Leica Q Sensor Dust

[wilfredo]

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I recently discovered that dust can get into Q sensors through the microphones openings.  Some recommend covering them with tape.  Is there any particular tape that is favored?  Something that won't turn dry and brittle over time and become problematic, or add a sticky substance?  I checked for dust in my Q2M - which I've owned for a year - and thankfully it is dust free. 

 

Cheers,

Wilfredo+

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[stephenmick]

I hear people have good luck with standard black gaffer's tape. 

The Q2M should be pretty well-sealed against dust, from what I understand. Whereas dust in the original Q was known to be an issue, over time. 

 

Cheers!

[wilfredo]

38 minutes ago, stephenmick said:

I hear people have good luck with standard black gaffer's tape. 

The Q2M should be pretty well-sealed against dust, from what I understand. Whereas dust in the original Q was known to be an issue, over time. 

 

Cheers!

 

It would be good to confirm whether it was a Q issue resolved with the Q2.  Thanks! 

[bobtodrick]

I've had a Q for five years...at least 50000 frames.  First thing I did was cover the mic and speaker holes with black gaffer tape.  Been in dust conditions fairly often...never have any dust issues on the sensor.

[stuny]

In my experience - 5 1/2 years with an original Q I carry virtually every day, virtually everywhere on several continents, in environments running from steamy rain forests to windy beaches, I've not had any dust issues.  I do not cover the holes.

[jaapv]

As the microphones and speaker themselves are sealed internally, covering the holes is not very useful. The most likely point of ingress are the rings on the lens, and there is not much one can do about it. 

[TurtleRabbit]

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There's a rubber o-ring that you can replace in front of the lens to guarantee your camera is IP52 protection (Protected from limited dust ingress. Protected from water spray less than 15 degrees from vertical). It works on Q and Q2 (probably on Q3 too). The description of the product says: "This spare rubber ring isolates inner part of the lens and is placed between the ring/filter/hood and ensure IP52 protection." Here's the link to the product: https://www.ebay.com/itm/385350197765?hash=item59b8a96205:g:gQkAAOSw4atjwWlN

[lofercan]

On 6/6/2023 at 6:32 PM, stephenmick said:

black gaffer's tape. 

The best!

[wilfredo]

On 6/7/2023 at 11:05 PM, TurtleRabbit said:

There's a rubber o-ring that you can replace in front of the lens to guarantee your camera is IP52 protection (Protected from limited dust ingress. Protected from water spray less than 15 degrees from vertical). It works on Q and Q2 (probably on Q3 too). The description of the product says: "This spare rubber ring isolates inner part of the lens and is placed between the ring/filter/hood and ensure IP52 protection." Here's the link to the product: https://www.ebay.com/itm/385350197765?hash=item59b8a96205:g:gQkAAOSw4atjwWlN

Have you used this product?  Thank you for your response!

Edited June 14, 2023 by wilfredo

[wilfredo]

On 6/7/2023 at 5:37 AM, stuny said:

In my experience - 5 1/2 years with an original Q I carry virtually every day, virtually everywhere on several continents, in environments running from steamy rain forests to windy beaches, I've not had any dust issues.  I do not cover the holes.

That's good to know.  Thank you.

[wilfredo]

On 6/7/2023 at 10:59 AM, jaapv said:

As the microphones and speaker themselves are sealed internally, covering the holes is not very useful. The most likely point of ingress are the rings on the lens, and there is not much one can do about it. 

Any thoughts on getting this?  I suspect at the very least it can't hurt.   Thank you!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/385350197765?hash=item59b8a96205:g:gQkAAOSw4atjwWlN

[jaapv]

I suppose so, if the original one is missing.