Dirty sensor

[macjim]

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I had my M9 earlier this year. After taking a few photographs, I started to notice marks appearing in some if the photographs when the sky was clear. Round marks that suggested the sensor was dirty so, rather than attempt the cleaning myself, I took it into a professional camera repair shop for them to clean. Everything seemed ok but I can still see the same marks although not as bad as before. My thoughts were there must be oil/grease on the sensor, and I have seen it mentioned that that can happen as the grease used during assemble can 'fly off' the shutter mechanism. My question is: is that true, should I have the M9 returned to Leica for professional cleaning under warranty, or can I clean it successfully myself?

[jaapv]

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/130720-m9-faqs-frequently-asked-questions-answers.html#post1382788

[macjim]

Wasn't sure what the reply was at first but following the link, and scrolling down, I finally found what you were pointing me to. Yes, I understand what the information said but I would still like forum members to reply with any suggestions and experiences they have had regarding grease etc on the sensor. As my M9 is new, would I be better going to Leica and asking for the camera cleaned under warranty. Has anyone done this? Are there any pitfalls? Does Leica actually clean sensors under warranty? My reason for the questions: I've heard through the forums that Leica actually charge for cleaning sensors even though the camera is brand new. Now whether this is true, or whether it's just rumour, I don't know but others must have experiences that they can pass on. Looking forward to further feedback. Anyway, thanks for the first response; much appreciated.

[earleygallery]

Why don't you take it back to the place that cleaned it and tell them they haven't cleaned it properly?

[jaapv]

Wasn't sure what the reply was at first but following the link, and scrolling down, I finally found what you were pointing me to. Yes, I understand what the information said but I would still like forum members to reply with any suggestions and experiences they have had regarding grease etc on the sensor. As my M9 is new, would I be better going to Leica and asking for the camera cleaned under warranty. Has anyone done this? Are there any pitfalls? Does Leica actually clean sensors under warranty? My reason for the questions: I've heard through the forums that Leica actually charge for cleaning sensors even though the camera is brand new. Now whether this is true, or whether it's just rumour, I don't know but others must have experiences that they can pass on. Looking forward to further feedback. Anyway, thanks for the first response; much appreciated.

 

Does any car manufacturer wash your car under warranty? Really, this comes up about once a week. When a digital camera is new, the sensor needs a few cleanings, it gets less over time, but is is simply routine maintenance.

It is best you learn to keep your sensor clean yourself. Not only -not maligning the bona-fide operations here- do many sensor cleaning businesses overcharge vastly, the results are often less than a DIY job.And when traveling it is essential that you can perform this maintenance yourself.

[farnz]

Jim,

 

Check that the spots aren't on the rear element of your lens.

 

Pete.

[akiralx]

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Does any car manufacturer wash your car under warranty?

 

Not sure that's a fair comparison as a car's performance is not really affected by dirt, whereas a camera's is.

[250swb]

macjim oil and dust can get on the sensor, but it declines over time and a monthy clean with a brush or blower is then usually all that you need.

 

But a cleaning kit (both wet and dry) is as essential for a digital camera as a cleaning cloth for the lens. And would you take your lens back to Leica for cleaning the front element?

 

Leica are fully behind the idea that you clean your own sensor, and doing it yourself you are in control of how well the job is done and how often. So good luck, it is scary the first time, but follow the instructions and you will be surprised at how easy a wet clean is.

 

Steve

[jaapv]

Not sure that's a fair comparison as a car's performance is not really affected by dirt, whereas a camera's is.

Nor is the camera's - it just needs cleaning.

 

With the pollen season coming up in the Northern hemisphere, where most M8/9 s live, we can expect an increasing number of "sticky dust" threads - it is a seasonal thing.

As a matter of fact I have noticed a decline in the number of "new camera - oil" threads over the last two years. It appears that the M9 shutter is dryer than the M8 one.

Another contributing factor is that on a rangefinder lubricant from the lens will find its way onto the sensor instead of the mirror - and the greasy helicoid is quite exposed. Especially new lenses are prone to dribble a bit.

 

In any case I feel it is the work of the camera seller - and most good dealers will do so - to help the new user on his way with instructions for sensor cleaning. (and sell some cleaning gear in the process of course )

[macjim]

Why don't you take it back to the place that cleaned it and tell them they haven't cleaned it properly?

 

Good point.

[macjim]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I only use the one lens, 35mm f2.5, and it never leaves the camera. I have a Rocket blower in my camera bag but I don't have wet/dry cleaning materials. I'll give the sensor a blow with the Rocket and see if that makes a difference. If not, I'll take it back to the Pro's for them to do again. If all lose fails, I'll contact Leica. It's my first proper Leica and as you will know from experience, it's a huge commitment buying one. It's great to get advice from more experienced owners and users who have been there so thanks again.

[macjim]

 

With the pollen season coming up in the Northern hemisphere, where most M8/9 s live, we can expect an increasing number of "sticky dust" threads - it is a seasonal thing.

As a matter of fact I have noticed a decline in the number of "new camera - oil" threads over the last two years. It appears that the M9 shutter is dryer than the M8 one.

Another contributing factor is that on a rangefinder lubricant from the lens will find its way onto the sensor instead of the mirror - and the greasy helicoid is quite exposed. Especially new lenses are prone to dribble a bit.

That's interesting, does the wet swabs clean the oil/grease off or is that a job for the professional/specialists?

[FlashGordonPhotography]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I only use the one lens, 35mm f2.5, and it never leaves the camera. I have a Rocket blower in my camera bag but I don't have wet/dry cleaning materials. I'll give the sensor a blow with the Rocket and see if that makes a difference. If not, I'll take it back to the Pro's for them to do again. If all lose fails, I'll contact Leica. It's my first proper Leica and as you will know from experience, it's a huge commitment buying one. It's great to get advice from more experienced owners and users who have been there so thanks again.

 

In all seriousness. There is nothing simpler that cleaning the sensor yourself. I understand that it sound daunting and fraught with danger, but it isn't. Your nerves are understandable but they are also unfounded and unnecessary.

 

Most decent camera shops will sell you a visible dust mini kit with 4 swabs and the appropriate fluid for $20.00. Watch a YouTube video on how to do it (or on the visible dust website) and away you go. It takes about a minute to get to a spotless sensor.

 

You can do it. You just need a bit of faith in yourself.

 

Gordon

[jaapv]

That's interesting, does the wet swabs clean the oil/grease off or is that a job for the professional/specialists?

I do not regard sensor cleaning as a specialist job - it should be well within virtually any owner's capabilities. These commercial operations are only useful for the highly nervous or extreme butterfingers.

Or , of course, for -very rare- extreme cases where normal wet cleaning does not give sufficient result, but then you need a really professional service - not one that returns a camera with the goo still on the sensor.

[macjim]

Ok. Again, thanks for all your help. Appreciated.

[eritho]

I do not regard sensor cleaning as a specialist job - it should be well within virtually any owner's capabilities.

 

Did you have to replace a sensor after trying to clean it yourself?

Or was it not you?

[jaapv]

Dust-Aid - I will never use that again. If the camera had not been a passport-guaranty case I would have hit them with a claim ( or rather my insurance company would have) Anyway, that was a stamping system with a faulty material - not wet cleaning as we are discussing here. These rubber stamps are not indicated for oil spots.

[eritho]

Dust-Aid - I will never use that again. If the camera had not been a passport-guaranty case I would have hit them with a claim ( or rather my insurance company would have) Anyway, that was a stamping system with a faulty material - not wet cleaning as we are discussing here. These rubber stamps are not indicated for oil spots.

 

Is this same as shown on the video from Solms showing the assembly line?

[jaapv]

I think they use the Pentax lollypop

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[eritho]

I think they use the Pentax lollypop

 

But is this not same system?

What is problem by using this? How will it damage sensor?