Author Topic: Sensor needs to be cleaned? (Read 4626 times)

madelaide · « **on:** February 20, 2012, 18:14 »

I went shooting with a friend today, he has a brand new Canon 7D.

He noticed something like a small bug walking on his lens. I lent him my cleaning brush. Later, a small fuzzy line started to appear on the photos - apparently not related to the bug, but after a change of lenses. He changed lenses again, the line was still there. It is in the photos, not when looking through the mirror (my first thought).

So that's the sensor, right?

He tried to brush the sensor, although I said I didn't think this was appropriate. The line changed position, twisted a bit more, but was still there.

What should he do? Use a blower? Any fluid?

m@m · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2012, 19:06 »

It may be wise to have the camera clean by a certified professional Maria, I would't be messing with the censors too much, or your friend may make things worst, IMO.

gostwyck · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2012, 20:11 »

I use an Arctic Butterfly sensor cleaning brush and loupe. I've got the full kit including swabs, etc but have only ever needed to use the brush (and even that only a couple of times in 4 years).

http://www.visibledust.com/products3.php?pid=3

They're not cheap but they are very good. Tiny white specks of dust that are barely visible even with the powerful loupe/light can appear as big black blobs on images at 100%.

trek · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2012, 22:14 »

I have a promaster super giant blower. I've needed it twice... and it worked. It's worth trying before spending the money on a professional cleaning.

traveler1116 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2012, 22:36 »

Quote from: gostwyck on February 20, 2012, 20:11

I use an Arctic Butterfly sensor cleaning brush and loupe. I've got the full kit including swabs, etc but have only ever needed to use the brush (and even that only a couple of times in 4 years).

http://www.visibledust.com/products3.php?pid=3

They're not cheap but they are very good. Tiny white specks of dust that are barely visible even with the powerful loupe/light can appear as big black blobs on images at 100%.

I used one of those once on my 5D mark I and got a big oil smudge across the sensor, so I've never used it again. It took 5 sensor swabs with cleaning solution to clean it up.

madelaide · « **Reply #5 on:** February 20, 2012, 23:14 »

Thanks for the replies so far. If he doesn't have a blower, I do, but it's certainly not a "super" anything. Would it be risky to use a common blower that comes in those cleaning kits?

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #6 on:** February 20, 2012, 23:26 »

The risk would be that you dislodge more dust and it drifts about and ends up on the sensor. A blower won't do any mechanical damage. A brush is also likely to transfer dirt from itself to the sensor.

Batman · « **Reply #7 on:** February 20, 2012, 23:48 »

http://mansurovs.com/how-to-spot-dust-on-your-dslr-sensor

Shoot the sky no cloud at f/16 and if it's dust on the sensor it will show as black spots. Self cleaning is not a problem if you do it right. Wipe one direction only. Not following directions can move oil to sensor. Take to store but no camera for days or weeks and they charge big price to do what most of us do at home.

Perry · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2012, 01:01 »

Most people doesn't even know how dusty their sensor is. How to test: Shoot something with a solid light color (for example the sky). Use the smallest aperture possible (for example 22 or 32). Boost the contrast. I'm sure you'll find at least something

I have to clean my sensor now and then (I use only primes so I change often). With old 5D this was almost a weekly routine (in professional photography), with 5D mk II there isn't a need for cleaning as often, I clean only when I have a big "blob" in the middle area of the image that refuses to move.

I used to be very nervous when cleaning, but after I learned that it's not the sensor that is being touched I relaxed (It's the anti-alias filter - a piece of glass - that is in front of the sensor. Of course you could ruin that too, but it's not as expensive as a sensor.

My methods:
I use canned air (of a good brand), Just to be sure not to move the can (I usually let the can stay on the table and move the camera. I know this isn't generally recommended, but it's very effective and I havent noticed any negative sides yet and I have been doing this for years. I can't of course take any responsibility if any of you ruin your sensor with this method.

If I have stubborn dirt on my sensor I use Visible Dust swabs and Eclipse liquid.

lagereek · « **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2012, 01:25 »

Top of the line cams often have a filter covering the sensor, so at worst you be scratching this filter, which is replacable, even so its a bummer. I think its an AA filter.

rubyroo · « **Reply #10 on:** February 21, 2012, 02:58 »

I have one of these. I did put up with a smudge for a long time on my last camera's output - and just edited it out because I was nervous about damaging the sensor. When I upgraded my camera, I finally gave the old one's sensor a blast. This worked perfectly and it was very quick to do:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Giottos-GTAA1900-Rocket-Air-Blower/dp/B00017LSPI

ETA: A link that actually works!

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #11 on:** February 21, 2012, 03:14 »

They all have a glass IR-cut filter covering the sensors. Otherwise you would get some very interesting broad-spectrum effects. It costs several hundred dollars to get it changed, so it's best not to scratch it.

Paulo M. F. Pires · « **Reply #12 on:** February 21, 2012, 10:52 »

I'm the type of guy that can't sleep with dust on sensor

( Next body will be "Hiper WS" )

Actually, when I contact Canon CPS, they know me better by name and model than serial LOL... Now guess how many times I screw up things ( my 450D got 4 focus screen in 2 months.. 2 mirrors supports... )

Anyway, after some DIY tragic events and after change some ideas with Canon:

- Blower: For real big one "intruder" ( lets say a spot with 100px

). Probably we will get more dust on sensor, even with the best one blower with filter. Once, while cleaning a lens with a blower I notice that got a greasy stain on it. Now suppose that was while blowing dust on sensor

And remember where is dust removed by Auto cleaning system... blowing it isn't the best idea

- Brush/Artic butterfly: For me, the best/safe dry method. Used already 2 times, and avoid Canon Service ( 98% dust removed.. rest 2% just visible at f/22-infinite that i never use )

- Wet method ( swabs ): Few liquid no cleaning... Too much liquid and we get "On camera special effects". I never try, but I'm sure that isn't for all people.

...

Now looking for Your problem it seems to be a "small brush hair" ( line.. it's moving ). So I would start with blower, because another brush will move for one side to other, and a wet method could lead to damage ( swab dragging hair ).

madelaide · « **Reply #13 on:** February 21, 2012, 11:57 »

Thanks, guys!

In fact his is not a round dust that leaves a smudge in the photos, it's like a thin curly thread, and it is visible when shooting a clear sky, regardless of the shutter aperture. And we can view it straight in the LCD panel.

Since this is a brand new camera, I ownder if it would be a problem to have it cleaned in a non-Canon lab here in Rio? Canon lab is in São Paulo and a friend's experience sending a lens with fungus was disappointing.

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #14 on:** February 21, 2012, 12:11 »

I think it voids the warranty if any non-approved technician does things to the camera. Check the details.

m@m · « **Reply #15 on:** February 21, 2012, 12:49 »

Quote from: BaldricksTrousers on February 21, 2012, 12:11

I think it voids the warranty if any non-approved technician does things to the camera. Check the details.

It does, that's why I recommended your friend should take it to a Canon approve tech.

Paulo M. F. Pires · « **Reply #16 on:** February 21, 2012, 15:18 »

Quote from: madelaide on February 21, 2012, 11:57

Since this is a brand new camera, I ownder if it would be a problem to have it cleaned in a non-Canon lab here in Rio? Canon lab is in São Paulo and a friend's experience sending a lens with fungus was disappointing.

Dunno how it is on Brazil, but these kind of "non canon labs" in Portugal don't gives warranty. Even a Canon professional can damage low pass filter, sensor, etc... but they gives You warranty over a clean work ( even with body out of warranty ). Maybe for that reason I pay almost 80 € with taxs in Canon and 25 € on non canon service.

It's better take it to Canon Service.

madelaide · « **Reply #17 on:** February 21, 2012, 15:27 »

Thanks guys, I'll talk to him. This problem really annoyed him. Imagine, it's his first week with the camera.

jamirae · « **Reply #18 on:** February 21, 2012, 16:10 »

I had my sensor professionally cleaned at a photo shop here in town and then decided to try it myself. I did a lot of reading online about it, and found that these guys have some really good info on it:
http://www.copperhillimages.com/index.php

I think I got their "mega kit" -- at first I was terrified, but now that I've done it myself a few times it's super easy and I've not messed up my sensor one bit. my advice is to read all about it first then try it on a lens or filter first to get the hang of it.

if you're still nervous, there's always professionals willing to take your money and do the job for you.

jbarber873 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 21, 2012, 16:35 »

I've had many cleaning kits and swabs over the years, and always find that there is something left on when you clean it. Last year i sent my camera to canon and got it cleaned. they also checked the camera over for other problems. As I recall it was about $50. Well worth the money. It was perfect. It's actually time to do it again.

mtilghma · « **Reply #20 on:** February 23, 2012, 11:16 »

oh man oh man. I'm usually quite handy with things, but sensor cleaning I just can-NOT do. I think it's because every room in my house is insanely dusty. Not sure.

But yea, I have the 5D, and those are known dust magnets. Any and all dust finds a way to get in. As such, I've tried everything imaginable... blower, arctic butterfly, the big eclipse sensor swabs, small synthetic q-tip like things (never use cotton).... and really, every single time I have made things worse. Not ruined anything, just got in more dust. Yes I invert the camera on a tripod, I do everything carefully. But now, I just send it in once or twice a year.

KB · « **Reply #21 on:** February 23, 2012, 11:46 »

I sent mine to Canon for a cleaning about 1.5 years ago, and it came back MUCH worse. It was like, I had to pay $50 to get scores of spots added?! I can do that myself for free!

Naturally I complained, sent it back, and the second time they did a better job. It still came back with about a dozen spots, but I guess these stupid things can never be fully spot-free.

But from then on, I just did it myself. I use a lighted loupe to find the spots, and the "Copperhill" method for removing them. It's kept spots to a minimum, but I'd jump on the 5D3 upgrade if they seriously improved dust removal or prevention.

mtilghma · « **Reply #22 on:** February 23, 2012, 15:33 »

canon always got mine spick and span!

RacePhoto · « **Reply #23 on:** February 23, 2012, 18:24 »

Quote from: jamirae on February 21, 2012, 16:10

I had my sensor professionally cleaned at a photo shop here in town and then decided to try it myself. I did a lot of reading online about it, and found that these guys have some really good info on it:
http://www.copperhillimages.com/index.php

I think I got their "mega kit" -- at first I was terrified, but now that I've done it myself a few times it's super easy and I've not messed up my sensor one bit. my advice is to read all about it first then try it on a lens or filter first to get the hang of it.

if you're still nervous, there's always professionals willing to take your money and do the job for you.

+1 and I've been cleaning my own since my first 10-D. Follow the instructions, it's not brain surgery! The price of the kit makes it so I can clean anytime I feel like it and the cost per cleaning is under $1, even if I do a two or three times, with a new swab every time, until it's perfect. Heck the Pec pads cost a whole 5 cents, and people try to scrimp. One wipe, each side, each way, throw it away!

Where you can get a scratch is picking up dust and wiping across the protective glass on the front of the sensor. Make a scratch, it's done. Once each way - throw it away!

Sometimes it does take two or three cleanings to get it perfect and get all the little bits off the sensor. But that's still a half hour of careful work, instead of all those crummy little dust bunnies, blobs and gunk on the pictures.

Real easy, you can shoot your monitor with a blank white screen and test for dust. Yes it's that easy! f/22, focus at infinity, aim at the screen, take a nice long exposure like 1/30th ISO 100. You can move the camera, it helps. It's not about focus or the photo, it's all about light at the sensor.

Read Here for example of what it looks like: http://mansurovs.com/how-to-spot-dust-on-your-dslr-sensor

Best kit anywhere! http://www.copperhillimages.com/index.php

fotoroad · « **Reply #24 on:** March 25, 2012, 10:19 »

I use ,,Sensor Swab,, set and works well.I do not must send my camera and wait with out camera.

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Author Topic: Sensor needs to be cleaned? (Read 4626 times)

madelaide

m@m

gostwyck

trek

traveler1116

madelaide

BaldricksTrousers

Batman

Perry

lagereek

rubyroo

BaldricksTrousers

Paulo M. F. Pires

madelaide

BaldricksTrousers

m@m

Paulo M. F. Pires

madelaide

jamirae

jbarber873

mtilghma

KB

mtilghma

RacePhoto

fotoroad

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