Sensor cleaning: I have a Canon 5DMII that I purchased in December 2011. When should I start taking it in for a sensor cleaning? I've never seen "artifacts" in any of my photos and it...

CAS1951 Loc: San Diego

I have a Canon 5DMII that I purchased in December 2011. When should I start taking it in for a sensor cleaning? I've never seen "artifacts" in any of my photos and it is self cleaning. Thank you for any advice.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Limited use and limited lens changes will reduce the chances of debris on the sensor. If its not troubling you, don't worry about it. In my store I offer free evaluations just to keep people from paying for unnecessary cleanings.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Have you used the search facility, this has been covered many times

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/search.jsp?q=sensor+cleaning&u=&s=0

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

If you're concerned, you could get one of those sensor loupes and check periodically, then you know first hand.

CAS1951 Loc: San Diego

Thanks! This helps me immensely.

CAS1951 Loc: San Diego

JR1 wrote:

Have you used the search facility, this has been covered many times

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/search.jsp?q=sensor+cleaning&u=&s=0

Actually, I just found "Ugly Hedgehog" yesterday, and when I was looking through the various posts--I didn't see anything. I may not have navigated the site correctly. :shock:

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

speters wrote:

If you're concerned, you could get one of those sensor loupes and check periodically, then you know first hand.

Sensor loupes in my opinion, are unnecessary. There is a very simple test for a dirty sensor. Stop down your lens to it's smallest aperture. I used f/32. Take a photo of the clear blue sky or a clean wall. View at 100% in live view. Spots will appear as dark smudges or spots.

Clean it yourself or have it cleaned.

Just my humble opinion.....

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

CAS1951 wrote:

I have a Canon 5DMII that I purchased in December 2011. When should I start taking it in for a sensor cleaning? I've never seen "artifacts" in any of my photos and it is self cleaning. Thank you for any advice.

Cleaning is not a regular maintenance item. First, determine if the sensor is dirty enough to need cleaning. Take a picture of a clear blue sky, (or a gray sky, depending on where you live). Use manual focus and a small aperture. Look at the image enlarged greatly and scan it for spots. This is a good way to find spots before they become noticeable in your photos.

I took a picture of the sky this morning. The first image below is straight from the camera. The second one is the same shot with some manipulation to make the spots more obvious.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

jerryc41 wrote:

Cleaning is not a regular maintenance item. First... (show quote)

If you use the zoom tool in live view, you should be able to see spots if they are present....

If you see little tiny green men, well, I can't help ya'.

;-)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

If you use the zoom tool in live view, you should be able to see spots if they are present....

If you see little tiny green men, well, I can't help ya'.

;-)

I've never done that. I prefer the computer screen - bigger and easier on the eyes.

CAS1951 Loc: San Diego

Thanks again, everyone. I was told when I bought the camera that the sensor should be cleaned yearly--but I lost track of time. It's great to hear that there really isn't a "maintenance" schedule. I take very good care of all of my gear, and I never change the lens in a dusty place. Also, I rarely change the lens in the field, I don't have the confidence to clean the sensor myself--so, when the time comes, I'll take it in and have it done.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

CAS1951 wrote:

Thanks again, everyone. I was told when I bought the camera that the sensor should be cleaned yearly--but I lost track of time. It's great to hear that there really isn't a "maintenance" schedule. I take very good care of all of my gear, and I never change the lens in a dusty place. Also, I rarely change the lens in the field, I don't have the confidence to clean the sensor myself--so, when the time comes, I'll take it in and have it done.

Right. First make sure it has to be cleaned. Then bring it to a good shop.

CAS1951 Loc: San Diego

I will! Fortunately (so far), nothing is showing up in live view. I am amazed how much information can be gleaned from this site! Much appreciated.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

CAS1951 wrote:

I have a Canon 5DMII that I purchased in December 2011. When should I start taking it in for a sensor cleaning? I've never seen "artifacts" in any of my photos and it is self cleaning. Thank you for any advice.

I think you just answer your own question. Kidding aside I have Canon 7D and have yet to have cleaning it yet I got mine in 2009 still clean no artifacts yet knock on wood. Don't worry about it when its time you will know.

Clif Loc: Central Ca.

Jerry I think you used the same photo, I don't see any change between the 2, perhaps it is just my eyes or glasses. Have to go time for another drink.