Dust in sensor - Help!

[paulnj]

The reason a original 1D gets less dust on the sensor than a XT is because they have different types of sensors ;) The Drebels, 20D and MKII cameras have CMOS sensors which attract more dust than the CCD in the original 1D body so I have read


GO NUTS
http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

[JSPhoto]

There is more to it though Paul. The only thing I can think of is
1: much better seals
2: I rarely change lenses

The difference in sensors is that the 1D dosn't have a CMOS sensor. Personally I wouldn't want a CMOS, it's extremly sensitive to static electricity, lightning close by can zap CMOS chips! I remember Bearcat scanners getting knocked out by lightning a mile away. They finally changed things though. You can hold a CMOS chip and walk across carpet and hear it pop

JS

[paulnj]

But the sensor difference explains why WE have less dust collection from changing lenses than the CMOS crowd.

I have NEVER heard of a camera getting ruined by LIGHTNING in the air ;)

[SmartWombat]

Cleaning in progress.
Take a shot of a while background, deliberately out of focus, stopped down as far as possible.
Then adjust levels using the histogram to just either side of the peak.
That shows every last speck of dirt.

#1 before
#2 after blower
#3 after brush
#4 after 3 wipes

10 minutes for me - or at least a week away at Canon.

[JSPhoto]

But the sensor difference explains why WE have less dust collection from changing lenses than the CMOS crowd.

*** even my CMOS version 300D dosen't have these problems, and I left the lens off it for a month, no cap, no lens. It has been cleaned once in a year and half.

I have NEVER heard of a camera getting ruined by LIGHTNING in the air ;)

True, but the fact is CMOS technology is extremely static sensitive, which is one of the reasons Canon doesn't want you sticking anything near the sensor. Besides scratching the sensor coating or eating the coating off with chemicals/liquids, just simply having static electricity jump from your finger or device your cleaning the sensor with can destroy the sensor.

Now you don't have to send the camera to Canon each time you need to clean the sensor, just make certain it's a reputable and Canon Authorized repair shop. It shouldn't take more than a day or two to get it cleaned.

JS

[Liz]

I hesitated to take mine to the place where I've always gone for my 35mm because they are only authorized to do 35mm. The guy said they wouldn't authorize them yet to do digital. However, I think they have done a great job for years with 35mm and seemed to know what they were talking about with the sensor - and at least this time did a good job.

Am I taking a chance by taking it there? Should I find someone with more experience in digital to do the cleaning? He does repair digital, but if I'm going to need repair, I would definitely not take it there - besides it's under warranty, so except for cleaning/maintenance, I have to take it to an authorized (digital) Canon repair.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Liz

True, but the fact is CMOS technology is extremely static sensitive, which is one of the reasons Canon doesn't want you sticking anything near the sensor. Besides scratching the sensor coating or eating the coating off with chemicals/liquids, just simply having static electricity jump from your finger or device your cleaning the sensor with can destroy the sensor.

Now you don't have to send the camera to Canon each time you need to clean the sensor, just make certain it's a reputable and Canon Authorized repair shop. It shouldn't take more than a day or two to get it cleaned.

JS

[JSPhoto]

Liz,

I'd say the following:

1: he repairs digital cameras. not Canon persay, but Nikon and others use CMOS sensors in some units - he knows the hazards of CMOS
My only concern would be any fluids - Canon does use one, what I don't know, what may work on one manufactueres sensor may not on another.

2: Is it clean now? and working OK?

I'd say if he did a good job you'd be OK using his services. Now wether the fluid he uses, if any would over time damage the sensor coating I can't say. Just something to consider. If all he's doing is "dusting it" to get the fuzz out thats no problem, all manufacturers use the same technique for that. Using a computer keyboard duster is not the way to go.

I have seen the techs clean cameras at Indy, they use a similar duster, but it is specifically for certain items, not sensors. Keyboard dusters can blow the sensor coating to bits after a while, it's like sandblasting them. The coating is exremly thin and it dosn't take much abuse to destroy it.

JS

[Liz]

Thanks. I guess I'd better find another place for the next time.

Very good points. Thanks again.

Liz

Liz,

I'd say the following:

1: he repairs digital cameras. not Canon persay, but Nikon and others use CMOS sensors in some units - he knows the hazards of CMOS
My only concern would be any fluids - Canon does use one, what I don't know, what may work on one manufactueres sensor may not on another.

2: Is it clean now? and working OK?

I'd say if he did a good job you'd be OK using his services. Now wether the fluid he uses, if any would over time damage the sensor coating I can't say. Just something to consider. If all he's doing is "dusting it" to get the fuzz out thats no problem, all manufacturers use the same technique for that. Using a computer keyboard duster is not the way to go.

I have seen the techs clean cameras at Indy, they use a similar duster, but it is specifically for certain items, not sensors. Keyboard dusters can blow the sensor coating to bits after a while, it's like sandblasting them. The coating is exremly thin and it dosn't take much abuse to destroy it.

JS

[JSPhoto]

Thanks. I guess I'd better find another place for the next time.

Very good points. Thanks again.

Liz

I'd say ask him if he uses any fluids, if so, are they ok for Canon sensors... I wouldn't look elsewhere if your happy with the service and the stuff he uses is OK.

JS