sensor cleaning - revisited - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/27/2005 06:45:51 PM · #1

Hey,
Some of you may remember, about a month and a half ago I said that I had some spots (3) on my sensor that the "cleaning brush" method would no longer get off, and I asked what was the next step. Well, I got some good recommendations for a "pec-pad sensor swab" from Copper Hill Images.

I got one of their kits, (After some Katrina induced delays :-) ), and I just swabbed my sensor about 6 times, and the spots are still there. I checked between each swabbing, and used progressively more pressure each time. By the end, I figured I was pushing pretty good on the sensor... It never got any worse, i.e. I didn't add dirt or scratch the sensor, but it never got any better either. Those 3 spots stubbornly remain...

So, my question now is this...what next? Any other methods anyone would suggest? More pecpads but with more pressure? More cleaning solution? Send it in for professional cleaning? Just live with it and post process it out when it shows up? Any other options? I'm open to any ideas/suggestions.

Thanks for opinions!
Doug

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

09/27/2005 06:51:01 PM · #2

I think I'd be too scared to apply any pressure at all... better to let Canon clean it. If they make a mistake, they can fix it. :-)

Mary Ann Melton

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 EX APO IF HSM for Canon

09/27/2005 06:59:01 PM · #3

Did you use Eclipse solution? I create my own Pec-pad swab and put one drop of Eclipse solution and then clean the sensor. That should remove the specs of dust.

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

09/27/2005 07:07:13 PM · #4

Just a thought for those real stubborn ones...

Nuno

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/27/2005 07:09:09 PM · #5

I'm affraind that's very bad newsfor you.

If you use pecpads with eclipse and sensorwand (as I do it myself), and the spot are still there... probably you can't clean it.

When you "clean the sensor" what you are really doind is cleaning the sensor protection. If there's any dust between the two I can't even imagine how it might be cleaned, because the protection must be removed I think that even on store they wont do it, it might have to be directed to the factory. It's very dificult for the dust to get in there, but once it's in it's virtually impossible to have it removed withought dismantling the sensor protection.

09/27/2005 07:10:25 PM · #6

Yes, I used two drops of eclipse solution as recommended in the instructions, one on either edge of the pad.

Now, maybe if I put the solution on BradP's suggestion, it would work.... :-) Problem is, would that get down into the tight spots of the CCD compartment.... Hmmmm....

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

09/27/2005 07:12:16 PM · #7

Hmmm, Nuno, I hadn't even thought about it being under the uppper filter...very good point. That might be where it is... And if so, then yeah I guess it's either send it in, or live with it... Not good news, but at least that would explain why it wont "come off."

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

09/27/2005 07:38:41 PM · #8

Originally posted by dswebb:

Now, maybe if I put the solution on BradP's suggestion, it would work.... :-) Problem is, would that get down into the tight spots of the CCD compartment.... Hmmmm....

Wasn't trying to make light of the bad situation you have.
I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
I suggest finding a local shop that can clean it. Play dumb too. "I have dust spots on my sensor. Can you clean it?" Turn-around times are usually only a couple days.

Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 EX APO IF HSM for Canon

09/27/2005 08:04:06 PM · #9

BradP, I took the post in the sense it was posted, a lighthearted poking of fun. You can always use a little grin no matter the situation. I hope you didn't take my reply as anything bad either.

A local shop would be nice... But, a while back for a totally different problem I called around New Orleans, and there was NOBODY who would touch a digital camera for repair work or anything. I was totally amazed in a city the size of New Orleans that nobody would do it. And now, after Katrina, even if there HAD been a place, it might not be open now... :-( So, if I send it in, it would have to be to the Canon shop in New Jersey. Bummer.

Mary Ann Melton

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

09/27/2005 08:15:20 PM · #10

I've had spots that took several applications of pec pads and eclipse solution to remove. Just be sure to use the pec pad once - then get a new one with fresh eclipse solution. Because I make my own swabs from cheap pec pads - it is easy to do. And sometimes I'll go over it one last time with a dry pad. It is worth a shot before sending it away.

09/27/2005 08:21:22 PM · #11

Mary Ann, yeah, I was reading on the Copper Hill site just now about their "sweep technique" to get stubborn stuff off. I think I may try that. And even they say that if that doesn't do it, then to send it in.

Yeah, I've used a new pad and solution for each cleaning.

A dry pad...hmmmm, yeah, maybe it would "catch" more on the dry fibers of the pad, rather than having them all "slicked down" with the solution. I guess that's another last ditch thing to try.

I'm not convinced I'll send it in yet even if I can't get them off, as they don't show up all that often, only at higher f/stops on solid areas, like sky.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and advice. If anybody has any more, I'm open!