Sensor Cleaning

Just passing through for now! Too much going on at the moment to spend much time on this forum but I have a problem with my Canon that I cannot fix.
I was walking in the hills at Linn of Dee and interchanging the lenses on the camera. On return I noticed a spot on some of the lighter backgrounds. (See photo)
It is not the lens as it is the same no matter what lens I have on. I have done the sensor cleaning as per the manual to no avail.

Can anyone help?

Thanks

I'm not sure what you mean by "sensor cleaning as per the manual" as most manufacturers don't seem to 'encourage' sensor cleaning.

Can you elaborate what the manual specified as 'sensor cleaning' please? I would assume it is some software function that does not involve touching the sensor with anything.

Alan.

As Alan said... if you do need to clean a sensor, I can recommend the Arctic Butterfly but you must be incredibly careful.

xx

Does the camera have a built in sensor cleaning system - if so give that a try

Sorry, have not made it very clear. Yes the camera has a sensor cleaning system in built which I have done but has made no difference. I cannnot fathom out what the problem is or how to cure the problem

Sometimes it gets well lodged :/ Grease or moisture can 'attach' dust to the sensor. IT may be the best thing to send it to Canon for cleaning? Though I have heard some reports that they often come back worse! :/

xx

Yes Zoundz I have heard that too. That is why I was hoping someone here to advise a better course of action

There are several methods for cleaning dust that is attached to the sensor. I would try these in the following order:

1. Blower - Buy a big 'rocket' blower http://www.warehouseexpress.com/sear....aspx?q=rocket the reason I showed you this one as it has a dust fitler, so when you squirt air in to the camera, it filters out the dust so you don't blow in more dust too.

2. Soft brush - http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-...brush/p1011957 - These will remove stubborn dirt that static is holding to the sensor, these, if not used properly can deposit more dust.

3. Wet clean sensor swabs - http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-...nsors/p1010896 - I have used these and find them quite reliable, although a tad pricey (but way cheaper than returning the body to Canon). I only use them when I really have to (I have used other cleaning methods not mentioned here, and I wont recommend either). You have to buy the right size for your sensor.

I find I can live with most dust particles, as dust on a sensor is generally only visible at smaller apertures. The rest I clone out

I am in no way saying you should use ANY of these methods, they are merely suggestions and I am not responsible for any damage resulting from the implementation of any information blah blah blah you get the idea. Officially you should return your body back to the manufacturer for cleaning so as not to invalidate any warranty.


Alan.

As I said, also, I have found the Arctic Butterfly to work well - though again, I'm not responsible if it does any damage! I've always used mine with no problems, and it really makes a difference to me.

xx