sensor cleaning frustration - DPChallenge Forums

04/13/2008 06:18:01 AM · #1

So I just got my 40d. Yesterday I shot for the first time. I was being VERY careful during lens swaps. This morning I found a big bit of dust. The automagic sensor clean did nothing for me. So... I removed the lens, I turned the camera on, I selected manual sensor clean from the menu, the mirror locked, and I wiped from left to right and right to left with a pec pad. Then I blew it with a manual blower. Things were worse. I repeated the process blowing first and wiping last. I have been trying to clean it for an hour and it is only getting worse.

Am I missing something?

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

04/13/2008 06:21:27 AM · #2

It now looks completely filthy. Any help would be very much appreciated. I can't even go out with such a mess... small aperture shots would be a horror.

rob_smith

Nikon D300

04/13/2008 06:25:36 AM · #3

I'm leaving my cleaning to the pros, just using a blower in the meantime which has been fine so far..

04/13/2008 06:27:47 AM · #4

I broke down and tried tape. No help.

04/13/2008 06:28:34 AM · #5

Sorry for all the posting. Am I perhaps doing something wrong?

trevytrev

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

04/13/2008 06:39:21 AM · #6

Silly question but are you using cleaning solution on the pec pad(sensor cleaning fluid not windex:)? when using the pec pad make sure to only use each side once, otherwise you risk just wiping the dust back on that you wiped off. So wipe once, flip the stick and wipe again with the clean side. Can you post a pic to see?

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/13/2008 09:17:37 AM · #7

If you're not following these instructions already: Copperhill Sensor Cleaning Step-by-Step Tutorial

pineapple

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

04/13/2008 11:15:32 AM · #8

Either buy Sensor Swabs (the correct size for your sensor) or Visible Dust's equivalent swabs and some Eclipse fluid. I much prefer the Visible Dust swabs. They make this job painless: sensor cleaning tips.

04/13/2008 12:46:32 PM · #9

Thanks all. Apparently I am doing things properly. Just to no avail. I was using sensor swabs, but will have to buy more of the cleaning solution (my XT uses a different solution than does the 40d).

So I just got back shooting with my dirty sensor.
My first shot was f22 sky.
[thumb]668895[/thumb]

pineapple

Nikon MF Reflex-Nikkor 1000mm f/11.0

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

04/13/2008 02:31:34 PM · #10

The Visible Dust swabs that I have been using have a much more even contact with the sensor. As a result, what takes me several Sensor Swabs to clean usually takes me only one Visible Dust swab to completely clean. Perhaps, before using a swab, blow out the sensor chamber with a Giottos Rocket Air Blower, or similar, while holding the chamber pointing downwards. I usually carry out a cleaning on a large, clean table covered with drafting paper.... good luck.

allen_gedpch

Nikon D2H

04/13/2008 02:36:52 PM · #11

A Shop-Vac can sometimes work better sinse the dust doesn't just get blown or smeared around.

Prof_Fate

04/13/2008 03:52:12 PM · #12

Canon includes factory dust at no extra charge. My 30D was really bad, my 40D no so much. I got the pec pad bit but have never had to use it. I got a brush when I got the pec pad kit, spin or blow it to charge it with anti-static and wipe the dust away - which I do with the camera pointing down so anything I might disturb will fall out not in. I do have dust on my viewscreen but not on the sensor.

Perhaps you're making mud with the fluid/dust mix?

JulietNN

Canon EOS-7D

Tamron 16-300mm Di II VC PZD MACRO w/Canon Nikon mount

04/13/2008 04:12:00 PM · #13

Originally posted by Bernard_Marx:

Holy Batmans, that looks worse than my cat, dog hair collection in my lens. OUCH

hahn23

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

04/13/2008 04:28:27 PM · #14

Okay, put on your reading glasses! Follow the Copperhill suggestions, verbatim. Do not use a blower after you've wet swabbed the sensor (cover).

My procedure is to use a blower to try to remove dust, as a first step. Then, I use a electrically charged brush to lift the loose particles. Finally, I use the Copperhill pec pad device w/ covered swab with exactly 3 drops of fluid (wait 5 seconds to allow just the right evaporation) to clean the sensor. Visually examine the sensor, with your glasses on! Use a flashlight, or good ambient light, to inspect for dust particles. This isn't hard. It isn't dangerous. Just be calm and clean the sensor to pristine condition.

Now.... dust spots can come from small aperture and dust spots on your lens.... or your filter(s). It is essential to time efficiency to hammer out (geez, I hate to use that phrase w/ regards to my camera equip.) to find the problem and eliminate it.

Once you get your sensor clean, protect it from additional contamination by swapping lenses in a windless, dustless, calm environ. Turn off your camera prior to changes lenses. Use gravity to your advantage. Oh, well.... these things are learned from experience. Everyone probably needs to go through a learning curve. Sigh!

Message edited by author 2008-04-13 20:30:44.

Mick

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/13/2008 07:05:04 PM · #15

If you've used the Copperhill method several times and you still have spots, then you may have a defective sensor or highpass filter. I had that problem with my 10D. I sent it to Canon and they replaced the sensor and filter free of charge.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

04/13/2008 07:15:46 PM · #16

One of my pals tried to clean the sensor in his new 5D, and smeared the grease from around the sensor out on the filter. He sent it to the Canon shop, and they fixed it for free. He was out of the camera for a week, and paid shipping one way though. He was really nervous about it too, until he found that he hadn't ruined the sensor.
Good luck with that housekeeping problem, and a bit of advice. If you use the "dust off" air in a can, keep it far from bug spray cans with the straws. Been there. Done that. Didn't like it. I got it cleaned up with alcohol and Qtips though, and it has been good since.