Angel Star Photography Loc: Tacoma, WA

My camera had acquired some dust specks on the sensor and needed some cleaning. I had researched the products available, studied the recommendations and instructions of professionals, and settled on purchasing products from Visible Dust. With this thought in mind, I went to the camera shop nearby but found they did not carry such products and recommended another which they claimed to be just as good. Along with the recommendation another product was offered which was some kind of sticky gel-like material on a wand. I questioned as to whether it would leave anything on the sensor and how to clean it afterward. My gut instincts told me to drop their offer and proceed with buying according to my original plan online. However, for whatever reason, I opted to give it a try. I must be slipping as typically my gut instincts prevail.

Well, the blower bulb failed to remove the dust. The swabs added more dust even after blowing the swabs before use as recommended in the instructions. I was stunned and disappointed. That should have been a clue but again I ignored my instincts. Perhaps it was also coupled with a desire to just get the mess cleaned up. Moving to the gel wand, if it works as I was told, the dust should lift right off. No luck with that and, of course, I found myself now dealing with the goo it left behind. Thus, I followed up with the swabs with some cleaner added and again, I was hearing, "Don't do this, something just doesn't look right." However, once again, I gave it a shot and the dust only moved to one side, the goo remained, and two scratches were placed on the sensor.

At this point, I considered my options and opted to send my camera to Canon. I didn't trust taking it to the shop where I bought the cleaning products and a check out of another shop just didn't give me the comfort feeling necessary to really trust them with the camera.

End result...I am without my camera, a 5D4, for about a week or more but it will be cleaned and repaired at a total cost of about $1,200. I was considering the purchase of a backup camera---one of the Costco kits---but that will have to wait now. Another learning experience to be had. I must say, I am not averse to learning experiences and I have had my share over the course of my life. I don't expect them to end until my last breath as I am an explorer filled with curiosity and adventure. Just sharing the experience... Probably should find a used, non-functioning camera to practice and experiment on though I am now leaning towards just sending my camera to Canon anytime it needs cleaning. From their site, it appears that cleaning is only about $50 plus taxes and shipping.

C. R. Smith (Charles)
Angel Star Photography
www.angelstarphotography.com

Base_fiddle

Charles, no one likes to read stories like yours. It's really unfortunate, but I'm sure that similar problems happen more often than we care to admit. Your sage advise will hopefully help others. Good luck and I hope the Canon cleaning is what you expected.
Jose

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

OUCH!!! Hate to read stories like yours. I learned many years ago to always trust my gut feelings for they are usually right. Hopefully Canon will get you your camera back AFAHP. Mahalo for sharing your story and hopefully will help others in making a better decision.

Angel Star Photography Loc: Tacoma, WA

Thank you, Jose. I, at first, thought to not share(embarrassment, self-chastising, etc.) but later chose to with the thought that someone might garner experience from my lessons learned. Most importantly, trust your gut instincts. It has been typically how I approach matters but, for some reason, I ignored them this time. Perhaps it was because of a new path or just to a desire to try to help out the local camera shop. As for the latter, I will stick to only lenses, cameras, film, and accessories.

Charles

Angel Star Photography Loc: Tacoma, WA

Thank you, Jo Anne. I certainly hope that it will help others. I. too, have learned to trust my gut feelings as they have saved me careerwise, technically while working with computers and electronics, and there have been several times to which those feelings have saved my life. I'm still trying to understand why I chose to ignore them this time.

Charles

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I'm a sap and send my to Nikon. Not cheap, but it gives me a comfort level with my gear.

DJ Mills Loc: Idaho

What a sad experience.
QUESTION: Every time I shut my Canon off a message appears: "Cleaning Sensor." Does that mean anything?

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

There's a cleaning lady in the camera that takes care of it for you.

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

What daveo said was that he does not know. To the best of my knowledge it is simply a mini vibrator to shake off loose dust. Before using anything on lenses I test on a trash filter. I have a number of those. Before using a sensor cleaner I read a lot. I use, carefully, APS-C FRAME SENSOR CLEANING SWAB. So far all ok. If things are bad, my camera cost less than cleaning, I get a new used camera and use the other or give it to a less picky friend. Bill

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I'm pretty sure that I know what he said, but thank you for your help. I checked my owners manual and found that I have one as well. It even told me how to turn it on or to come on automatically.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

That is an extremely sad story, but I thank you for sharing.

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

Sorry for first part. Bad habit

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

That is too bad that you had this switch scam.
I clean my own sensor, on the road right now with no kit, with a kit recommended by a long time pro in our camera club. I got it from B&H, wasn't cheap but following instructions works like a charm. I do not remember the name but I can check when I get back if there is any interest. Just PM me.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

To bad. Did they give you any idea how much the bill would be? Did you authorize that level of work being done on your camera? That is a lesson.

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

I would take the bill for your cleaning, and show it to the manager of the store you bought the products from,explaining what happened. I doubt that they will compensate you for any of it, even though they compounded the problem with their products, but I would tell them that you will NEVER recommend anyone to buy from their store.