sensor marks

badger1 · 03-23-2015, 01:16 PM

I have a dark mark on my pics which I am told is from sensor debris

DeadJohn · 03-23-2015, 01:30 PM

Which camera model? All recent Pentax models can vibrate the sensor to remove dust. It's buried in the menus. Check your camera manual.

If the built in cleaning still leaves dust then there's another menu function to lift the mirror and open the shutter so you can access the sensor. Get a "rocket blower" to blow away the dust. Never use canned air because it can leave propellant residue. If dust is still visible after using the rocket blower a few times, you can escalate to a sensor cleaning kit or bring it in to a camera shop.

Post a sample pic and we can confirm that it's sensor dust.

**jatrax** · 03-23-2015, 01:49 PM

Dust removal procedure in order:
1) Use the camera dust removal system. There is a menu setting to turn on/off. If you have dust run this several times in a row and then check for dust again. I leave mine on "run on startup" and I think that is best so you don't have to worry about it.
2) Use a 'rocket blower' or equivalent to blow off anything the shaker will not get rid of. Do not use compressed air or canned air. Some folks report it is OK to use canned air if you are careful, personally I'm not taking any chances but YMMV.
3) Use a wet cleaning kit. This is the last resort, and on two cameras with over 25,000 actuations in all kinds of environments I've never had to use one yet. Get this if all else fails but don't go there unless you are sure you need it.
4) Send in for professional cleaning. Pentax extended warranty (in the US) includes one 'free' cleaning. Not sure about anywhere else.

Easiest way to check for dust is to set your aperture to f/22 or so and take an image of the sky. Dust on the sensor is more visible at smaller apertures.

semaca · 03-23-2015, 02:02 PM

I also have something on the sensor, but have not tried the dust removal function. It looks like hair in this picture

The M42 adapter is the one to blame. It's faster with a K lens.

Attached Images

**jatrax** · 03-23-2015, 05:32 PM

Originally posted by semaca

The M42 adapter is the one to blame. It's faster with a K lens.

I don't understand what you mean.

Originally posted by semaca

but have not tried the dust removal function.

That really should be set to run on start up or run on shutdown, your preference. It's one of the first settings I change on a new camera. It really does make a difference over time by keeping the crud off before it has a chance to get glued on and require more drastic measures.

rrstuff · 03-23-2015, 05:34 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

Dust removal procedure in order:
1) Use the camera dust removal system. There is a menu setting to turn on/off. If you have dust run this several times in a row and then check for dust again. I leave mine on "run on startup" and I think that is best so you don't have to worry about it.
2) Use a 'rocket blower' or equivalent to blow off anything the shaker will not get rid of. Do not use compressed air or canned air. Some folks report it is OK to use canned air if you are careful, personally I'm not taking any chances but YMMV.
3) Use a wet cleaning kit. This is the last resort, and on two cameras with over 25,000 actuations in all kinds of environments I've never had to use one yet. Get this if all else fails but don't go there unless you are sure you need it.
4) Send in for professional cleaning. Pentax extended warranty (in the US) includes one 'free' cleaning. Not sure about anywhere else.

Easiest way to check for dust is to set your aperture to f/22 or so and take an image of the sky. Dust on the sensor is more visible at smaller apertures.

I agree with all that, one note is that a local camera shop might be able to do wet cleaning locally. Just make sure they will take responsibility if they damage something.

badger1 · 03-24-2015, 05:32 AM

thanks to all who responded I have posted a photo for ID purposes

ZombieArmy · 03-28-2015, 07:11 PM

Honestly this'll happen naturally on any camera, I'd really recommend just investing in a rocket blower for sheer convenience. Works for me every time, be sure to get a big one though.

03-23-2015, 01:16 PM	#1
badger1 New Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18	sensor marks I have a dark mark on my pics which I am told is from sensor debris

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03-23-2015, 01:30 PM	#2
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	Which camera model? All recent Pentax models can vibrate the sensor to remove dust. It's buried in the menus. Check your camera manual. If the built in cleaning still leaves dust then there's another menu function to lift the mirror and open the shutter so you can access the sensor. Get a "rocket blower" to blow away the dust. Never use canned air because it can leave propellant residue. If dust is still visible after using the rocket blower a few times, you can escalate to a sensor cleaning kit or bring it in to a camera shop. Post a sample pic and we can confirm that it's sensor dust.

03-23-2015, 01:49 PM	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Dust removal procedure in order: 1) Use the camera dust removal system. There is a menu setting to turn on/off. If you have dust run this several times in a row and then check for dust again. I leave mine on "run on startup" and I think that is best so you don't have to worry about it. 2) Use a 'rocket blower' or equivalent to blow off anything the shaker will not get rid of. Do not use compressed air or canned air. Some folks report it is OK to use canned air if you are careful, personally I'm not taking any chances but YMMV. 3) Use a wet cleaning kit. This is the last resort, and on two cameras with over 25,000 actuations in all kinds of environments I've never had to use one yet. Get this if all else fails but don't go there unless you are sure you need it. 4) Send in for professional cleaning. Pentax extended warranty (in the US) includes one 'free' cleaning. Not sure about anywhere else. Easiest way to check for dust is to set your aperture to f/22 or so and take an image of the sky. Dust on the sensor is more visible at smaller apertures.

03-23-2015, 02:02 PM	#4
semaca Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: RO Posts: 143	I also have something on the sensor, but have not tried the dust removal function. It looks like hair in this picture The M42 adapter is the one to blame. It's faster with a K lens. Attached Images

03-23-2015, 05:32 PM	#5
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by semaca The M42 adapter is the one to blame. It's faster with a K lens. I don't understand what you mean. Originally posted by semaca but have not tried the dust removal function. That really should be set to run on start up or run on shutdown, your preference. It's one of the first settings I change on a new camera. It really does make a difference over time by keeping the crud off before it has a chance to get glued on and require more drastic measures.

03-23-2015, 05:34 PM	#6
rrstuff Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Pasadena, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,126	Originally posted by jatrax Dust removal procedure in order: 1) Use the camera dust removal system. There is a menu setting to turn on/off. If you have dust run this several times in a row and then check for dust again. I leave mine on "run on startup" and I think that is best so you don't have to worry about it. 2) Use a 'rocket blower' or equivalent to blow off anything the shaker will not get rid of. Do not use compressed air or canned air. Some folks report it is OK to use canned air if you are careful, personally I'm not taking any chances but YMMV. 3) Use a wet cleaning kit. This is the last resort, and on two cameras with over 25,000 actuations in all kinds of environments I've never had to use one yet. Get this if all else fails but don't go there unless you are sure you need it. 4) Send in for professional cleaning. Pentax extended warranty (in the US) includes one 'free' cleaning. Not sure about anywhere else. Easiest way to check for dust is to set your aperture to f/22 or so and take an image of the sky. Dust on the sensor is more visible at smaller apertures. I agree with all that, one note is that a local camera shop might be able to do wet cleaning locally. Just make sure they will take responsibility if they damage something.

03-24-2015, 05:32 AM	#7
badger1 New Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18 Original Poster	thanks to all who responded I have posted a photo for ID purposes

03-28-2015, 07:11 PM	#8
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	Honestly this'll happen naturally on any camera, I'd really recommend just investing in a rocket blower for sheer convenience. Works for me every time, be sure to get a big one though.