 months 3 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 826 times:
Yeah the 400 2.8 is a monster - that extra stop carries a huge penalty cause of the lens diameter required. I figure the 500 f4 is the longest I can actually hand hold. Not planning on buying one just yet, but do plan to hire one for a few shows this year ... (just use the kid as collateral) see how it works out.
Hmmm - so I was noticed. The big blue camera platform isn't exactly subtle - was gonna come over and say hi, but you just know the moment you put the camera down to change position THE shot you've been waiting for will fly by.
Navigator From Sweden, joined Jul 2001, 266 posts, RR: 22 Reply 21, posted (5 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 761 times:
Hi there,
To avoid the dust problem to some extent I try to avoid shifting lenses in dusty environments. I also try to shift lenses pretty fast, thus avoiding having the area uncovered for too long.
It is interesting reading about your different methods of cleaning the sensor. I myself have come to the conclusion that I may do more harm than good by trying to clean it. And maybe I will let Canon do the job for me when it gets absolutely necessary.
I have also found out that my dust is almost not visible at apertures at or below f 8. And above I can take it away in Photoshop if necessary in a sky for instance.
Do you think I should try and go ahead with one of your methods rather than like now not dealing with the root to the problem ?
Ckw From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 22, posted (5 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 757 times:
Well in general I'd suggest not cleaning unless you have to - as long as you are happy to remove spots in PS, do so. But there may well come a time when cleaning is the only answer and if you can afford the time to be without the camera while Canon cleans it (and don't mind paying) that is the safe option.
What I would NOT recommend is discovering your sensor needs cleaning just before an important shoot and doing it then for the first time! The task is stressful enough on its own, you don't want any sense of urgency as well. If you do plan to clean, make sure you're relaxed and have plenty of time (for your first attempts anyway).
Woody001 From United Kingdom (England), joined Feb 2004, 529 posts, RR: 34 Reply 23, posted (5 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 734 times:
Colin,
Do you happen to know how much Canon want to clean the sensor and a turn around time..?
I don't suppose they offer a 'while you wait' service, that would be to useful.
Ckw From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 24, posted (5 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 724 times:
I've been told that Canon will do one cleaning under warranty - afraid I don't know the cost after that ... someone said £20 somewhere. BUT you have to get the camera to a service centre (= registered,insured post) AND do without your camera for maybe 10 days.
Edit: Actually, a good dealer will probably take the camera and get it to Canon for you - but there is still the wait.
As an alternative, go to a Canon promo show - they hold them around the country on a fairly regular basis - sensor cleaning while-u-wait is usually on offer (free).
There's one in Southampton at the Hilton tomorrow.
Woody001 From United Kingdom (England), joined Feb 2004, 529 posts, RR: 34 Reply 25, posted (5 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 701 times:
Many thanks Colin, can't escape work tomorrow so I'll have a look out for the next one in my area.
Ian.
If I could just get the afterburner working...
26 Woody001: Colin, I've had a search on the net and I can't seem to find out any information on the Canon Promotional shows, do you have anymore information? TIA,
27 Ckw: Ian - can't find any references - I'm sure though I saw this event and others listed in Amatuer Photographer or something similar - the shows are usua
29 Fallingeese: My sensor on my D100 is in dire need of a cleaning. I went into my local camera store yesterday and was told that it would be about 4 weeks without my
30 Woody001: Well I bit the bullet and cleaned the sensor, I sat down one evening with no distractions, wore my head torch and dived in! Used the pecpads, Eclipse
31 LGW: Hi all, Glad to hear you got your CMOS sorted Ian. On another note I was wondering are certain conditions/actions liable to an increase in dust on the
32 Manzoori: So far I've been fortunate and only had a few minor dust specs to worry about which the trusty blower brush has managed to shift. You're right though
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