Sensor Clean Experience ? @ Leica London Mayfair Store

[thedirektor]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hello dear Leica fans ! Has anyone had experience of getting a sensor on a M camera cleaned at London Mayfair store ? They have told me that they can do it in 2 hours and that they do the first two free of charge. I'd love to know if anyone has done this and what was the result. Many thanks. Indra

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[FDS]

I have had a few sensor cleans done there over the years. Never any problem. 

[frame-it]

2 hours ago, thedirektor said:

Hello dear Leica fans ! Has anyone had experience of getting a sensor on a M camera cleaned at London Mayfair store ? They have told me that they can do it in 2 hours and that they do the first two free of charge. I'd love to know if anyone has done this and what was the result. Many thanks. Indra

2 hours??? takes 10 minutes if you do it yourself

[rogxwhit]

An odd question, on the face of it.  Sensor cleaning is such a simple matter ...

[andybarton]

Not if you get it wrong...

[LocalHero1953]

I have had it done there several times for free, both while I waited (10 mins) or while I went shopping/shooting for a couple of hours. If it's the same bearded, almost wordless, tech who does it (I've forgotten his name), you can trust him.

I've since learned to do it myself, though the superior tone of a couple of the responses above is best ignored - you get it on Mumsnet as well. 
If I was in London and found my sensor was dirty, I might go to the store for a free clean as well, especially if it was more than just blowable dust. 

[thedirektor]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

13 hours ago, FDS said:

I have had a few sensor cleans done there over the years. Never any problem. 

Thank you FDS. 

[thedirektor]

11 hours ago, rogxwhit said:

An odd question, on the face of it.  Sensor cleaning is such a simple matter ...

I know. I know. But I'm quite nervous about plunging a great big sticky pad into the delicate sensor.

[thedirektor]

10 hours ago, andybarton said:

Not if you get it wrong...

Exactly my fear ! Thanks Andy. Always helpful. 

[thedirektor]

10 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I have had it done there several times for free, both while I waited (10 mins) or while I went shopping/shooting for a couple of hours. If it's the same bearded, almost wordless, tech who does it (I've forgotten his name), you can trust him.

I've since learned to do it myself, though the superior tone of a couple of the responses above is best ignored - you get it on Mumsnet as well. 
If I was in London and found my sensor was dirty, I might go to the store for a free clean as well, especially if it was more than just blowable dust. 

Thanks Paul. Two hours shopping in Mayfair is probably the cost of a M body !!! And yes I am a bit nervous of doing it myself.  And it's not blowable. I've been blowering like a fiend and I can't shift a few spots which show up on photos.  So, off to Mayfair I go .

[thedirektor]

11 hours ago, frame-it said:

2 hours??? takes 10 minutes if you do it yourself

I know. But bit nervous to do it myself. And Leica offering for free !

[thedirektor]

Thanks all

 

Edited October 20, 2024 by thedirektor

[Jean-Michel]

I once was in London and managed to get my sensor rather filthy — and had not packed my basic cleaning set with me. Went to the Leica store there and they cleaned it while I went acres the street to their cafe/gallery. Very pleasant staff on both sides of the street.

As to doing your own cleaning, it is quite easy, unless you decide to use sandpaper! See this video from Nick Rains from Australia: 

 

I personally use the Visibledust tools: start with a basic good quality blower then, if needed, the Arctic Butterfly brush, and is there are still stubborn spots then pads and cleaning solution. You do need to use adequate care in doing the cleaning, but it pretty much just applying common sense to your work — and not try to save a bit of money by re-using the pads. Here is the link to Visibledust; other systems are probably just as effective, but that is what I use on all my cameras, including the SL2

https://www.visibledust.com

 

[pedaes]

6 minutes ago, Jean-Michel said:

while I went acres the street to their cafe/gallery.

That was the original Bruton Place store off Berkeley Square. Exactly same sentiments apply to Duke Street though. 

[thedirektor]

2 hours ago, Jean-Michel said:

I once was in London and managed to get my sensor rather filthy — and had not packed my basic cleaning set with me. Went to the Leica store there and they cleaned it while I went acres the street to their cafe/gallery. Very pleasant staff on both sides of the street.

As to doing your own cleaning, it is quite easy, unless you decide to use sandpaper! See this video from Nick Rains from Australia: 

 

I personally use the Visibledust tools: start with a basic good quality blower then, if needed, the Arctic Butterfly brush, and is there are still stubborn spots then pads and cleaning solution. You do need to use adequate care in doing the cleaning, but it pretty much just applying common sense to your work — and not try to save a bit of money by re-using the pads. Here is the link to Visibledust; other systems are probably just as effective, but that is what I use on all my cameras, including the SL2

https://www.visibledust.com

 

Thank you so much Jean Michel. Very clear and instructive video. I'm afraid I treat my 262 a bit more roughly !! A corner of the shirt, a bit of spit and a quick rub of the lens !! I am sure that will horrify many ! But I certainly don't intend to do that with the sensor ! As I've had the 262 for 8 years and this is the first time I've had noticeable gunk that need cleaning, I'm hoping I won't need another one til 2032 !! All the best Indra