Is this dust on my K200D sensor?

*mrpackerguy* · 10-11-2008, 03:46 PM

There is a spec in my viewfinder in the same relative position as in my pictures, but I'm guessing that's just coincidence. I'm guessing this is a pesky dust spec on my sensor? I've tried the body dust removal but doesn't seem to be working. Would you buy a blower and try that?

kkoether · 10-11-2008, 03:51 PM

I would think if you see it in the viewfinder and on the picture that it would be on the lens. Sensor dust would not be visible in the viewfinder.

*mrpackerguy* · 10-11-2008, 03:52 PM

I just checked. It's there no matter which lens I use. And in the same position.

kkoether · 10-11-2008, 03:57 PM

It sounds like it may be dust on the sensor. I've not had to clean mine yet so I cannot offer any words of wisdom on cleaning it. Maybe someone with more experiance will jump in with the info you need.

*mrpackerguy* · 10-11-2008, 03:58 PM

I'm actually seeing two specs now. Must be sensor dust, huh?

IsaacEastgate · 10-11-2008, 04:03 PM

looks like there are quite a few all round the image (small ones).

Get a giottos rocket blower. Completely sorted my k20d in seconds

MidwestMax · 10-11-2008, 05:39 PM

Yeah, the Giotto Rocket Blower should be able to take care of that.

SpecialK · 10-11-2008, 07:19 PM

Looks like yellow arrows to me. A rocket blower should handle those, and the gray blobs next to them.

MoiVous · 10-11-2008, 08:47 PM

Have you tried the Dust Alert sensor test to confirm this before you play with the blowers etc?

Page 231 of the manual tells you how to do it...

Use a DA etc lens (needs auto aperture)
Leave the lens in AF mode
In the SetUp menu choose Dust Alert and press the -> on the 4 way control
Aim the camera at a clean white wall and release the shutter
Press Ok to view the dust

The pages after the Dust Alert tell you how to clean it

Hope you get rid of your dust problem....

*mrpackerguy* · 10-12-2008, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by MoiVous

Have you tried the Dust Alert sensor test to confirm this before you play with the blowers etc?

Page 231 of the manual tells you how to do it...
Use a DA etc lens (needs auto aperture)

Leave the lens in AF mode

In the SetUp menu choose Dust Alert and press the -> on the 4 way control

Aim the camera at a clean white wall and release the shutter

Press Ok to view the dust

The pages after the Dust Alert tell you how to clean it

Hope you get rid of your dust problem....

Very much appreciated that. Just performed that function and sure enough those two specs turn up. Too much changing lenses yesterday under fall foliage trees, plus, the pollen count is unbelievably high (wife constantly sneezing - going to rename her Rudolf here soon).

Thanks.

tomtor · 10-12-2008, 10:06 AM

Clearly dust. Dust spots get always smaller and sharper if you use a smaller aperture. Just test it at F16 or F22 by taking an image of the bright sky in manual focus and focussed at a small distance. All you should see is a grey/blue image with dust specks.

A good blower (the Giotto is good, it filters the air before blowing it into your camera) works fine in most cases (point the opening of the camera down when blowing so that the gravitation helps slightly getting the dust out instead of just moving it around.

A device called Arctic Butterfly is another option but a lot more expensive. Start with the blower. The advantage of the Arctic Butterfly is that dust is attracted by the brush instead of just moved.

*mrpackerguy* · 10-21-2008, 05:48 PM

Thanks for the tips. I got a Giotto off Ebay for $15, just used at Voila - no dust on the Dust Alert. Thanks for the recommendation.