Help with abnormality on lens

Adam · 01-22-2019, 10:18 AM

Do you see the spot in live view?

Adam
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Bethor · 01-22-2019, 12:35 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Do you see the spot in live view?

it doesn't appear to be there. however, when I take the picture it shows up. I will test this out a bit more with live view.

Adam · 01-22-2019, 12:40 PM

Originally posted by Bethor

it doesn't appear to be there. however, when I take the picture it shows up. I will test this out a bit more with live view.

This is why I suspect pixel mapping or some other form of lens-specific processing as the culprit. Could you post the original out of camera JPEG (important!) and raw files?

Bethor · 01-22-2019, 01:01 PM

Originally posted by Adam

This is why I suspect pixel mapping or some other form of lens-specific processing as the culprit. Could you post the original out of camera JPEG (important!) and raw files?

I will try to post them here shortly.

unfortunately after using the rocket bottle trying to blow out the sensor etc I now have dirt on the focusing screen =(
I tried using a q-tip from my cleaning kit but I can't see to get it out. bummer =(

Bethor · 01-22-2019, 01:22 PM

I can select the jpg without issues but I don't know how to do the RAW file. I show a PEF file but it won't let me upload it.

The issue is on the top left of the picture

**mikesbike** · 01-22-2019, 01:50 PM

I found it after doing an on-screen enlargement. It seems doubtful to me that an artifact so well defined could be from the lens. If it were on or in the lens, as the lens is focused at different distance points, the smudge would go badly out of focus, which apparently is not the case here. Something getting into the camera during lens changing is the most likely culprit.

As far as not being there with other lenses, take a picture with your lens set at the same focal length as another lens, where the issue shows up, then put on the other lens at that same focal length, aperture setting, and shooting the same scene at the same distance to see if it is still there.

If another Pentaxian were nearby, you could try your lens on a different camera to clear the lens of being involved with absolute certainty.

Bethor · 01-22-2019, 01:55 PM

Originally posted by mikesbike

I found it after doing an on-screen enlargement. It seems doubtful to me that an artifact so well defined could be from the lens. If it were on or in the lens, as the lens is focused at different distance points, the smudge would go badly out of focus, which apparently is not the case here. Something getting into the camera during lens changing is the most likely culprit.

As far as not being there with other lenses, take a picture with your lens set at the same focal length as another lens, where the issue shows up, then put on the other lens at that same focal length, aperture setting, and shooting the same scene at the same distance to see if it is still there.

If another Pentaxian were nearby, you could try your lens on a different camera to clear the lens of being involved with absolute certainty.

I just tested out my portrait lens at f9 and it does show. so I guess its back to a dirty sensor.
is it worth cleaning it myself or should I just see what a camera shop charges?

I don't know why I didn't try the portrait lens at the f9 normally, I shoot wide open with it.

VSTAR · 01-22-2019, 04:39 PM

Originally posted by Bethor

I just tested out my portrait lens at f9 and it does show. so I guess its back to a dirty sensor.
is it worth cleaning it myself or should I just see what a camera shop charges?

I don't know why I didn't try the portrait lens at the f9 normally, I shoot wide open with it.

You now need the sensor cleaned and the focussing screen cleaned. Possible to clean yourself with the right cleaning kit - i.e Amazon. Or....take it to a professional for cleaning and be done with it.

MarkJerling · 01-22-2019, 04:49 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Bethor

is it worth cleaning it myself or should I just see what a camera shop charges?

Don't use the Rupert method that involves a pressure washer.

**Digitalis** · 01-22-2019, 04:51 PM

Originally posted by Bethor

is it worth cleaning it myself or should I just see what a camera shop charges?

If you aren't confident cleaning the sensor yourself you should look into getting your camera professionally cleaned. To my eyes the speck looks like a piece of Pollen. Pollen is quite sticky, and adheres to glass like cement. Cleaning it off camera sensor almost invariably requires a wet cleaning - which is best done professionally.

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-22-2019, 05:28 PM

Before you clean the sensor answer a question. While you say it does not seem to move, to me it seems to change in position between the 3 shots you have posted, but geometrically out from the centre of the lens, so the question is, does it move as a function of focal length?

I suspect yes, It has a lot of similarities to the out of focus donut you get on a mirror lens but as it does not produce replications around all out of focus items I suspect towards the rear of the lens not the front

**mikesbike** · 01-22-2019, 06:49 PM

Already shown to be present using a different lens.

If it were me, I would be looking for a professional service to clean what needs to be cleaned. If it is pollen, that may be too difficult for a novice to tackle.

Not a Number · 01-22-2019, 07:35 PM

In my experience dust on the sensor is more noticeable with some lenses more than others. Focal length as well as focus distance and aperture setting appear to be factors.

A bit of lint or hair on end could possibly create an artifact such as seen in your samples from diffraction or diffusion through light convergence cross-sections varying in distance from the sensor. Again dependent on focal length, focus distance and aperture setting.

Dust on the focus screen is could be on the pentaprism or the side of the screen facing the pentaprism. Releasing the screen and blowing off those surfaces usually solves that problem.

You can try a review site like yelp.com for "best sensor cleaning in [your area]"

Bethor · 01-23-2019, 06:47 PM - **1 Like**

I took it in for a cleaning yesterday at a local shop and just got it back today.
The tech that cleaned the sensor told me that I had multiple droplets of oil on the sensor and it was cased by the shutter, which is normal.
After taking a few shots I can happily say that everything is back to normal.

Thank you for all the help everyone!

Paul the Sunman · 01-23-2019, 07:11 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Bethor

I took it in for a cleaning yesterday at a local shop and just got it back today.
The tech that cleaned the sensor told me that I had multiple droplets of oil on the sensor and it was cased by the shutter, which is normal.
After taking a few shots I can happily say that everything is back to normal.

Wow, I've not heard that one before. I said it looked like a liquid drop, but I didn't consider oil!

Enjoy your new clean sensor.

01-22-2019, 12:40 PM	#18
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Originally posted by Bethor it doesn't appear to be there. however, when I take the picture it shows up. I will test this out a bit more with live view. This is why I suspect pixel mapping or some other form of lens-specific processing as the culprit. Could you post the original out of camera JPEG (important!) and raw files? Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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01-22-2019, 10:18 AM	#16
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Do you see the spot in live view? Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

01-22-2019, 12:35 PM	#17
Bethor Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 48 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam Do you see the spot in live view? it doesn't appear to be there. however, when I take the picture it shows up. I will test this out a bit more with live view.

01-22-2019, 01:01 PM	#19
Bethor Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 48 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam This is why I suspect pixel mapping or some other form of lens-specific processing as the culprit. Could you post the original out of camera JPEG (important!) and raw files? I will try to post them here shortly. unfortunately after using the rocket bottle trying to blow out the sensor etc I now have dirt on the focusing screen =( I tried using a q-tip from my cleaning kit but I can't see to get it out. bummer =(

01-22-2019, 01:50 PM	#21
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,566	I found it after doing an on-screen enlargement. It seems doubtful to me that an artifact so well defined could be from the lens. If it were on or in the lens, as the lens is focused at different distance points, the smudge would go badly out of focus, which apparently is not the case here. Something getting into the camera during lens changing is the most likely culprit. As far as not being there with other lenses, take a picture with your lens set at the same focal length as another lens, where the issue shows up, then put on the other lens at that same focal length, aperture setting, and shooting the same scene at the same distance to see if it is still there. If another Pentaxian were nearby, you could try your lens on a different camera to clear the lens of being involved with absolute certainty.

01-22-2019, 01:55 PM	#22
Bethor Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 48 Original Poster	Originally posted by mikesbike I found it after doing an on-screen enlargement. It seems doubtful to me that an artifact so well defined could be from the lens. If it were on or in the lens, as the lens is focused at different distance points, the smudge would go badly out of focus, which apparently is not the case here. Something getting into the camera during lens changing is the most likely culprit. As far as not being there with other lenses, take a picture with your lens set at the same focal length as another lens, where the issue shows up, then put on the other lens at that same focal length, aperture setting, and shooting the same scene at the same distance to see if it is still there. If another Pentaxian were nearby, you could try your lens on a different camera to clear the lens of being involved with absolute certainty. I just tested out my portrait lens at f9 and it does show. so I guess its back to a dirty sensor. is it worth cleaning it myself or should I just see what a camera shop charges? I don't know why I didn't try the portrait lens at the f9 normally, I shoot wide open with it.

01-22-2019, 04:39 PM	#23
VSTAR Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 390	Originally posted by Bethor I just tested out my portrait lens at f9 and it does show. so I guess its back to a dirty sensor. is it worth cleaning it myself or should I just see what a camera shop charges? I don't know why I didn't try the portrait lens at the f9 normally, I shoot wide open with it. You now need the sensor cleaned and the focussing screen cleaned. Possible to clean yourself with the right cleaning kit - i.e Amazon. Or....take it to a professional for cleaning and be done with it.

01-22-2019, 04:49 PM - 1 Like	#24
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,423	Originally posted by Bethor is it worth cleaning it myself or should I just see what a camera shop charges? Don't use the Rupert method that involves a pressure washer.

01-22-2019, 04:51 PM	#25
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,695	Originally posted by Bethor is it worth cleaning it myself or should I just see what a camera shop charges? If you aren't confident cleaning the sensor yourself you should look into getting your camera professionally cleaned. To my eyes the speck looks like a piece of Pollen. Pollen is quite sticky, and adheres to glass like cement. Cleaning it off camera sensor almost invariably requires a wet cleaning - which is best done professionally.

01-22-2019, 05:28 PM	#26
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Before you clean the sensor answer a question. While you say it does not seem to move, to me it seems to change in position between the 3 shots you have posted, but geometrically out from the centre of the lens, so the question is, does it move as a function of focal length? I suspect yes, It has a lot of similarities to the out of focus donut you get on a mirror lens but as it does not produce replications around all out of focus items I suspect towards the rear of the lens not the front

01-22-2019, 06:49 PM	#27
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,566	Already shown to be present using a different lens. If it were me, I would be looking for a professional service to clean what needs to be cleaned. If it is pollen, that may be too difficult for a novice to tackle.

01-22-2019, 07:35 PM	#28
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	In my experience dust on the sensor is more noticeable with some lenses more than others. Focal length as well as focus distance and aperture setting appear to be factors. A bit of lint or hair on end could possibly create an artifact such as seen in your samples from diffraction or diffusion through light convergence cross-sections varying in distance from the sensor. Again dependent on focal length, focus distance and aperture setting. Dust on the focus screen is could be on the pentaprism or the side of the screen facing the pentaprism. Releasing the screen and blowing off those surfaces usually solves that problem. You can try a review site like yelp.com for "best sensor cleaning in [your area]"

01-23-2019, 06:47 PM - 1 Like	#29
Bethor Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 48 Original Poster	I took it in for a cleaning yesterday at a local shop and just got it back today. The tech that cleaned the sensor told me that I had multiple droplets of oil on the sensor and it was cased by the shutter, which is normal. After taking a few shots I can happily say that everything is back to normal. Thank you for all the help everyone!

01-23-2019, 07:11 PM - 2 Likes	#30
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,847	Originally posted by Bethor I took it in for a cleaning yesterday at a local shop and just got it back today. The tech that cleaned the sensor told me that I had multiple droplets of oil on the sensor and it was cased by the shutter, which is normal. After taking a few shots I can happily say that everything is back to normal. Wow, I've not heard that one before. I said it looked like a liquid drop, but I didn't consider oil! Enjoy your new clean sensor.