Sensor Cleaning

[M2Pete]

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Hi,

Newbie here.

M2 user for ages and now proud new owner of a used but in excellent condition M-D 262 with the exception of dust on the sensor.

I took to my local camera shop, a reputable Leica (among other brands) dealer, for cleaning. When I went to pick it up they told me that they had to use the Bulb setting to keep the shutter open for cleaning but the sensor kept attracting dust. Inside I was apoplectic but remained calm. I explained the dust attraction was because in Bulb mode the sensor was on, thus collecting dust (this was a professional camera store!?!). They offered to try again but I told them I'd take it home to test for any damage. There seems to be no damage but dust is still there. I have the option of returning it to be cleaned again (this time I'll bring the manual to ensure they use the correct code/method for shutter cleaning lock-up). I've used these folks for years, so I trusted them but now not so much. Has anyone had an experience like this with the M-D? The lack of a screen probably threw them a bit but manuals and how-to videos are available on the internet. My faith in them has been severely tested. Where would you suggest I send my camera to get a sensor cleaning next time?

[pedaes]

 

Welcome to the Forum.

Learn to do it yourself. I doubt anyone in a camera store will have had any formal training in sensor cleaning so you can learn yourself as well as they have. YouTube is your friend. . It is not difficult but will need a little investment in good kit. For the type of 'loose' dust you are describing I personally rate the Artic Butterfly static brush. The next stage would be to use the Eye Lead sticky pads (as used by Leica) and finally for any oily/grease marks a wet clean with the correct size swab and cleaning fluid - from Visible Dust as with the Butterfly brush. It is a bit scary first time but you will soon get confidence. Do not be surprised if it takes several attempts to get the sensor perfectly clean every time. 

Edited September 1, 2020 by pedaes

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[jdlaing]

Clean it yourself. 

[Good To Be Retired]

1 hour ago, M2Pete said:

Where would you suggest I send my camera to get a sensor cleaning next time?

Home

Seriously, this is sort of a basic skill for digital.  And although seemingly intimidating it is very simple.  Even a camera store employee can do it

Buy a Rocket Blower or similar device, look at Sensor Swabs and Eclipse from these guys, and watch their video.  You will be pleased with your results.  https://photosol.com. There are various other vendors, methods, and systems, but I've been using this one since the D1 days and have found no reason to experiment further.

The first couple of times you'll waste more swabs than necessary, but after a bit of practice you will be fine.  

And better than most camera store employees

And consider finding a better informed camera store.

Edited September 1, 2020 by Good To Be Retired

[plaidshirts]

I clean it using a blower and a swab with fluid I bought on Amazon.

The proper way to open up the shutter and expose the sensor is as follows:

CLEANING THE SENSOR
If any dust or dirt particles should adhere to the sensor cover
glass, depending on the size of the particles this can be identified
by dark spots or marks on the pictures. The camera can be
returned to Leica AG Customer Service (Address: see p. 108) for
chargeable cleaning of the sensor; this cleaning is not covered by
the warranty.
However, you can do this cleaning yourself:
1. Check whether the camera battery has a capacity of at least
60%
2. Set the main switch to timer
3. Firstly, keep the function button pressed down, and then press
the shutter release button.
The shutter opens, thus revealing the sensor for cleaning (if the
battery capacity is too low, the shutter will not open and the
note bc (= Battery Capacity) appears in the viewfinder).
4. Clean:
Make sure you follow the instructions below.
5. After you have finished cleaning, turn the camera off with the
main switch. The shutter closes again after 10s.

[jdlaing]

It’s much easier/safer to use the sensor clean function in the menu. That way there is in power to the sensor. When you’re done just turn the camera off to close the shutter.

Edited September 2, 2020 by jdlaing

[jdlaing]

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Edited September 2, 2020 by jdlaing

[M2Pete]

Thank you for your replies! Film focused luddite here. I guess the old adage, "If you want something done right, do it yourself." applies. 

[david strachan]

Exactly Jim.  Mr plaidshirts method is exactly the wrong way to open the shutter for cleaning.

[jdlaing]

Just now, M2Pete said:

Thank you for your replies! Film focused luddite here. I guess the old adage, "If you want something done right, do it yourself." applies. 

There are posts here on the forum that will guide you thru the safest process. Use the search box and look for sensor cleaning.

[jdlaing]

1 minute ago, david strachan said:

Exactly Jim.  Mr plaidshirts method is exactly the wrong way to open the shutter for cleaning.

And dangerous too.

[david strachan]

37 minutes ago, jdlaing said:

It’s much easier/safer to use the sensor clean function in the menu. That way there is in power to the sensor. When you’re done just turn the camera off to close the shutter.

Just a side issue Jim..

Hope there isn't power to the sensor during cleaning...but do need power to keep the shutters open, and close with power off.

I'm sure power on the sensor wouldn't like  cleaning stimuli with sensor wiping...hence power off to sensor whole point, eh?

...

[plaidshirts]

2 hours ago, david strachan said:

Exactly Jim.  Mr plaidshirts method is exactly the wrong way to open the shutter for cleaning.

So Leica’s own instructions are wrong?

How would you do it?

[david strachan]

Have to go into Sensor Cleaning mode through the Menu...not via timer on B.

Reread the instructions again.

Cheers...

[pedaes]

26 minutes ago, david strachan said:

Sensor Cleaning mode through the Menu

The OP has the Typ 262 - no Menu. 

[david strachan]

Thanks Pedaes.

I see do as you do then plaidshirts... 😁

All best.

[tom.w.bn]

vor 57 Minuten schrieb pedaes:

The OP has the Typ 262 - no Menu. 

I think you are mixing up the cameras. The 262 has a display and a menu.

[pippy]

1 hour ago, tom.w.bn said:

I think you are mixing up the cameras. The 262 has a display and a menu.

No, Tom, he's not. From the opening post;

"...a used but in excellent condition M-D 262..."

The 'regular' M-262 has a screen but M-D Typ-262 does not have one - therefore there is no menu. Here's the rear-view of mine as an illustration;

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Philip.

EDIT : OK, I've dug out my copy of the instruction book for confirmation and Plaidshirts is 100% correct in his earlier post (#5).. Just to repeat here, once again, is the (slightly abbreviated) relevant info for the official procedure from Leica (p.97 if you have the instruction book to hand);

Ensure the camera battery has a capacity of at least 60%. Set the main switch to Self-Timer. Whilst pressing the 'Function' button (the circular, silver button to the right of the shutter-release) press the shutter-release button. The shutter will open. Clean the sensor. After cleaning turn the camera off. The shutter will close after 10 seconds.

Hope that helps and, by-the-by, Congratulations to the OP for managing to acquire the M-D version as they are not too thick on the ground. As a long-time M2 user myself I'm pretty sure you will find the experience of shooting with the M-D surprisingly familiar!

Edited September 2, 2020 by pippy
Adding Instructions

[NigelG]

+1 

plaidshirts’s procedure is correct!

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[jaapv]

From the FAQ at the top of this forum:

Quote

Question: There are spots on my images, especially at small apertures.

 

 

This is sensor dirt. All digital cameras with interchangeable lenses have this problem, but an M camera is particularly prone, because there is no mirror as extra barrier and the lack of an AA filter makes the dirt more visible.

 

One should prevent dust from entering the camera as much as possible. There are a number of strategies.

1. Avoid changing lenses more than necessary.

2. Change lenses in as much of a dust-free environment as possible

3. Keep the rear end of the lens as clean as possible

4. Change the lens with the camera mouth facing downwards

5. (This may be a myth) Switch off the camera before changing lenses.

 

But dust will come on the sensor anyway.

Consult the manual to find the sensor cleaning item in the menu and use a FULLY charged battery. Before opening the shutter blow out the camera (using a bulb blower, not compressed air or your mouth!) to dislodge any loose dust.

 

If the dust on the sensor is loose one can blow off the sensor using a good bulb blower, (Rocket Blower by Giotto for instance) with the camera mouth facing downwards.

 

If that does not clear the problem there are sensor brushes like the Arctic Butterfly by Visible Dust that are quite effective or the little vacuum cleaner by Green Clean. At this stage the use of a Sensor Loupe can be very helpful.

 

If spots on the sensor persist you are dealing with stuck dirt like pollen or oil spots and need to revert to wet cleaning. There are numerous threads on the subject. The Visible Dust products are highly recommended or the Green Clean wet-and-dry method.

Use a proper solvent for grease if you think you are dealing with oil etc. (Visible Dust Smear Away or Dust-Aid Sensor Clean (my preference)

 

Open the shutter for cleaning and blow it once again with a bulb blower or vacuum clean it, to remove any loose particles which might be dragged across the sensor and cause scratches.

 

Although the M is full frame and there are size 1 sensor swabs on the market, I prefer using the swabs for 1.3 sensors (and APS-C swabs for the M8)

Take a clean swab, put on three small drops of Sensor Cleaning Fluid and in two sweeps, top and bottow go to one side - do not over-press!!- and sweep back again, using the other side of the swab automatically.

Or, using the wet-and-dry system, swab with the wet sponge and dry with a couple of sweeps with the dry swab. Don't let the fluid spill over the edge of the sensor too much - there are electronic connections there.

 

That is all - close the shutter and test the camera by taking an unfocused image of an evenly lit surface at the smallest aperture.

 

In the unlikely case it is needed, repeat.

 

There are other cleaning systems, such as stamping tools. I find them quite effective, as long as there are no greasy spots on the sensor.

Just stamp, don't rub. They are a bit scary as one pulls the cover glass. Leica Customer Service seem to be quite happy using them, so they should be safe.

.

There are also sensor cleaning services or Leica Customer Service, but those are expensive and will keep the camera for a while. They may also not be readily available if one is travelling. Sensor cleaning is something any owner should be able to do himself.

 

If you are fairly certain your spots are oil or grease, it may be wise to omit the step with the Arctic Butterfly, as it may become contaminated by the grease. In case that happens it can be cleaned with the special fluid provided.