Atherton & District Amateur Photographic Society

Speaking as someone who is still struggling to change a camera lens without dropping it
what is a Sensor dust spot please?

I keep hearing and reading things where they are mentioned

A speck of dust or pollen on the sensor will appear as a small dark splodge on images, always in the same place. Sensor cleaning may be necessary if it can't be shifted by the camera's internal systems, such as ultrasonic dust removal.

that sounds absolutely terrifying

I wouldn't worry. I've had digital cameras for many years now and never had to resort to physical cleaning of the sensor.

thank goodness for that, I've just been peering at some of my recent ones with the screen zoomed on full checking if I had one
faints in relief

John wrote: I wouldn't worry. I've had digital cameras for many years now and never had to resort to physical cleaning of the sensor.

I've cleaned my camera sensor a few times with sensor swabs and fluid.
I was a bit nervous the first time, but you get over it.

ajs wrote: I've just been peering at some of my recent ones with the screen zoomed on full checking if I had one...

They are most noticeable at smaller apertures.
For example, a dust spot would be more visible on a photo of a blue sky taken at f/16 than on a shot taken at f/2.8.

I live in fear of this and always take my camera to the shop. Calumet in Manchester for about £40

Critical Mass wrote:I live in fear of this and always take my camera to the shop. Calumet in Manchester for about £40

There is an open day coming up at Calumet and they are offering free sensor cleaning (just asking for a donation to charity)

i am always working on these open days

I bought 10 sensor cleaning swabs for £10, dont it a couple of times, don't know why anyone would be scared of it.
Mirror opens, wipe one way, turn swab over and wipe back.

Done, 2 mins - £40 - Really??????

PhilipHowe wrote:I bought 10 sensor cleaning swabs for £10, dont it a couple of times, don't know why anyone would be scared of it.
Mirror opens, wipe one way, turn swab over and wipe back.

Done, 2 mins - £40 - Really??????

I agree with you Philip. But I can understand the hesitation. The first time I cleaned my sensor I thought "what if I damage a £1000 camera...?"

Having done it a few times now, it's quite a simple procedure.

First time I tried it, the mirror fell off, but that was a known fault on Canon 5D Mk1 and sent it away to have it fixed even though it was way out of warranty. When it came back it looked like Peppa Pig had been trampling on my sensor. Two wipes, all good again.

I probably shouldn't have mentioned the mirror falling off, should I? If you're already apprehensive, that won't help. Forget I said that.

I have a Canon 350d as my backup camera, in the hope of saving someone a lot of money, I will show any interested parties how to clean their sensor on that camera, if anyone wants?

Yep I wouldn't mind watching that!!! The odd spot I keep getting I've been using the spot healing tool in photoshop In other words putting off cleaning the sensor. Can't make next Thursday due to work commitment's but will be back in on the 24th October

The blowers can be quite effective to. I have this one for around a tenner

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Giottos-AA1900- ... =pd_cp_p_0

Lock the mirror up, turn camera upside down and blow from below . Doesn't always work but handy for lenses as well