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09/28/2005 11:23:13 PM · #1 |
I'm getting major dust spots in my shots, so I think it's time for a cleaning, although that surprises me. I've only had the camera since July, and only swapped lenses on it once. To top it off, I'm terrified of damaging the sensor. So, a few questions:
- I've heard that a bulb blower (I think that's the name) can help for loose dust. Is this true and worth investing in?
- The kits people talk about, with the special cloth and all, are they expensive and easy to use?
- Hints for keeping dust to an absolute minimum?
Any advice appreciated!!!
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09/28/2005 11:31:34 PM · #2 |
I use the swabs and fluid when I clean. I can usually get most of the spots out with one to three swabs.
KS |
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09/28/2005 11:38:54 PM · #3 |
Give the blower a go first, if the spots are large they may just blow off...
FYI, You'll get dust inside the 300D/kit lens combo eventually even if you don't change lenses, depending of course on how dusty the places you use the camera are.. And some of the 'dust' comes from inside the camera, from general use as the bits of plastic and metal that make up the moving parts wear.
The same goes for any dslr really...
Cheers, Me.
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09/28/2005 11:40:49 PM · #4 |
For the blower, get a "nasal syringe" or "nasal aspirator" at a pharmacy. These are rubberish blubs that can squueze a nice burst of air. They have a "trap door" at the fate end so you can open 'em up and wash em out so theyr aren't blowing dust that THEY have accumulated. Cheaper and better than the photo store camera-dedicated versions.
I use one on my 20D and haven't had a need to clena yet, though I've picked up the odd dust here and there; the bulb has taken care of it.
If you need to clean, the "copperhill" method is what people seem to swear by. I know there's a link to it somewhere... I haven't used it.
Robt.
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09/28/2005 11:47:14 PM · #5 |
Thanks Robert, I'll pick one of those up tomorrow. It's always nice when the cheaper version works as well or better than the dedicated version! Hopefully it'll work and I won't have to resort to anything more advanced. But I'll look for the copperhill link just the same.
KiwiChris - the spots seem large, so hopefully they will just blow off. I keep my Rebel in a bag and try to avoid dusty places, but I didn't think about internal dust...makes sense.
kenskid - good to know, thanks!
Thanks to you all! I never have to fear, knowing that DPCers are around to help!
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09/28/2005 11:58:20 PM · #6 |
My buddy has the Giotto Rocket-air blower that cost him about $18.00 for his Minolta 7D and I use a $6.00 imatation from ritz on my 20D...Both cameras are going to be a year old next month...both cameras have been to the beach, monster truck races (you want dust go to one of these) and every other dirty place in San Diego. Neither has needed anything else to clean the sensor.
Suggestion: Blow it out regularly, I do mine weekly. Be proactive and clean it whether it needs it or not...nothing like coming home with the perfect shot for a basic challenge and finding a dust-bunny in the sky; remember no spot editing in basic challenges.
In defense of the Giotto Rocket-air (cost wise) that sucker can move some air. Way more than any of the generic devices.
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09/29/2005 01:36:06 AM · #7 |
| Just a words of advice: When changing lenses, it's better to have the camera face down instead of face up as we would normally do it. It takes a bit of practice but you'll get the hang of it. It just prevents any stray dust to settle :) |
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09/29/2005 02:36:19 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:
- Hints for keeping dust to an absolute minimum?
Any advice appreciated!!! |
Switch to the Olympus E-volt. It has an Ultrasonic Dust Reduction system :P
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09/29/2005 05:01:19 AM · #9 |
Tip: Switch camera off before changing lenses. Charged sensors attract dust.
To see exactly how bad the problem is, try this Jacko showd me:
Take a pic of something plain white. I used my fridge. Use the flash, but watch out for reflections. F22, Manual focus to infinity.
Load in Pshop and hit Auto levels. Now move the right slider in levels over to the left.
I honestly suggest doing this whilst seated. I fainted on my dog, who is still in therapy :o)! |
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09/29/2005 07:42:30 AM · #10 |
Question. I'm not a DSLR owner (yet anyway) but I can't help wondering - wouldn't it make some sense to pull air out (like a vacuum) instead of just blowing off the sensor? Seems like using a blower is a quick and temporary solution as the dust is still left inside the body of the camera.
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09/29/2005 08:01:30 AM · #11 |
I agree, glad2badad...what would happen if I took my shop-vac and put it up to my camera with the lens off, would it suck the dust out or would it possibly take the mirror and everything with it? It's a pretty powerful shop-vac.
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09/29/2005 08:11:18 AM · #12 |
Ummm...a shop-vac isn't exactly what I had in mind. ;^)
Originally posted by deapee:
I agree, glad2badad...what would happen if I took my shop-vac and put it up to my camera with the lens off, would it suck the dust out or would it possibly take the mirror and everything with it? It's a pretty powerful shop-vac. |
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09/29/2005 09:26:49 AM · #13 |
Here is my sensor... i guess i have some dust. :(
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09/29/2005 09:27:18 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by BlackDot:
Tip: Switch camera off before changing lenses. Charged sensors attract dust.
To see exactly how bad the problem is, try this Jacko showd me:
Take a pic of something plain white. I used my fridge. Use the flash, but watch out for reflections. F22, Manual focus to infinity.
Load in Pshop and hit Auto levels. Now move the right slider in levels over to the left.
I honestly suggest doing this whilst seated. I fainted on my dog, who is still in therapy :o)! |
forgot to mention.. used this technique.
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09/29/2005 10:17:39 AM · #15 |
| The brand new 20D we bought for the office had some pretty nasty dust on the sensor when it arrived, and most zoom lenses will pump in air and dust as you use them. Canon's L lenses are sealed and less likely to attract dust. |
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09/29/2005 05:20:16 PM · #16 |
| I've been trying to blow mine out before going on a shoot...right when I attach my first lens. Just takes a second and seems like good insurance. |
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