I have a Nikon D40 and about a year ago I sent it in to get the sensor cleaned professionally. The first time didn't correct the problem so I sent it back for a redo. The second go around didn't have perfect results either. My daughter has a Nikon D70 and it appears to have some similar problems. Here are my questions.
1) has anyone else experienced this with their SLR?
2) is there a way to avoid it from happening that I obviously don't know about? I do change the lenses often, but I always turn the camera off first and try to be very careful.
I've seen such great advice given on the discussion board about many things, so I thought I'd lay out my long-standing camera woes and to see what's offered.
I change lenses all the time too! And clean my sensor with a kit every 6 months or so.. because I get dust in there a fair bit. I know that changing the lenses with the body facing down helps a bit, but thats all I can think of really.
Is there any chance your sensor could be damaged if they've not managed to fix it professionally?
Sensors will get dust... there's nothing that will prevent it 100%. Cameras are not completely dust proof, especially consumer grade bodies (they just don't have the weathersealing of the prosumer/pro bodies). So dust can just find their ways in.
I just try to avoid lots of lens changes, especially if I'm outdoors. Turn off the camera, don't put the camera face up when changing... dunno why else you can really do.
You can save yourself time and money and just clean your own sensors. It's really not that hard. Pec Pads and Eclipse solution make it really easy. Or just use a film camera :)
I've become quite adept at using the clone tool in PSE :) I think it's inevitable and just needs a good cleaning as routine maintenance every once in a while.
Like Heidi said, Pec pads and eclipse is the way to go. It's really easy. You just have to remember to have a full battery and to properly lock up the mirror for cleaning. The sensor has a piece of glass on top of it that protects the sensor (and it's replaceable) so you don't have to worry about damaging the sensor.
@blightygal@hmgphotos@chamrick@sudweeks Thanks everyone, for the great information. I didn't realize that cleaning the sensor is something not so difficult. Someone made me think it should only be done by a professional. But I think I could probably figure it out. I don't have PSE for my Mac yet. I'll be getting it any day now, but until then, iPhoto really sucks for taking away blemishes. Well, it depends on the photo.
I do have a film camera that I once used wholeheartedly...
There's plenty of good tutorials online! Also, you can get Sensor Swabs, which are just Eclipse and Pec Pads all prepared for you in a single use format. I've used those before. Just take your time, and don't freak out... I smeared up one of my sensors on my first try and kinda got all freaked out, but it was fine in the end. Also, get a blower (I have this one: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=rocket+blower&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=14486174944748052708&sa=X&ei=mcNtTdXkFo_2gAe275WCBA&ved=0CCYQ8wIwAg#), you can use that to remove dust, and also you'll want one to remove any big particles before using any sort of swab.
@hmgphotos yeah cause when we scan out film there is no dust, prints or million other things that are often far worse than sensor dust... but I guess you cannot wet mount a sensor...
I read a bunch of tutorials and then purchased a rocket air blaster, and sensor cleaning brush, eclipse swabs and kit. I feel much better about this. Thanks to all. My camera doesn't have the auto dust removal feature, so I will possibly being doing this on a regular basis. Maybe I'll start my own business--haha. They charge a fortune around here to clean the sensor.
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Is there any chance your sensor could be damaged if they've not managed to fix it professionally?
I just try to avoid lots of lens changes, especially if I'm outdoors. Turn off the camera, don't put the camera face up when changing... dunno why else you can really do.
You can save yourself time and money and just clean your own sensors. It's really not that hard. Pec Pads and Eclipse solution make it really easy. Or just use a film camera :)
I do have a film camera that I once used wholeheartedly...
Some cameras shake the sensor a bit on start-up to remove some dust it can be turned on/off... mine shakes on every start-up...
+1 to don't change lens with the camera on... it is charged... so charged sensor plus particulates equals instant bondage...