Sensor Dust - DPChallenge Forums

Voigtlander Ultron 21mm f1.8

05/19/2014 06:08:57 AM · #1

I know there are several threads re sensor cleaning, but before trying it myself I would like to be advised in this matter. The spots on my sensor don't look like dust (see image), can anyone help to identify this kind of spots and advise whether the wet method (the in-camera-cleaning and the blower don't do the job) is the designated way to clean this? Thanks!

MAK

Leica M Monochrom

05/19/2014 06:17:02 AM · #2

Looks to me like oil maybe.. I have cleaned many sensors and have learned that you need to use certain fluids for certain things. The best all-round solution (no pun) that I have found is using Kimwipes and alcohol.

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

05/19/2014 06:44:55 AM · #3

Originally posted by MAK:

Thanks MAK, but how to use those wipes. Can't just rub it over the sensor, can I?

JakeKurdsjuk

Canon EOS R5

05/19/2014 07:06:00 AM · #4

Seeing as you're out in the fields I suspect that you've got a sticky combination of dust and pollen. I use Sensor Swabs and the Eclipse cleaning solution. You need Size 3 for the cropped sensor on your D7000. With a D600 I know all about oil, and that's not it - but it is a bit of a mess.

There are How To videos on YouTube for using it. If it's pollen it may take a couple passes to get it all - one pass back and forth across the sensor. Unfortunately, the swabs aren't inexpensive, but they work.

Voigtlander Ultron 21mm f1.8

05/19/2014 07:15:09 AM · #5

Originally posted by backdoorhippie:

Thanks Jake. Have a look into it and order any attributes this week. Want to have my sensor cleaned before the TPL starts ;-)

MAK

Leica M Monochrom

05/19/2014 07:45:52 AM · #6

with some cleaning fluids you could leave a smear on the sensor it is best to find out what it is then get the proper fluid to remove it either via swipes or using kimwipes and tweezers ..

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

05/19/2014 07:47:40 AM · #7

close the lens all the way down and see if it focuses up more.

05/19/2014 07:49:41 AM · #8

Originally posted by Mike:

close the lens all the way down and see if it focuses up more.

Yes, it does

05/19/2014 07:53:12 AM · #9

Originally posted by MAK:

with some cleaning fluids you could leave a smear on the sensor it is best to find out what it is then get the proper fluid to remove it either via swipes or using kimwipes and tweezers ..

Makes sense, but how to define the nature of the sensor spots?

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

05/19/2014 08:30:39 AM · #10

There isn't much that will normally be found on a sensor that Eclipse solution (which is mainly methanol) will not remove. That's unlike lenses, which often get contaminated by water-borne materials that are difficult or impossible for alcohol alone to dissolve.
The best approach is to use Eclipse and a purpose-made cleaning tool (swab) if you are not confident in creating you own tools. You certainly want to keep *anything* with hard parts away from the sensor. A proper swab will come packed in a dust-free package or container, will not shed fibers during use, and will have a soft, straight edge for wiping across the sensor.

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

05/19/2014 08:40:56 AM · #11

Originally posted by kirbic:

Well, might be interested in making the tools myself one day (I guess I can use those swipes

MAK mentioned), but maybe better to start with ready-to-use swabs first.

Thanks all for your advise and help. Really much appreciated!

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

05/19/2014 08:58:19 AM · #12

Having experience with a D600 and oil, I'd say oil. But it's weirdly positioned for oil. Mostly, I believe, oil spots occur in the corners, and then fan out from there.

What's the minimum f-stop it shows at?

I looked at the Kim wipes link...cheaper than PEC pads but they say low lint, not "No lint"!

Another thought...if it's truly oil and you send it to Nikon, they may clean it for free and take care of the source of the oil as well.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

05/19/2014 09:11:54 AM · #13

Originally posted by Neil:

You can see it at all stops (even at f/2.8, although vaguely, but most clearly from f/7.1 - f/8). And there are more spots but not as clustered as the ones in the image. It occurs onlt since two or three weeks, never see it before.

I already contacted the store's helpdesk where I bought the camera, they already said when it was the D600 it could be reapaired by Nikon free of cost, but most probably not in this case.

I'm going to give it a try with swabs first, hopefully it'll do the trick.

MarkB

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

05/19/2014 09:25:18 AM · #14

This is where I ended up buying my sensor cleaning supplies from. It is not the prettiest web site but it does have some great information and tutorials on sensor cleaning.

giantmike

Canon EOS R6

05/19/2014 10:15:18 AM · #15

On the software side of things, there are a few tricks to finding any left over dust on the sensor that is hard to see with the naked eye. Check out this tutorial.

JakeKurdsjuk

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

05/19/2014 10:33:26 AM · #16

I don't doubt that it's sticky, but it is definitely not in the right spot for oil. D7000's had a bit of that problem as well, but again, it was concentrated in the corners. This looks like a blob of pollen or something.

I recommend getting a sensor loupe for such things. This is what I use. At least you can get a look at what you're fighting.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

05/19/2014 12:17:18 PM · #17

You mention that it's most obvious at mid apertures, so there is a slight possibility that part of it is on the rear element of a lens.
If it's there with all your lenses, then for sure it's on the sensor.
In good sunlight, you may be able to see it there with the lens off and the camera in cleaning mode.
I usually use a soft makeup brush, and blow it off with compressed air before brushing the sensor, then run the in camera sensor clean after brushing.
I did scratch the filter on a Fuji S3 Pro using a Qtip. It picked up a piece of metal, probably from changing lenses, that was in the camera. That camera is now awaiting the UV IR cam treatment.
Just be careful, and be confident and you will be fine.
One other suggestion is that when you take off a lens, hold the camera with the opening pointing down. Anything heavier than air, like metal chips, will drop out instead of into the camera.