Sensor dust that's not dust

Prenderb

Hi guys, in downloading some pics recently from the camera I've noticed 3 large artifacts in the images, in a consistent location in each image. The camera's set to do it's shaky shaky dust removal thing on startup, but I've never had it cleaned, wet or dry. It's a Pentax Kx about 6 months old.

Thing is, when the camera takes a dust check picture, the dust it picks up is in different locations in the frame altogether. Could it be another problem? Something in the software/firmware that makes the jpgs?

I've changed lenses and it shows up in images from both. The artifacts are fuzzier at low (well, high really) f-stops and sharp as you head towards f 22.

Any thoughts? Off on hols tomorrow, so my holiday snaps will have these on, but is it a "get it cleaned" answer? Thanks all!

pete4130

Its dust. The sensor cleaning on your camera isn't 100% effective. I usually use a wet finger to rub on the sensor and it cleans it up fine :rolleyes:

Buy a rocket blower and a sensor pen kit (between €20-€40, I can't remember!?) and that'll sort it out. Scary the first time you lose your sensor cleaning virginity but just gets better every time afterwards!

sprinkles

Just cleaned my sensor for the first time the other day, had noticed 3 big flecks on a number of pictures I've taken recently. It's a bit daunting to say the least, especially when you've taken on tech-DIY jobs in the past and resulted in absolute disaster. With that in mind I went and bought the specific swabs for a full frame sensor and the cleaning liquid and the whole thing took about 1 minute. I can report a fully functioning clean sensor.... phew!

Prenderb

Thought as much. Will keep an eye out in the airport / and photo shops. Pitn. This digital isn't all as convenient as I thought!!!

pete4130

the sensor pen thing I use is a totally dry option and gets better results first time compared to wet options (in my experience!). Wet options sometimes need 2-3 cleans before they work.

Nforce

Slightly OT.. my D300 has a clean sensor....but the viewfinder is dusty. I've tried the rocket blower already and it improved things a little. Can anyone recommend something for this...apart from submerging the camera in a soapy basin. A can of compressed air is a no-no too,right?

Prenderb

pete4130 wrote: »

the sensor pen thing I use is a totally dry option and gets better results first time compared to wet options (in my experience!). Wet options sometimes need 2-3 cleans before they work.

Are these expensive? Common? Easy to use? Might I pick one up at the airport or in a photo shop in-country (France...:P)

pete4130

Lenspen

hbr

Nforce wrote: »

Slightly OT.. my D300 has a clean sensor....but the viewfinder is dusty. I've tried the rocket blower already and it improved things a little. Can anyone recommend something for this...apart from submerging the camera in a soapy basin. A can of compressed air is a no-no too,right?

I suppose this is an obvious question Can you see any dust on
the mirror? If not, the dust is probably in the top of the camera
where the prism and viewfinder is. I wouldn't use a can of compressed
air. It might use a liquid propellant.

Nforce

hbr wrote: »

I suppose this is an obvious question Can you see any dust on
the mirror? If not, the dust is probably in the top of the camera
where the prism and viewfinder is. I wouldn't use a can of compressed
air. It might use a liquid propellant.

No dust on the mirror (or the sensor). Images are unaffected....but knowing that the dust is there bugs me.:D I searched the issue on google and it seems to be a fairly common complaint.

CabanSail

The dust could be on the Focusing Screen, which is a bove the Reflex Mirror. You can try very carefully cleaning it with a blower.

It can also be inside the Pentaprism. If it is then live with it.

challengemaster

Or...it's on the eyepiece, which seems like the much more obvious, non-fancy answer to me... :pac:

No idea how to fix it btw, same issue here. Fecking dust.

Prenderb

Just to clear up, the use of a blower sorted it out. I bought it and a sensor pen, but didn't need the pen. Yet. Thanks for replies!