Sensor clean ?

[cpk1]

how do you know when the sensor needs cleaning ? Is there a tell tale sign.
Would my D40 benefit from a clean a i would imagine its probably never been done, and how much does it generally cost from the average high street store, or it something that can be done by myself.
Thanks

 

[samems]

Dots appearing on pictures i would say.

 

[cotty332000]

If you shoot at a small aperture f16 an beyond zoom into 100% and have a look around the light areas of the image (sky) or if you just want to check for sensor spots shoot a white price of paper with a narrow aperture and check on computer!
You can do it yourself if you know what you are doing and are confident but you need a bit is specialist kit!
Last time I had mine cleaned professionally it set me back £50!

 

[TCR4x4]

If it needs doing, you'll know it, as you'll have grey dots all over your images at narrow apertures. If you aren't getting that, then leave it alone.

Do it yourself, you can buy the kit for around £30 which will do several cleans.

 

[samems]

Some people are nervous doing it on their own! Others dont mind. I would be cautious myself.

 

[philthejuggler]

I cleaned a sensor and couldn't get some gunk off so a shop had a go. I can't say whether it was them or me but it ended up scratched and cost about £950 to replace - thankfully I was insured.

Phil

 

[redhed17]

If it needs doing, you'll know it, as you'll have grey dots all over your images at narrow apertures.

You don't always notice the spots, especially if you shoot a lot at wide apertures, but suddenly close the aperture down, and the spots become visible. And then when you look to see how long the spots have been there, you realise they've been there awhile. :bang:

I'd say check every month, and again if you have an important shoot coming up or are going on holiday. :shrug:

I cleaned a sensor and couldn't get some gunk off so a shop had a go. I can't say whether it was them or me but it ended up scratched and cost about £950 to replace - thankfully I was insured.

Was it your insurance, or the shop's that paid out? :shrug:

I ask because the shop making amends should anything go wrong is the reason they don't do it themselves if they are wary of any damage happening.

 

[sep9001]

Some people are nervous doing it on their own! Others dont mind. I would be cautious myself.

I was the same but after watching Tom's video I did it without any issues.

 

[cpk1]

Thanks for the replies will be doing some test shots later, but i cant say i have ever noticed anything in my photos.

 

[redhed17]

Thanks for the replies will be doing some test shots later, but i cant say i have ever noticed anything in my photos.

That's the thing, you sometimes find the spots, and then notice that the spots have been on your pics, and then it's 'what the...., how did I miss them?'

 

[ShutterWork]

Got mine done recently at Calumet for £36 as wasn't confident to do this on my own.

 

[philthejuggler]

My insurance paid as I couldn't prove it was the shop that did it.

 

[redhed17]

My insurance paid as I couldn't prove it was the shop that did it.

Thanks for replying.

Pity that.

Looks like everyone should take some test pics before you get someone else to clean your sensor, just in case. :shrug: I'd also make sure they were covered by insurance should anything go wrong. If I mess up, then it's my fault, but if they mess up, well ... :shrug: