HELP: sensor cleaning mishap!!

dresden_phoenix · 08-10-2008, 06:10 PM

I have been taking a lot of digital pictures this summer with my new k10d ( i got it for xmas). Though I use changed lenses quite a few times, I seldom do it in the open or in the car to avoid getting dust in the camera, and the auto cleaning had been doing a good job so far.

A couple of weeks ago there seemed to be a piece of dust shooting up on my shot that just would not go away. No biggie, it was bound to happen eventually. So I got a a blower ( one of those compressed air canisters sold at a local camera store), used the clean ccd feature and gave it a few quick puffs. dust gone.

But what I noticed ( today actually) was that i had a grouping of .. "spots"... not dust more like "wet stains" if that makes sense. I am afraid that I may have hosed the camera while trying to blow it out.

Obviously, the sensor cleaning is not going to take care of this and more compressed air may just worsen the problem. is there a way/ reasonable service .. I can look for to clean my camera sensor? This may be something i got myself into, but I would hope nothing so serious that it will permanently handicap the performance of my new camera

.

Thank you all for all you advice

madbrain · 08-10-2008, 06:27 PM

Hi,

Originally posted by dresden_phoenix

I have been taking a lot of digital pictures this summer with my new k10d ( i got it for xmas). Though I use changed lenses quite a few times, I seldom do it in the open or in the car to avoid getting dust in the camera, and the auto cleaning had been doing a good job so far.

A couple of weeks ago there seemed to be a piece of dust shooting up on my shot that just would not go away. No biggie, it was bound to happen eventually. So I got a a blower ( one of those compressed air canisters sold at a local camera store), used the clean ccd feature and gave it a few quick puffs. dust gone.

But what I noticed ( today actually) was that i had a grouping of .. "spots"... not dust more like "wet stains" if that makes sense. I am afraid that I may have hosed the camera while trying to blow it out.

Obviously, the sensor cleaning is not going to take care of this and more compressed air may just worsen the problem. is there a way/ reasonable service .. I can look for to clean my camera sensor? This may be something i got myself into, but I would hope nothing so serious that it will permanently handicap the performance of my new camera

.

Thank you all for all you advice

You are not supposed to use those compressed air cans to clean the sensor. I believe the manual warns against it. I'm not sure how you can fix the camera. Is it still under warranty ?

dresden_phoenix · 08-10-2008, 06:54 PM

well crap.

I feel quite stupid. How can I be sure I didnt damage it? I mean This is but the second time I used anything to clean the camera so if compressed air damaged it then it was instantaneous?

I assume pentax has a 12 month warranty . But the camera was bought from Beachcamera ( online store). I doubt their warranty pertains to anything more than DOA.

Is there a test I can do? could this be just condensation( I mean the CCD is NOT directly exposed after all, only the surface "glass") ...

**Canada_Rockies** · 08-10-2008, 07:11 PM

Originally posted by dresden_phoenix

well crap.

I feel quite stupid. How can I be sure I didnt damage it? I mean This is but the second time I used anything to clean the camera so if compressed air damaged it then it was instantaneous?

I assume pentax has a 12 month warranty . But the camera was bought from Beachcamera ( online store). I doubt their warranty pertains to anything more than DOA.

Is there a test I can do? could this be just condensation( I mean the CCD is NOT directly exposed after all, only the surface "glass") ...

Take the camera to a camera shop and ask them to clean the sensor. What has happened is that the propellant from the compressed air can is on the sensor. This is why they are not recommended.

chedoy · 08-10-2008, 09:26 PM

You probably need a wet sensor cleaning. With the proper methods, many of us do it ourselves. Easier than hanging drywall, but like drywall, you can screw up if careless.

I found this link on sensor cleaning very useful when I first had to clean my K100D several years ago.

**Ash** · 08-10-2008, 09:42 PM

Probably just get your local camera sensor cleaner to do this wet prep clean for you. It should come out good after that.

little laker · 08-10-2008, 10:01 PM

I'm another vote for the store doing the cleaning for you this time.

Those cans do work alright, however there are a few precautions you must take.
The first being to purge the system (blow it out quickly) before you try cleaning your camera.

The second being you MUST hold the can perfectly upright, or you have a good chance of spraying in some liquid.

I understand that this Green Clean sensor cleaning system uses those bottles, and is the cat's meow for sensor cleaning.
Although I haven't tried it yet.

Fritzvds · 08-11-2008, 02:17 AM

Thats scary...

As for trusting the stores to know better thats wot the bloke at my local camera house did with mine when it needed cleaning, in the the can of compressed air.

Glad it never did any damage, Thanks for the heads up!

Erasmo · 08-11-2008, 03:08 AM

For minor dust don't use cans, a blower will do the job:

ManWithCamera · 08-11-2008, 02:55 PM

I second the use of the Rocket Blower. It works quite well. But if you've used compressed air and now have liquid propellent stuck to your sensor (well, the low-pass filter in front of your sensor), it sounds like you'll need to do the wet cleaning with a swab and some Eclipse2. Best thing is probably to go to a local camera store and see if they can do it for you.

Once your sensor is clean again, you can rely on the Rocket Blower (about 8$, plus shipping) to take care of most sensor dust.

dresden_phoenix · 08-11-2008, 03:11 PM

THANK YOU.

1) I was a bit panicky. This is my first digital camera ( I've had 2 previous film Pentax cameras, but never a dSLR). Though I am still going through what seems to me as rather weird learning curve... I am quite enamored of my new camera.

2) Somehow the blotches in the pics aren't as severe as yesterday. Last night I ran a test I found online( where you shoot a light colored surface.. camera out of focus..et all) . I could clearly see 3 grains of dust and the residue mentioned above. So, yeah I think need some wet cleaning.

I will probably NOT take it to the store that suggested using compressed air. Fortunately for me there are 2 other camera stores in town. One of which, I am told , is very Pentax friendly.

I will be sure to aquire one of these Rocket blowers too.

Wheatfield · 08-11-2008, 04:54 PM

Originally posted by dresden_phoenix

THANK YOU.

1) I was a bit panicky. This is my first digital camera ( I've had 2 previous film Pentax cameras, but never a dSLR). Though I am still going through what seems to me as rather weird learning curve... I am quite enamored of my new camera.

2) Somehow the blotches in the pics aren't as severe as yesterday. Last night I ran a test I found online( where you shoot a light colored surface.. camera out of focus..et all) . I could clearly see 3 grains of dust and the residue mentioned above. So, yeah I think need some wet cleaning.

I will probably NOT take it to the store that suggested using compressed air. Fortunately for me there are 2 other camera stores in town. One of which, I am told , is very Pentax friendly.

I will be sure to aquire one of these Rocket blowers too.

FWIW, I use canned gas routinely for sensor cleaning, but I am very careful with it, and haven't managed to damage anything yet.
There are differing qualities of canned gas available though, and I do spend the extra money for real Dust-Off rather than the 1/2 price knock-offs.

Confused · 08-11-2008, 06:06 PM

Hi Erasmo

Have you tried THIS one.....????....LOL !!!!!!!

Best regards
Richard

**Ash** · 08-11-2008, 10:26 PM

Haha Richard.
Must have a turbo charged air stream for those tough spots.

cardinal43 · 08-12-2008, 04:56 AM

Originally posted by dresden_phoenix

THANK YOU.

1) I was a bit panicky. This is my first digital camera ( I've had 2 previous film Pentax cameras, but never a dSLR). Though I am still going through what seems to me as rather weird learning curve... I am quite enamored of my new camera.

2) Somehow the blotches in the pics aren't as severe as yesterday. Last night I ran a test I found online( where you shoot a light colored surface.. camera out of focus..et all) . I could clearly see 3 grains of dust and the residue mentioned above. So, yeah I think need some wet cleaning.

I will probably NOT take it to the store that suggested using compressed air. Fortunately for me there are 2 other camera stores in town. One of which, I am told , is very Pentax friendly.

I will be sure to aquire one of these Rocket blowers too.

Codiac2600 is one of the members here and he works in a camera store in Rockford. Looks like that may be the place to take it. Hope this helps.

08-10-2008, 06:10 PM	#1
dresden_phoenix Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 52	HELP: sensor cleaning mishap!! I have been taking a lot of digital pictures this summer with my new k10d ( i got it for xmas). Though I use changed lenses quite a few times, I seldom do it in the open or in the car to avoid getting dust in the camera, and the auto cleaning had been doing a good job so far. A couple of weeks ago there seemed to be a piece of dust shooting up on my shot that just would not go away. No biggie, it was bound to happen eventually. So I got a a blower ( one of those compressed air canisters sold at a local camera store), used the clean ccd feature and gave it a few quick puffs. dust gone. But what I noticed ( today actually) was that i had a grouping of .. "spots"... not dust more like "wet stains" if that makes sense. I am afraid that I may have hosed the camera while trying to blow it out. Obviously, the sensor cleaning is not going to take care of this and more compressed air may just worsen the problem. is there a way/ reasonable service .. I can look for to clean my camera sensor? This may be something i got myself into, but I would hope nothing so serious that it will permanently handicap the performance of my new camera . Thank you all for all you advice

08-11-2008, 06:06 PM	#13
Confused Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: London Posts: 1,067	Hi Erasmo Have you tried THIS one.....????....LOL !!!!!!! Best regards Richard Last edited by Confused; 02-24-2009 at 05:44 AM.

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08-10-2008, 06:27 PM	#2
madbrain Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,341	Hi, Originally posted by dresden_phoenix I have been taking a lot of digital pictures this summer with my new k10d ( i got it for xmas). Though I use changed lenses quite a few times, I seldom do it in the open or in the car to avoid getting dust in the camera, and the auto cleaning had been doing a good job so far. A couple of weeks ago there seemed to be a piece of dust shooting up on my shot that just would not go away. No biggie, it was bound to happen eventually. So I got a a blower ( one of those compressed air canisters sold at a local camera store), used the clean ccd feature and gave it a few quick puffs. dust gone. But what I noticed ( today actually) was that i had a grouping of .. "spots"... not dust more like "wet stains" if that makes sense. I am afraid that I may have hosed the camera while trying to blow it out. Obviously, the sensor cleaning is not going to take care of this and more compressed air may just worsen the problem. is there a way/ reasonable service .. I can look for to clean my camera sensor? This may be something i got myself into, but I would hope nothing so serious that it will permanently handicap the performance of my new camera . Thank you all for all you advice You are not supposed to use those compressed air cans to clean the sensor. I believe the manual warns against it. I'm not sure how you can fix the camera. Is it still under warranty ?

08-10-2008, 06:54 PM	#3
dresden_phoenix Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 52 Original Poster	well crap. I feel quite stupid. How can I be sure I didnt damage it? I mean This is but the second time I used anything to clean the camera so if compressed air damaged it then it was instantaneous? I assume pentax has a 12 month warranty . But the camera was bought from Beachcamera ( online store). I doubt their warranty pertains to anything more than DOA. Is there a test I can do? could this be just condensation( I mean the CCD is NOT directly exposed after all, only the surface "glass") ...

08-10-2008, 07:11 PM	#4
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by dresden_phoenix well crap. I feel quite stupid. How can I be sure I didnt damage it? I mean This is but the second time I used anything to clean the camera so if compressed air damaged it then it was instantaneous? I assume pentax has a 12 month warranty . But the camera was bought from Beachcamera ( online store). I doubt their warranty pertains to anything more than DOA. Is there a test I can do? could this be just condensation( I mean the CCD is NOT directly exposed after all, only the surface "glass") ... Take the camera to a camera shop and ask them to clean the sensor. What has happened is that the propellant from the compressed air can is on the sensor. This is why they are not recommended.

08-10-2008, 09:26 PM	#5
chedoy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 143	You probably need a wet sensor cleaning. With the proper methods, many of us do it ourselves. Easier than hanging drywall, but like drywall, you can screw up if careless. I found this link on sensor cleaning very useful when I first had to clean my K100D several years ago.

08-10-2008, 09:42 PM	#6
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Probably just get your local camera sensor cleaner to do this wet prep clean for you. It should come out good after that.

08-10-2008, 10:01 PM	#7
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	I'm another vote for the store doing the cleaning for you this time. Those cans do work alright, however there are a few precautions you must take. The first being to purge the system (blow it out quickly) before you try cleaning your camera. The second being you MUST hold the can perfectly upright, or you have a good chance of spraying in some liquid. I understand that this Green Clean sensor cleaning system uses those bottles, and is the cat's meow for sensor cleaning. Although I haven't tried it yet.

08-11-2008, 02:17 AM	#8
Fritzvds Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South West Oz Posts: 125	Thats scary... As for trusting the stores to know better thats wot the bloke at my local camera house did with mine when it needed cleaning, in the the can of compressed air. Glad it never did any damage, Thanks for the heads up!

08-11-2008, 03:08 AM	#9
Erasmo Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 191	For minor dust don't use cans, a blower will do the job:

08-11-2008, 02:55 PM	#10
ManWithCamera Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Auburn, CA Posts: 87	I second the use of the Rocket Blower. It works quite well. But if you've used compressed air and now have liquid propellent stuck to your sensor (well, the low-pass filter in front of your sensor), it sounds like you'll need to do the wet cleaning with a swab and some Eclipse2. Best thing is probably to go to a local camera store and see if they can do it for you. Once your sensor is clean again, you can rely on the Rocket Blower (about 8$, plus shipping) to take care of most sensor dust.

08-11-2008, 03:11 PM	#11
dresden_phoenix Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 52 Original Poster	THANK YOU. 1) I was a bit panicky. This is my first digital camera ( I've had 2 previous film Pentax cameras, but never a dSLR). Though I am still going through what seems to me as rather weird learning curve... I am quite enamored of my new camera. 2) Somehow the blotches in the pics aren't as severe as yesterday. Last night I ran a test I found online( where you shoot a light colored surface.. camera out of focus..et all) . I could clearly see 3 grains of dust and the residue mentioned above. So, yeah I think need some wet cleaning. I will probably NOT take it to the store that suggested using compressed air. Fortunately for me there are 2 other camera stores in town. One of which, I am told , is very Pentax friendly. I will be sure to aquire one of these Rocket blowers too.

08-11-2008, 04:54 PM	#12
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by dresden_phoenix THANK YOU. 1) I was a bit panicky. This is my first digital camera ( I've had 2 previous film Pentax cameras, but never a dSLR). Though I am still going through what seems to me as rather weird learning curve... I am quite enamored of my new camera. 2) Somehow the blotches in the pics aren't as severe as yesterday. Last night I ran a test I found online( where you shoot a light colored surface.. camera out of focus..et all) . I could clearly see 3 grains of dust and the residue mentioned above. So, yeah I think need some wet cleaning. I will probably NOT take it to the store that suggested using compressed air. Fortunately for me there are 2 other camera stores in town. One of which, I am told , is very Pentax friendly. I will be sure to aquire one of these Rocket blowers too. FWIW, I use canned gas routinely for sensor cleaning, but I am very careful with it, and haven't managed to damage anything yet. There are differing qualities of canned gas available though, and I do spend the extra money for real Dust-Off rather than the 1/2 price knock-offs.

08-11-2008, 10:26 PM	#14
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Haha Richard. Must have a turbo charged air stream for those tough spots.

08-12-2008, 04:56 AM	#15
cardinal43 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,412	Originally posted by dresden_phoenix THANK YOU. 1) I was a bit panicky. This is my first digital camera ( I've had 2 previous film Pentax cameras, but never a dSLR). Though I am still going through what seems to me as rather weird learning curve... I am quite enamored of my new camera. 2) Somehow the blotches in the pics aren't as severe as yesterday. Last night I ran a test I found online( where you shoot a light colored surface.. camera out of focus..et all) . I could clearly see 3 grains of dust and the residue mentioned above. So, yeah I think need some wet cleaning. I will probably NOT take it to the store that suggested using compressed air. Fortunately for me there are 2 other camera stores in town. One of which, I am told , is very Pentax friendly. I will be sure to aquire one of these Rocket blowers too. Codiac2600 is one of the members here and he works in a camera store in Rockford. Looks like that may be the place to take it. Hope this helps.