[Gary Bagshawe]

Ok guys n gals, I was talking to a group of pro photographers in Sheffield last week and chatting about sensor dust etc, several had the Canon 1D mk2 along with myself and the opinion was that this particular camera does suffer more with dust than other Canon camera's, I still have my D60 and have never had need to clean the sensor in 4 or 5 years that I have owned it. My 1D mk2 has been back to Canon 3 times and ive tried cleaning it myself twice in 12 months of ownership. It is a fantastic camera and when I get round to it I will be giving the copperhill method a go but it is a shame about the dust problem.
Just thought id share with you all.

[Sonsey]

Thanks for that Gary, it's actually not something I'd heard about before

It is quite surprising, could it be that these cameras tend to be used in a more work-like way by professionals like yourself (e.g. lot's of lens changes etc.)

[Gary Bagshawe]

Originally Posted by Sonsey

Thanks for that Gary, it's actually not something I'd heard about before

It is quite surprising, could it be that these cameras tend to be used in a more work-like way (e.g. lot's of lens changes etc.)

I don't think so, As I used to use my D60 as much as I do the MK2 and do all the same stuff with it, the guys I was talking too do pretty much ediorial stuff so not really anything different than me.
It was good to chat to so many pro's in 1 room (dont be smutty) and hear about different problems with different items etc. We have a meeting once a month and everybody is really helpfull even though we are all in direct competition with each other.

[Steve]

From what I know its not that the 1D MK2 is more prone to dust, it is just that it is a full frame sensor and all full frame sensor cameras are more prone to dust than the ones with crop factors. If you think about it logically it stands to reason, a larger area on a larger sensor and more electrical charge running through it will attract more dust.

It’s just one of those things but once you have done the Copperhill cleaning method a couple of times (and got over the initial worry) it becomes almost second nature, you'll be surprised how quick you can clean your sensor and it no longer becomes a concern. You can then go on to enjoy the benefit of full frame

[Gary Bagshawe]

Originally Posted by Steve

From what I know its not that the 1D MK2 is more prone to dust, it is just that it is a full frame sensor and all full frame sensor cameras are more prone to dust than the ones with crop factors. If you think about it logically it stands to reason, a larger area on a larger sensor and more electrical charge running through it will attract more dust.

It’s just one of those things but once you have done the Copperhill cleaning method a couple of times (and got over the initial worry) it becomes almost second nature, you'll be surprised how quick you can clean your sensor and it no longer becomes a concern. You can then go on to enjoy the benefit of full frame

I know what you are saying but the boys with the 1D s cameras are not having the same problems. As for worry over sensor cleaning.... I have none, I have used a couple of methods and given it a damn good scrub but I think the copperhill one is the way forward.

[P-E]

Interesting Gary

I have had a 1DMKII over a year now and I have yet to clean the sensor.....am not saying it doesn't need a clean as I can see dust bunnies on anything above F13 in clear blue or grey skies.

Obviously mine doesn't get the pro use yours gets but I can say that I can't see it suffers from dust problems anymore than my D2H.

I also was led to believe it was the 5D that was of concern with regards to dust.

[dod]

Mine needs a clean as well, doesn't seem to be any worse than the 20D though.

[Markulous]

Ahhh, them kwappy kwannons!

If I had a penny for every sensor dust comment........
Seen every condition for every model. For some reason there does seem to be variance within the same camera model, tho' arguably this may be down to local conditions of dust.

Much has been made of the source of dust with possibilities being card/battery doorways, as well as shedding from mirror (wear and tear). So not just through the obvious lens route

Personally, I'll get dust one minute and it gets blown off/falls off the next. Pollen tends to stick tho'

[silkstone]

The 30D seems to generate/attract dust far more than the 10D. Maybe that's because of the different shutter mechanism or a higher charge on the sensor - I don't know.

I use the Copperhill method if necessary, but 90% of the time a brush works fine, and is much easier. I can recommend the Daler-Rowney SY21 System 3 brushes which have long and very fine nylon hairs. You may get these from a local art shop, but otherwise try somewhere like Jims, Cornwall UK - Artist Equipment and Fishing Tackle Online.

IMO there's no need to spend silly money on some of the hyped-up sensor cleaning brushes. They're just fine nylon like this one, but cost ten times as much.

[Markulous]

Originally Posted by silkstone

IMO there's no need to spend silly money on some of the hyped-up sensor cleaning brushes. They're just fine nylon like this one, but cost ten times as much.

I use the SensorBrushes and have no complaints. Having spent a fair bit on my camera I'm not risking it for some artist's brushes that may have some contaminants on them (seen how you can clean artist's brushes, but prefer to not risk it) - and use brushes by preference as I've no protective filter on my sensor (tho' do resort to Pec Pads for glued on dust)

[silkstone]

You have to wash all types of sensor brushes from time to time. Just use ordinary detergent - dishwashing liquid - rinse thoroughly under the tap, shake off surplus water and allow to air dry.

The brushes I mentioned are exactly the same as those sold specifically for sensor cleaning. Nylon is nylon, and these are very fine and won't harm anything.

I hadn't realised that some cameras have sensors without an anti-aliasing filter attached. Most do, and the filter is as hard as any lens or lens filter.