[Survey] - Dust on DSLR sensor.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Alan Browne wrote:

>
> A survey to get a feel for the problem and the various solutions.
>
> Please reply to all questions.
>
> Please stick to the script.
>
> Please do not add rambling replies or opinions.
>
> If surveys like this are not your cup of tea, we understand, and you do
> not need to post.
>
> Yes, the first question is numbered "11."
> ============================================================
>
> I
>
> 11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
> [Reply in months preferred.
> If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]

3 months, no dust.

>
>
> 12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?
>

Yes

>
>
> 12a If yes, what technique?
>

Shoot a pure white image displayed on my monitor at f22 then load image and
apply auto levels in PS.

>
>
> 13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?
>
> -Never
>
> -Occasionally
>
> -Often
>
> -Often with each time I use the camera

Multiple times with each use of the camera in the field.

>
> 13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?
>
>
> 14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?

In a camera bag or on a shelf.

>
>
> 15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
> removal?
>

Never done it.

>
>
> II.
>
> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?

I don't.

>
> Technique, product, links, etc.
>
> 22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
> reasobable results?
>
>
> 23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?
>
>
>
> 31. BRIEF COMMENTS.
>


The olympus sensor buzzer works..

--

Stacey

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

>> A survey to get a feel for the problem and the various solutions.
>> Please reply to all questions.
>> Please stick to the script.
>> Please do not add rambling replies or opinions.
>> If surveys like this are not your cup of tea, we understand, and you do
>> not need to post.
>>
>> Yes, the first question is numbered "11."
>> ============================================================

>> 11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
>> [Reply in months preferred.
>> If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]

1 month - a few specks

>> 12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?

Yes

>> 12a If yes, what technique?

Shoot a bright sky at f22 then and view in Photoshop.

>> 13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?

-Often

>> 13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?


>> 14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?

In one of several camera bags

>> 15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
>> removal?

No though I'm pretty careful to keep the interior clean in general.

>> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?

Pec pad and eclipse fluid (I've only felt the need to do it about 4
times in the year I've owned the camera)

>> 22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
>> reasobable results?

yes

>> 23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?

No

>> 31. BRIEF COMMENTS.

One of my favorite tricks (especially in a situation where there might
be windblown dust) is to change the lens inside the camera bag I have.
I've gotten pretty good at it.



Drifter
"I've been here, I've been there..."

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

--
Skip Middleton
http://www.shadowcatcherimagery.com
"Alan Browne" <alan.browne@freelunchVideotron.ca> wrote in message
news 152ab$cg0$1@inews.gazeta.pl...
>
> A survey to get a feel for the problem and the various solutions.
>
> Please reply to all questions.
>
> Please stick to the script.
>
> Please do not add rambling replies or opinions.
>
> If surveys like this are not your cup of tea, we understand, and you do
> not need to post.
>
> Yes, the first question is numbered "11."
> ============================================================
>
> I
>
> 11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
> [Reply in months preferred.
> If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]
Camera delivered with dust. One "L" shaped mote seems resistant to any
attempt to remove it, it is still there after7 months.
>
>
> 12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?
Yes.
>
>
>
> 12a If yes, what technique?
Shot cloudless sky, wide open, then stopped down.
>
>
>
> 13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?
>
> -Never
>
> -Occasionally
>
> -Often
>
> -Often with each time I use the camera
Yes. Wedding photography, figure photography require at least one lens
change per shoot. Or at least they do for me, since I don't have redundant
bodies to keep lenses on.
>
> 13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?
>
>
> 14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?
Domke J2
>
>
> 15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
> removal?
No.
>
>
>
> II.
>
> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
Bulb, swab if persistant.
>
> Technique, product, links, etc.
>
> 22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with reasobable
> results?
No, see #11
>
>
> 23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?
No, sensor is intact.
>
>
>
> 31. BRIEF COMMENTS.
>
>
>
> I'll decide on how I report the results according to the replies. But as
> they'll be 'part of the record', everyone can analyze them as they see
> fit.
>
> Cheers,
> Alan.
> --
> -- r.p.e.35mm user resource: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
> -- r.p.d.slr-systems: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpdslrsysur.htm
> -- [SI] gallery & rulz: http://www.pbase.com/shootin
> -- e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

"Alan Browne" <alan.browne@freelunchVideotron.ca> wrote in message
news 152ab$cg0$1@inews.gazeta.pl...
>
> I
>
> 11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
> 0 months (dusty when first checked within a few days)
>
>
> 12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?
Yes
>
>
> 12a If yes, what technique?
Shot of white paper or sky at F22, auto-levels in PS
>
>
> 13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?
-Often

> 13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?
>
>
> 14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?
Both a computrekker (backpack) and Toploader

>
> 15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
> removal?
Regularly like every couple months (2 dozen uses of rig)
>
> II.
>
> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
In order of frequency:
blow with Rocket blower (small),
brush with a cleaned/charged nylon paintbrush, (not the expensive one)
swipe with Eclipse and Sensor Swab

>
> 22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with reasobable
> results?
Yes, though not completely clean, always a dot or two left over...
>
>
> 23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?
Not hint of scratches
>
>
>
> 31. BRIEF COMMENTS.
Cleaning history after 4 months of ownership.
Lots of blows (9 ish)... one Sensor Swap session that involved 2 swabs and
multiple passes of the 2nd swab (3 or 4 passes), One brush session that
involved 3 or 4 passes of the brush with a "charging" after the first pass.

>
>
>
> I'll decide on how I report the results according to the replies. But as
> they'll be 'part of the record', everyone can analyze them as they see
> fit.
>
> Cheers,
> Alan.
> --
> -- r.p.e.35mm user resource: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
> -- r.p.d.slr-systems: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpdslrsysur.htm
> -- [SI] gallery & rulz: http://www.pbase.com/shootin
> -- e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Alan Browne <alan.browne@freelunchVideotron.ca> wrote in news 152ab$cg0
$1@inews.gazeta.pl:

>
> A survey to get a feel for the problem and the various solutions.
>
> Please reply to all questions.
>
> Please stick to the script.
>
> Please do not add rambling replies or opinions.
>
> If surveys like this are not your cup of tea, we understand, and you do
> not need to post.
>
> Yes, the first question is numbered "11."
> ============================================================
>
> I
>
> 11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
> [Reply in months preferred.
> If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]

Around 5 months - about 5,000 pictures

> 12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?

Only when I know I'll be shooting in dust revealing conditions

> 12a If yes, what technique?

Sky, equalise

> 13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?
>
> -Never
>
> -Occasionally
>
> -Often
>
> -Often with each time I use the camera

Extremely frequently, often rapidly in the dark

> 13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?

Only about half of them are

> 14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?

Camera in its Lowepro TLZ Mini or on a flat surface, lenses in a silver
carrying box

> 15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
> removal?

No

> II.

(...what's all this, then? :-) )

> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
>
> Technique, product, links, etc.

Giottos Rocket Air Blower

I also have a specgrabber which I have never used

> 22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
> reasobable results?

Certainly: 21,642 pictures, nearly 18 months of use. Blower also great at
removing Monument Valley windblown sand...

> 23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?

No. Dust on the Pentax's viewfinder screen is more annoying and I dare
not take that apart because of its known fragility.

> 31. BRIEF COMMENTS.

I also make sure I never leave the lenses with their rear elements
upwards and exposed and that the camera's lens box is never upwards. I do
not turn the camera off when changing lenses (there isn't time!).

Of course, my usage pattern of lots of wide open stage photography does
mean that I am less disposed to worry about dust: at least half of the
pictures are at f4 or wider. But theatres are dusty places, particularly
for the tech run and I do use zooms some of the time which means the
camera does inhale dust.

> I'll decide on how I report the results according to the replies. But
> as they'll be 'part of the record', everyone can analyze them as they
> see fit.

You should have asked what camera people use and how many pictures per
month they take.

--Sophie

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Sophie Wilson wrote:

> You should have asked what camera people use and how many pictures per
> month they take.

Nah. That just ignites brand flames. Phots/month doesn't mean much if
the lenses are not changed often. IAC, like you, those who feel it's
important, include it in their replies. Thanks for playing, your prize
is in the mail. (This month it's invitations to sign up for a new
credit card with an incredibly low APR).

Cheers,
Alan.


--
-- r.p.e.35mm user resource: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
-- r.p.d.slr-systems: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpdslrsysur.htm
-- [SI] gallery & rulz: http://www.pbase.com/shootin
-- e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Alan Browne <alan.browne@freelunchvideotron.ca> wrote:

> A survey to get a feel for the problem and the various solutions.

> Please reply to all questions.

> Please stick to the script.

> Please do not add rambling replies or opinions.

> If surveys like this are not your cup of tea, we understand, and you do
> not need to post.

> Yes, the first question is numbered "11."
> ============================================================

> I

> 11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
> [Reply in months preferred.
> If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]

A few months

> 12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?

No

> 12a If yes, what technique?



> 13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?

> -Never

> -Occasionally

> -Often

> -Often with each time I use the camera

Each time I use the camera

> 13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?


> 14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?

In its bag, in a cupboard

> 15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
> removal?

God, no

> II.

> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?

> Technique, product, links, etc.

Camera store does it

> 22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
> reasobable results?

Yes

> 23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?

No

> 31. BRIEF COMMENTS.

It's annoying, but it's not a huge deal compared with the hassles of
film.

Andrew.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

"Alan Browne" <alan.browne@freelunchVideotron.ca> wrote in message
news 152ab$cg0$1@inews.gazeta.pl...
>
> A survey to get a feel for the problem and the various solutions.
>
> Please reply to all questions.
>
> Please stick to the script.
>
> Please do not add rambling replies or opinions.
>
> If surveys like this are not your cup of tea, we understand, and you do
> not need to post.
>
> Yes, the first question is numbered "11."
> ============================================================
>
> I
>
> 11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
> [Reply in months preferred.
> If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]

<1 month
>
>
> 12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?
>
When I think about it, but usually I just see it.
>
> 12a If yes, what technique?
>
Shoot the sky.
>
> 13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?
>
> -Never
>
> -Occasionally
>
> -Often X
>
> -Often with each time I use the camera
>
> 13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?
>
>
> 14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?
>
>
Backpack case - stores camera lens down.

> 15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
> removal?
>
Yes
>
> II.
>
> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?

When it needs it.

> Technique, product, links, etc.

So far only with a blower, but I do have the PecPads and cleaner.

> 22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with reasobable
> results?
>
Yes, so far.

>
> 23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?
>
No.
>
> 31. BRIEF COMMENTS.
>
>
>
> I'll decide on how I report the results according to the replies. But as
> they'll be 'part of the record', everyone can analyze them as they see
> fit.
>
> Cheers,
> Alan.
> --
> -- r.p.e.35mm user resource: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
> -- r.p.d.slr-systems: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpdslrsysur.htm
> -- [SI] gallery & rulz: http://www.pbase.com/shootin
> -- e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

On Mon, 14 Mar 2005 17:13:30 -0500, Alan Browne
<alan.browne@freelunchVideotron.ca> wrote:

>11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
> [Reply in months preferred.
> If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]

6 Mo.

>12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?

Yes. Rub finger across sensor and check finger for dust.

>12a If yes, what technique?

Okay, I lied. I photograph backlit translucent white blinds in
daylight, unfocused wide open. Shoot RAW of course. Bugger about with
levels sliders until spots show up. Spotted three Virgin Mary's and
one Michael Jackson in the noise and one large blob.

>13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?
>
> -Never
>
> -Occasionally
>
> -Often
>
> -Often with each time I use the camera

Often with each time I use the camera. Which means nothing because you
don't ask how often that is. Probably 10 lens changes per week, 50%
outside, 50% in air-conditioned relatively dust-free environment.

>13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?
>
>
>14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?

Wife likes to keep it in the closet next to the master bathroom. I
prefer under the window in the Florida room because it's closer to the
front door. So it's usually located on the North East corner of the
house.

Oh, you mean the bag? Large padded camera bag. Black. About 2ft by 1ft
by 1ft with a flip-top lid. It's not airtight, won't float, can't sit
on it and can't withstand knifes or high-speed projectiles.

>15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
>removal?

No. There are probably small bits of chocolate in the seams somewhere,
this helps trap the dust.

>II.
>
>21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
>
> Technique, product, links, etc.

I am armed with sensor swabs & eclipse from Adorama, plus a
baby-snot-removal tool the hospital gave me that works like a
bulb-blower.

>22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
>reasobable results?

Only one spot of dust, haven't bothered cleaning it yet.

>23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?

N/A

>31. BRIEF COMMENTS.

Tight briefs can be bad for your circulation.

I always invert camera when changing lens, do it quickly. Have only
done one lens change in a really dusty environment and that's when the
spot appeared.

--
Owamanga!
http://www.pbase.com/owamanga

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Owamanga wrote:

> Owamanga!

Next time, please inject some humor in your replies.


--
-- r.p.e.35mm user resource: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
-- r.p.d.slr-systems: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpdslrsysur.htm
-- [SI] gallery & rulz: http://www.pbase.com/shootin
-- e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Alan Browne <alan.browne@freelunchVideotron.ca> wrote:

> 11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?

A month, but it was very minor (and portions of that month were spent
in places like the desert and hiking in the Grand Canyon).

> 12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?

Occasionally.

> 12a If yes, what technique?

Shoot brightly-lit white wall at minimum aperture.

> 13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?

-Often with each time I use the camera

> 14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?

In my camera bag.

> 15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
> removal?

No. Good idea.

> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?

CO2 blower with (weak) food-grade cartridges. Quick, light blow usually
does the trick.

When it doesn't, a soft cosmetics brush, a concealer brush (that has
never actually been used with makeup, of course). I had a new one right
when I needed to clean the sensor one time, and the $100 Sensor Brush
can bite me. This is infrequent enough that I'll probably just end up
using the brush for makeup next time I need to during a shoot, and it
can wait till I have another new one.

I had to use methanol on lens tissue one time when things got really
bad after a morning in 100% humidity at the beach.

> 22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
> reasobable results?

Yes.

> 23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?

No.

> 31. BRIEF COMMENTS.

Dust really isn't as big a deal as you'd think, given the amount of time
we spend talking about it. I probably spend 1 minute per month even
thinking about it, outside this newsgroup.

--
Jeremy | jeremy@exit109.com

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

In article <d152ab$cg0$1@inews.gazeta.pl>,
alan.browne@freelunchVideotron.ca says...
> 11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
> [Reply in months preferred.
> If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]

0. I saw dust within a day or so.

> 12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?

Yes.

> 12a If yes, what technique?

Stop down camera, shoot light, featureless area (wall, sky, etc).

> 13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?
>
> -Never
>
> -Occasionally
>
> -Often

Yeah, often.

> -Often with each time I use the camera
>
> 13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?
>
>
> 14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?

Camera bag.

> 15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
> removal?

It doesn't seem to get much in there. No.

> II.
>
> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
>
> Technique, product, links, etc.

Sensor swabs.

> 22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
> reasobable results?

Yeah.

> 23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?

Nope.

> 31. BRIEF COMMENTS.

Dust is a pretty minor issue if you do most of your shooting under f/11
or so. People should be afraid to clean their sensor as long as they
are following one of the sensible (ha!) cleaning methods.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 21:18:58 GMT, Brian C. Baird <nospam@please.no>
wrote:

>Dust is a pretty minor issue if you do most of your shooting under f/11
>or so.

You are the second person to say this. Can someone explain to me why
the aperture choice makes sensor dust any less of an issue?

--
Owamanga!
http://www.pbase.com/owamanga

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

In article <efme315mgopgmkauilesq5u7ureh5ale4d@4ax.com>,
Owamanga <owamanga(not-this-bit)@hotmail.com> wrote:
>On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 21:18:58 GMT, Brian C. Baird <nospam@please.no>
>wrote:
>
>>Dust is a pretty minor issue if you do most of your shooting under f/11
>>or so.
>
>You are the second person to say this. Can someone explain to me why
>the aperture choice makes sensor dust any less of an issue?

I'll state my speculation on that. Start with the fact that the
dust *cannot* actually reach the sensor, but instead rests on a low-pass
filter and protective layer above the sensor.

Now, the sensors are what actually produces the pixels.

Picture a piece of dust just the size of a single pixel. If it
were on the sensor itself, it would block one pixel, or part of two or
four adjacent pixels, depending on precise location.

Now raise it a little above the pixels, to the top surface of
the filter.

With a lens stopped down to the maximum, the incoming light for
that one pixel is close to what you would get with a pinhole camera that
is a single narrow beam. So -- a dust particle can block that beam, and
blank out the pixel which it is above.

However -- at larger apertures, the light reaching a single
pixel forms a cone -- how much of one depends on the current aperture.
This means that only some of the light to that pixel is blocked by the
dust particle. Thus, it is dimmed slightly, not totally blocked. It
also dims adjacent pixels as well, as it is blocking part of their cone
of light at the same time.

If I knew the thickness of the filter, I could calculate how big
a dust particle would have to be to totally block a pixel at different
apertures. But -- it apparently is at least thick enough so that at
many common apertures, a small piece of dust is not a problem.

I hope that this helps,
DoN.

--
Email: <dnichols@d-and-d.com> | Voice (all times): (703) 938-4564
(too) near Washington D.C. | http://www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html
--- Black Holes are where God is dividing by zero ---

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

"Alan Browne" <alan.browne@freelunchVideotron.ca> wrote in message
news 152ab$cg0$1@inews.gazeta.pl...
>
> A survey to get a feel for the problem and the various solutions.
>
> Please reply to all questions.
>
> Please stick to the script.
>
> Please do not add rambling replies or opinions.
>
> If surveys like this are not your cup of tea, we understand, and you do
> not need to post.
>
> Yes, the first question is numbered "11."
> ============================================================
>
> I
>
> 11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
>

One month.

>
>
> 12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?
>
No

>
>
> 12a If yes, what technique?
>
>
>
> 13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?
>
-Often with each time I use the camera
>
> 13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?
>
>
> 14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?
>
Camera bag

>
> 15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
> removal?
>
No.

>
>
> II.
>
> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
>
Every three or four months

> Technique, product, links, etc.
>
Copper Hill method

> 22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
> reasobable results?
>
Yes.

>
> 23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?
>
No.

>
>
> 31. BRIEF COMMENTS.
>
I think the possibility of introducing more dust than you remove is the
biggest problem.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

"Owamanga" <owamanga(not-this-bit)@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:efme315mgopgmkauilesq5u7ureh5ale4d@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 21:18:58 GMT, Brian C. Baird <nospam@please.no>
> wrote:
>
> >Dust is a pretty minor issue if you do most of your shooting under f/11
> >or so.
>
> You are the second person to say this. Can someone explain to me why
> the aperture choice makes sensor dust any less of an issue?

Not only that, but why anyone wants to cripple the use of their camera this
way to simply avoid dust.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

In article <efme315mgopgmkauilesq5u7ureh5ale4d@4ax.com>, Owamanga
<owamanga(not-this-bit)@hotmail.com> says...
> >Dust is a pretty minor issue if you do most of your shooting under f/11
> >or so.
>
> You are the second person to say this. Can someone explain to me why
> the aperture choice makes sensor dust any less of an issue?

You're posting to this newsgroup why exactly?

In case you haven't experienced this in your own travels:

Dust is really only noticeable when you stop down. There is probably
some technical optical explanation one could give, but I'll just leave
it at "you see more past f/11".

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

"Alan Browne" wrote ...

> 11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
New camera. No dust to start with. None has appeared in the short time since
purchase.

> 12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?
Yes.

> 12a If yes, what technique?
Visual check. Blue sky-white paper.

> 13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?
Often.

> 14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?
Camera bag.

> 15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
> removal?
Yes. I vacuum out the interior every couple of months, and spray the bag's
exterior shell with a garden hose a couple of times a year.

> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
Built in dust removal system.

> 22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with reasobable
> results?
Yes. So far, so good.

> 23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?
No.

> 31. BRIEF COMMENTS.
Olympus dust filter system seems effective. This was a major aspect of my
purchase decision

Rob

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

"Basic Wedge" <basic-wedge@shaw.ca> wrote:

>> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
> Built in dust removal system.
>

Where does the dust go after the sensor shakes it off? Does it just sit
around inside the camera waiting for its turn back on the sensor?

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Bubbabob wrote:

> "Basic Wedge" <basic-wedge@shaw.ca> wrote:
>
>>> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
>> Built in dust removal system.
>>
>
> Where does the dust go after the sensor shakes it off? Does it just sit
> around inside the camera waiting for its turn back on the sensor?

Nope, has something similar to fly paper to collect it..
--

Stacey

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Brian C. Baird wrote:


> Dust is really only noticeable when you stop down. There is probably
> some technical optical explanation one could give, but I'll just leave
> it at "you see more past f/11".

The rays of light focused on one spot come from a wide cone wide open,
so the dust can't block it all; closed down, the cones is very narrow,
so the dust makes a shaddow on the pixels it is over.


--
-- r.p.e.35mm user resource: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
-- r.p.d.slr-systems: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpdslrsysur.htm
-- [SI] gallery & rulz: http://www.pbase.com/shootin
-- e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

On Wed, 16 Mar 2005 03:32:53 GMT, Brian C. Baird <nospam@please.no>
wrote:

>In article <efme315mgopgmkauilesq5u7ureh5ale4d@4ax.com>, Owamanga
><owamanga(not-this-bit)@hotmail.com> says...
>> >Dust is a pretty minor issue if you do most of your shooting under f/11
>> >or so.
>>
>> You are the second person to say this. Can someone explain to me why
>> the aperture choice makes sensor dust any less of an issue?
>
>You're posting to this newsgroup why exactly?

Eh? It's a digital.slr-system issue is it not?

>In case you haven't experienced this in your own travels:

I haven't actually, up until now, I've been lazy and used wide open
(to ensure a blurry ref-image). But the dust is blurry and somewhat
hard to spot.

>Dust is really only noticeable when you stop down. There is probably
>some technical optical explanation one could give, but I'll just leave
>it at "you see more past f/11".

I figured it out after posting, and Don Nichols confirmed my
suspicions. It's an issue because the dust isn't on the sensor, it's
on the filter in *front* of the sensor. A large aperture means light
is coming in from many angles, thus blurring the shadow of the dust.
At F/11 and beyond, it'll behave more like a single light source,
throwing a nice crisp shadow on the sensor.

--
Owamanga!
http://www.pbase.com/owamanga

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

On Wed, 16 Mar 2005 02:09:59 -0500, Stacey <fotocord@yahoo.com> wrote:

>Bubbabob wrote:
>
>> "Basic Wedge" <basic-wedge@shaw.ca> wrote:
>>
>>>> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
>>> Built in dust removal system.
>>>
>>
>> Where does the dust go after the sensor shakes it off? Does it just sit
>> around inside the camera waiting for its turn back on the sensor?
>
>Nope, has something similar to fly paper to collect it..

SOMEONE NEEDS TO SELL THIS STUFF FOR PEOPLE TO STICK INSIDE THEIR
CAMERAS.

(Normally, if I shout like that, 5-10 people come back to links of
where you can buy it.)

--
Owamanga!
http://www.pbase.com/owamanga

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 20:49:27 -0800, "Frank ess" <frank@fshe2fs.com>
wrote:

>> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
>>
>> Technique, product, links, etc.
>Nice blue syringe squeeze bulb of unknown provenance.

This sounds like it's the hospital stock baby-snot-removing tool. Very
useful if emptied before first use.

--
Owamanga!
http://www.pbase.com/owamanga

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

"Owamanga" wrote ...

>>> Where does the dust go after the sensor shakes it off? Does it just sit
>>> around inside the camera waiting for its turn back on the sensor?
>>
>>Nope, has something similar to fly paper to collect it..
>
> SOMEONE NEEDS TO SELL THIS STUFF FOR PEOPLE TO STICK INSIDE THEIR
> CAMERAS.

The sticky material is only one half of a two part system - the first part
is the vibrating filter that knocks dust off the sensor. I haven't had my
camera long enough to, personally, gauge its effectiveness, but long-term
users say it works, and it works very well. From what I've been told,
Olympus makes it a practice to change the strip of sticky material anytime a
camera is given over to them for service. It probably makes sense for Oly
users to send their SLRs in for a check-up, every couple of years or so.
IMHO, the dust shaker is a marvelous innovation, but the sticky "fly paper"
solution seems like it could be improved upon. Still, actual users say its
fine the way it is...

Rob

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

On Wed, 16 Mar 2005 09:35:20 -0500, Alan Browne
<alan.browne@freelunchVideotron.ca> wrote:

>Brian C. Baird wrote:
>
>
>> Dust is really only noticeable when you stop down. There is probably
>> some technical optical explanation one could give, but I'll just leave
>> it at "you see more past f/11".
>
>The rays of light focused on one spot come from a wide cone wide open,
>so the dust can't block it all; closed down, the cones is very narrow,
>so the dust makes a shaddow on the pixels it is over.

I re-did my dust-ref test at f/22. It makes an amazing difference to
what you can see.

Here's a crop of the worst part. Utterly amazing:

http://www.pbase.com/image/40877254

--
Owamanga!
http://www.pbase.com/owamanga

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

"Owamanga" <owamanga(not-this-bit)@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:mnjg31h65a534888i06h0g65richhg0lj7@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 16 Mar 2005 09:35:20 -0500, Alan Browne
> <alan.browne@freelunchVideotron.ca> wrote:
>>The rays of light focused on one spot come from a wide cone wide open,
>>so the dust can't block it all; closed down, the cones is very narrow,
>>so the dust makes a shaddow on the pixels it is over.
>
> I re-did my dust-ref test at f/22. It makes an amazing difference to
> what you can see.
>
> Here's a crop of the worst part. Utterly amazing:
>
> http://www.pbase.com/image/40877254
>
> --
> Owamanga!
> http://www.pbase.com/owamanga

Thanks. I needed a laugh this morning.

Walt

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

On Wed, 16 Mar 2005 14:14:36 GMT, "Basic Wedge" <basic-wedge@shaw.ca>
wrote:

>"Owamanga" wrote ...
>
>>>> Where does the dust go after the sensor shakes it off? Does it just sit
>>>> around inside the camera waiting for its turn back on the sensor?
>>>
>>>Nope, has something similar to fly paper to collect it..
>>
>> SOMEONE NEEDS TO SELL THIS STUFF FOR PEOPLE TO STICK INSIDE THEIR
>> CAMERAS.
>
>The sticky material is only one half of a two part system - the first part
>is the vibrating filter that knocks dust off the sensor. I haven't had my
>camera long enough to, personally, gauge its effectiveness, but long-term
>users say it works, and it works very well. From what I've been told,
>Olympus makes it a practice to change the strip of sticky material anytime a
>camera is given over to them for service. It probably makes sense for Oly
>users to send their SLRs in for a check-up, every couple of years or so.
>IMHO, the dust shaker is a marvelous innovation, but the sticky "fly paper"
>solution seems like it could be improved upon. Still, actual users say its
>fine the way it is...

Yes, but with dust on the mirror (and that thing violently moves
whenever you press the button), wouldn't the mini-tornado that's
created have a chance of blowing dust particles in contact with the
sticky paper even on non-Oly's. Certainly not fool-proof, but it can
only help reduce dust in that area.

I got a bigger problem on my D70 (Crop from dust-ref photo):
http://www.pbase.com/image/40877254

--
Owamanga!
http://www.pbase.com/owamanga

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Owamanga wrote:


> Here's a crop of the worst part. Utterly amazing:
>
> http://www.pbase.com/image/40877254

At least this keeps you in compliance regarding Genesis 38: 9-10.

Cheers,
Alan
--
-- r.p.e.35mm user resource: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
-- r.p.d.slr-systems: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpdslrsysur.htm
-- [SI] gallery & rulz: http://www.pbase.com/shootin
-- e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

On Wed, 16 Mar 2005 05:31:33 -0000, Bubbabob
<rnorton@_remove_this_thuntek.net> wrote:

>"Basic Wedge" <basic-wedge@shaw.ca> wrote:
>
>>> 21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
>> Built in dust removal system.
>>
>
>Where does the dust go after the sensor shakes it off? Does it just sit
>around inside the camera waiting for its turn back on the sensor?

sometimes

ken

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

In article <vZ-dnTw_GaZnRarfRVn-iA@wavecable.com>,
christophercampbellNOSPAM@hotmail.com says...
> > >Dust is a pretty minor issue if you do most of your shooting under f/11
> > >or so.
> >
> > You are the second person to say this. Can someone explain to me why
> > the aperture choice makes sensor dust any less of an issue?
>
> Not only that, but why anyone wants to cripple the use of their camera this
> way to simply avoid dust.

Who's talking about crippling?

If your style of photography doesn't lend itself to big DOF, you'll
probably worry less about dust than the guy shooting landscapes or
macro.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

In article <kvag31535qdtl06ciedqmmc6dbsb0dkvkb@4ax.com>, Owamanga
<owamanga(not-this-bit)@hotmail.com> says...
> >Dust is really only noticeable when you stop down. There is probably
> >some technical optical explanation one could give, but I'll just leave
> >it at "you see more past f/11".
>
> I figured it out after posting, and Don Nichols confirmed my
> suspicions. It's an issue because the dust isn't on the sensor, it's
> on the filter in *front* of the sensor. A large aperture means light
> is coming in from many angles, thus blurring the shadow of the dust.
> At F/11 and beyond, it'll behave more like a single light source,
> throwing a nice crisp shadow on the sensor.

That's what I figured, but I knew someone would be able to describe it
far better than I could.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

In article <mnjg31h65a534888i06h0g65richhg0lj7@4ax.com>, Owamanga
<owamanga(not-this-bit)@hotmail.com> says...

> I re-did my dust-ref test at f/22. It makes an amazing difference to
> what you can see.
>
> Here's a crop of the worst part. Utterly amazing:
>
> http://www.pbase.com/image/40877254

Hahahaha.

Very nice.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

In article <d152ab$cg0$1@inews.gazeta.pl>,
Alan Browne <alan.browne@freelunchVideotron.ca> wrote:
>
>A survey to get a feel for the problem and the various solutions.
>
>Please reply to all questions.
>
>Please stick to the script.
>
>Please do not add rambling replies or opinions.
>
>If surveys like this are not your cup of tea, we understand, and you do
>not need to post.
>
>Yes, the first question is numbered "11."

Perhaps to make sure that results sort properly? (All
double-digit numbers are easier to sort alphabetically than a mix of
single-digit and double digit -- though I tend to simply add leading
zeros if I care about that. :-)

>============================================================
>
>I
>
>11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
> [Reply in months preferred.
> If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]
>
>
>12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?

Not yet -- though it is probably past time.

>
>
>12a If yes, what technique?

Expect to do a minimum aperture exposure of an evenly
illuminated surface (sky, neutral grey card, photocopier paper, or
whatever is handy at the time), followed by maximizing the contrast in
some photo processing program (probably the GIMP).

>
>13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?
>
> -Never
>
> -Occasionally
>
> -Often
>
> -Often with each time I use the camera

You mean "each time I use" without the "with" word there?

Anyway -- "Often" is probably right.

>13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?

I have yet to see anyone choose this. :-)

>14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?

Lenses in camera bag or Pelican case. One lens and camera
within reach most of the time. (Our cats are hams. :-)

>15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
>removal?

Not yet.

>II.
>
>21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
>
> Technique, product, links, etc.

Not done yet, but expect initial try to be with ear-wax removal
system bulb (blue soft rubber/plastic), and if that fails, on to the
sensor-swab/methyl alcohol method.

>22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
>reasobable results?

I so expect.

>23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?

Certainly not at this point, and I don't expect to do so.

>
>31. BRIEF COMMENTS.

I shoot a lot of available light, so I'm seldom fully stopped
down, where the problem is worst.

>
>
>I'll decide on how I report the results according to the replies. But
>as they'll be 'part of the record', everyone can analyze them as they
>see fit.

Enjoy,
DoN.

--
Email: <dnichols@d-and-d.com> | Voice (all times): (703) 938-4564
(too) near Washington D.C. | http://www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html
--- Black Holes are where God is dividing by zero ---

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

DoN. Nichols wrote:

>
> Perhaps to make sure that results sort properly? (All
> double-digit numbers are easier to sort alphabetically than a mix of
> single-digit and double digit -- though I tend to simply add leading
> zeros if I care about that. :-)

Just as section blocks.


--
-- r.p.e.35mm user resource: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
-- r.p.d.slr-systems: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpdslrsysur.htm
-- [SI] gallery & rulz: http://www.pbase.com/shootin
-- e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

On Mon, 14 Mar 2005 17:13:30 -0500, Alan Browne
<alan.browne@freelunchVideotron.ca> wrote:

>
>A survey to get a feel for the problem and the various solutions.
>
>Please reply to all questions.
>
>Please stick to the script.
>
>Please do not add rambling replies or opinions.
>
>If surveys like this are not your cup of tea, we understand, and you do
>not need to post.
>
>Yes, the first question is numbered "11."
>============================================================
>
>I
>
>11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
> [Reply in months preferred.
> If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]
..... Immediate - bought used
>
>
>12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?
>
..... Yes
>
>
>12a If yes, what technique?
>
..... Wide-angle @ F22 unfocussed on white paper
>
>
>13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?
>
> -Never
>
> -Occasionally
>
> -Often
..... Yes
>
> -Often with each time I use the camera
>
>13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?
>
>
>14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?
>
..... Camera bag, shelf
>
>15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
>removal?
>
..... No
>
>
>II.
>
>21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
>
> Technique, product, links, etc.
..... Puffer
>
>22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
>reasobable results?
>
..... So far OK but will need to do a more invasive clean sometime
>
>23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?
>
..... No
>
>
>31. BRIEF COMMENTS.
>
>
>
>I'll decide on how I report the results according to the replies. But
>as they'll be 'part of the record', everyone can analyze them as they
>see fit.
>
>Cheers,
>Alan.


Allan

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

In article <d152ab$cg0$1@inews.gazeta.pl>, Alan Browne <alan.browne@free
lunchVideotron.ca> writes
>11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?

<2 months

>12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?

No

>12a If yes, what technique?
>
>
>
>13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?

Often with each time I use the camera

>13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?
>
>
>14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?

General purpose backpack, or leave it lying around

>15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
>removal?

No

>II.
>
>21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?

Took it back to the dealer

>22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
>reasobable results?

Unsure

>23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?

No, I haven't

>31. BRIEF COMMENTS.

I believe that my dust problem is actually due to some foam within the
camera which is breaking up. I suspect that the problem may be that
during a lens change I missed when aligning the red dot on the bayonet
and that a protruding piece of the lens came in contact with the piece
of foam which is "shedding".

I have had two "incidents" so far: one where a foreign body easily
visible to the naked eye landed on the CCD; and more recently, where a
foreign body stuck under the pentaprism. I brushed the latter out with a
fingernail, but for the former, I went to the dealer as I wanted the
foreign body out of the camera and not merely blown off the CCD.

Helen

Helen Edith Stephenson <helen at baronmoss dot demon dot co dot uk>
--
(I'm sure you can figure out what I mean!)
http://www.baronmoss.demon.co.uk

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

"Helen Edith Stephenson" <helen@nospam.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:TF$85EAMBLPCFwZ3@baronmoss.demon.co.uk...
> I believe that my dust problem is actually due to some foam within the
> camera which is breaking up. I suspect that the problem may be that
> during a lens change I missed when aligning the red dot on the bayonet
> and that a protruding piece of the lens came in contact with the piece
> of foam which is "shedding".
>
> I have had two "incidents" so far: one where a foreign body easily
> visible to the naked eye landed on the CCD; and more recently, where a
> foreign body stuck under the pentaprism. I brushed the latter out with a
> fingernail, but for the former, I went to the dealer as I wanted the
> foreign body out of the camera and not merely blown off the CCD.
>
> Helen
>

If you don't mind me asking, what camera do you use?

Walt

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

In article <jK2dnY_ibL9eR6HfRVn-tQ@comcast.com>, Walt Hanks
<walthanks@comcast.net> writes
>
>"Helen Edith Stephenson" <helen@nospam.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
>news:TF$85EAMBLPCFwZ3@baronmoss.demon.co.uk...
>> I believe that my dust problem is actually due to some foam within the
>> camera which is breaking up. I suspect that the problem may be that
>> during a lens change I missed when aligning the red dot on the bayonet
>> and that a protruding piece of the lens came in contact with the piece
>> of foam which is "shedding".
>>
>> I have had two "incidents" so far: one where a foreign body easily
>> visible to the naked eye landed on the CCD; and more recently, where a
>> foreign body stuck under the pentaprism. I brushed the latter out with a
>> fingernail, but for the former, I went to the dealer as I wanted the
>> foreign body out of the camera and not merely blown off the CCD.
>>
>> Helen
>>
>
>If you don't mind me asking, what camera do you use?
>
>Walt

Pentax *ist DS, and I start to suspect that maybe I've got one that
needs to go back for some warranty work. I just checked one of my film
SLRs, and it's got the same thing in the same place, but without a chunk
missing, and I don't treat lens changing any differently on the film and
digital SLRs, apart from switching the digital one off because it's
autofocus.

So I suppose my foreign body problem isn't really a dust problem.

Helen

Helen Edith Stephenson <helen at baronmoss dot demon dot co dot uk>
--
(I'm sure you can figure out what I mean!)
http://www.baronmoss.demon.co.uk

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

I just sold my Digital Rebel to a friend. I had it over a year. In
those 14 months I never tested for dust on the sensor. I'm dying to
test it when my friend gets back from Vegas.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

DoN. Nichols wrote a pretty good explanation, I just want to add the fact
that any dust particle that is visible to the naked eye will show up at f/8
or below for most digital SLR's, if the area this dust particle has settled
on is capturing a uniform part of the picture, for example a piece of blue
sky... But that's what a speckgrabber is made for...
regards
Karl Günter

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

>11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
> [Reply in months preferred.
> If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]

Came with dust. Noticed after about a week (didn't
specifically test).

>12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?

no. I haven't done a dust ref shot either, which maybe I
should consider.

>12a If yes, what technique?

see it in pictures including sky at high f. There is one
particularly bad lump.

>13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?

> -Often with each time I use the camera

I also try to blow off bigger clumps of dust from camera
and lenses when swapping, and hold camera opening down.

>14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?

Around the house, with caps and sometimes in cases or lens bags.

>15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
>removal?

camera bag?

>21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?

haven't done it yet. Considering the spatula swab wrapped in
pecpads I've seen pointed to here.

>22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
>reasobable results?

haven't got around to it yet (need to buy the stuff), so not
very satisfied with my service so far. I doubt I have a place
dust-free enough to actually clean and not get it dirtier.

>23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?

n/a

>31. BRIEF COMMENTS.

I may need a stiff drink before I give it a go, which seems
like a singularly bad idea.

--
Ken Tough

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Ken Tough posits:
>>haven't got around to it yet (need to buy the stuff), so not
very satisfied with my service so far. I doubt I have a place
dust-free enough to actually clean and not get it dirtier.<<

I used the dining room table (after clearing it of newspapers, etc.,
and dusting and vacuuming the room thoroughly). It seems to work pretty
well. Any clean household table should work, but it's probably going to
work better if no papers (newspaper or any other kind) are around. They
are dusty as hell by nature.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

I just checked my DR XT, which I've had for 3 weeks, only changed the
lens 4 or 5 times in pretty quiet conditions, did a dust test
yesterday, and I counted 13 small and faint halos. They're probably
very tiny flecks of dust so I can see how if there are larger chunks
there would be considerable dark spots at small aperatures.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

In article <42525185$0$2939$bc1648c9@news.kamp.net>,
Karl Günter Wünsch <kgw@mineralien-verkauf.de> wrote:
>DoN. Nichols wrote a pretty good explanation,

Thanks.

> I just want to add the fact
>that any dust particle that is visible to the naked eye will show up at f/8
>or below for most digital SLR's, if the area this dust particle has settled
>on is capturing a uniform part of the picture, for example a piece of blue
>sky... But that's what a speckgrabber is made for...

And a consideration, if you are going in and looking for just
one dust particle based on the photo. Remember that the image is upside
down on the sensor (just as it was with film), e.g. something in the
upper right corner of the image would indicate dust on the lower left
corner of the sensor. This may keep you from re-cleaning an already
clean corner a few times before you remember this.

For anyone who has used a view camera, a 4x5 press camera, or an
enlarger, this probably does not need to be mentioned, but just in case. :-)

Enjoy,
DoN.
--
Email: <dnichols@d-and-d.com> | Voice (all times): (703) 938-4564
(too) near Washington D.C. | http://www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html
--- Black Holes are where God is dividing by zero ---

I was having trouble sleeping this until I read this. I thought the first night was a fluke, but now (3 weeks later) I know its no accident...zzzZZZ

11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
[Reply in months preferred.
If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]

3 years and NO DUST

12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?

No I do not think that there is any reason too I think that if the dust does not show up on any images then why worry about it.



12a If yes, what technique?



13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?

-Never

-Occasionally

-Often

-Often with each time I use the camera- i shoot regularly with 3 lenses and am always switching them.

13a. If "Never", then is your lens a zoom?


14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?

usually store them in pelican cases and camera bags (i like to use Thinktank)


15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
removal?

I shake it out every once in a while.


II.

21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?

Technique, product, links, etc.

i prefer to get a professional to clean it. (i do not want to mess it up and then have to replace it)

22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
reasonable results?

yes

23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?

No i cant imagine how anything that would scratch the sensor would get that far in the camera.

11. How long after you got your DSLR did dust evidence show up?
[Reply in months preferred.
If no dust then state months and NO DUST.]
About a year

12. Do you do a deliberate test for dust?
Yes, but not often. Only when I notice it in my photos


12a If yes, what technique?
White paper/background at f22


13. How often do you change lenses on your DSLR?

Occasionally


14. Where do you store your camera and lenses?
Camera bag

15. Do you clean out your camera bag regularly with attention to dust
removal?
Yeah, with a vac.


II.

21. How do you clean your dust from the sensor?
Just swabs and a bulb blower.

22. Are you satisfied that you can keep the sensor clean with
reasobable results?
Yes

23. Do you believe or have evidence that you've scratched the sensor?
No scratch.

31. BRIEF COMMENTS.
Dust isn't a huge deal for me. When I change my lens, I always try to do it quickly and in a clean environment.