Canon Will No Longer Clean Sensors for Free

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

02/27/2009 02:22:19 PM · #1

I heard rumors on another online forum that Canon would start charging for sensor cleaning on March 1.

For those the are near the Irvine, California Canon facility, you know how easy it was to simply walk in and have them clean your sensor at no charge while you wait (around 30 minutes).

So, I wanted to get one more cleaning in before I had to start paying, so I dropped by this morning (Feb 27, 2009). There was a three-hour turn-around time. I left it with them will go pick it up this afternoon. I guess everyone is trying to get one more cleaning before the deadline.

While there, I confirmed the rumor, except for the date. Canon will charge $30 for sensor cleaning beginning March 9, 2009. (see sign image below, taken while at the Irvine Canon service center)...

(click the image to enlarge)

vxpra

Pentax K100D

02/27/2009 02:24:44 PM · #2

A million cleanings and they're close to recouping what Ritz owes them!

MAK

Leica M Monochrom

Voigtlander Ultron 21mm f1.8

02/27/2009 02:44:33 PM · #3

I always do it myself anyway, after screwing up my D70 years ago I got it off to a T now

qazwix

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

02/27/2009 04:02:04 PM · #4

Wow, thanks for this info! I'll try and get down there by the 9th!

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

02/27/2009 07:38:53 PM · #5

I just got back with my clean camera that I dropped off this morning. Canon cleaned the low pass filter, the view-finder mechanism and "detailed" the exterior nooks and crannies.

tpbremer

Nikon D80

02/27/2009 08:59:31 PM · #6

I was just talking about this today. Cleaning it myself for the first time makes me a touch nervous... I'd really like to find someone who can show me what to do...

Anyone have tips on the best place to go? (not to steal your thread Aperture)

02/27/2009 11:33:44 PM · #7

Originally posted by tpbremer:

No prob, Tom.

Here are a couple of links.

After reading the first link a couple of years ago, I successfully cleaned the sensor (or low-pass filter, to be exact) on a DSLR that I used back then.

Cleaning Camera Sensors

How To Clean Your Sensor

Some YouTube videos on cleaning your sensor

Have fun!