Aldente

Hi, all...
Following a discussion on spots in the picture someone submitted for analysis, I wanted to bring up another issue: cleaning dust on the sensor.
After all, blowing out the dust is the first action we take if we suspected the problem.
For some reason (and having been always following all Canon's guidelines on how to blow the dust from the sensor), I somehow exacerbated the issue by blowing MORE dust INTO my camera, than getting rid of it.

It started with me attempting to put in a brand new focusing screen. After replacing it, I noticed some specks of dust, fiber and tiny hairs in the viewfinder.
After energetically blowing air into the camera, (naturally upside down & not inserting the nozzle past the lens mount), things started to get progressively worse, with even more junk appearing in the viewfinder with each new treatment.
My room was clean, no drafts or fans working.

Upset, I sent the camera to Canon for their 18-point "cleaning service" with specific request that the main point for sending the camera was the dust in the viewfinder.
They returned the camera back with virtually unchanged situation, with maybe 2 specs less, though documentation stated "sensor cleaning".

This camera is 1DMk3, that Canon recently stopped servicing/supporting.
That meant that they would not go inside the camera, explaining that "if we break something, it might require parts that we may not have anymore".

After being totally dissatisfied with the initial service, I had to send the camera in for the second round on the same issue.
My extensive conversations with anybody and their mother at Canon's tech support, didn't clear the things.
One tech told me in confidence that the dust doesn't have much room to "hide" and could be EITHER BEHIND a viewfinder or ABOVE focusing screen, with a "prism in-between". And that is all!

Nevertheless, they still stated that they wouldn't even attempt to use any "invasive methods" to remove the dust -- not even unscrewing a viewfinder to blow the dust out from that end.
I received the camera back with barely noticeable improvement, but still no dice -- the dust was permanently lodged inside.
Thus, about $150 later for 18-point mostly "outside cleaning" I had the camera back in pretty much the same state as I sent it in and I'm still annoyed every time I look in the viewfinder.
Had I known that my Rocket Blower would cause so many headaches, I would have never bought it in the first place.

So, my question is: has anyone had similar experiences, where using a blower only made the matters worse?

Tx.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I use a blower with a HEPA filter on it, so it filters the air it blows. I also turn the camera so that the lens opening is facing down, so the stuff blows out and not around inside.

Leitz Loc: Solms

The big drawback with blowers is that their use requires the application of common sense.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Bingo

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

There is a lot of dust in the sensor/mirror compartment. Using a blower any further away than 5 or 6 mm is an invitation to create a dust storm in there.

Winslowe

Sounds like the guy who defaced his watch replacing the band, and cussed out the pliers!

Jolly Roger Loc: Dorset. UK

A couple of weeks back I noticed dust on the sensor of my 1DX2. Tried using a Rocket Blower, to no avail. Went to a local camera shop. They suggested the rocket blower should be made of silicone, not rubber, as rubber particles can become detached from the blower, also it should have a filter for incoming air, so purchased one. Whilst there I took the plunge (never cleaned a sensor before) and purchased a pack of sensor swabs and liquid. Made by a Canadian Company "Visible Dust". Upon arriving home I proceeded to blow and then clean the sensor. After three new swaps all looked good. A few days later I noticed dust again on the sensor, so got the blower and swabs out again. After three attempts with fresh swabs and seemingly going around in circles I phoned the shop. They said bring the camera in. Upon arrival one of the guys produced a 'special' tiny vacuum cleaner, which he used inside the camera (without touching any parts) and then checked with an illuminated sensor loupe. After which he stated that dust was still on the sensor. So now the camera is with them awaiting cleaning, which I should collect later this week.

CO

Purchase a filtered blower. I have a blower that has a HEPA filter. It's the Koh Global Hepa Jet Air II blower. It has a large hepa filter, an anti-static filter, a one-way check valve, and a medical grade PVC bulb. Most blowers have a rubber bulb that can shed fine particles. The PVC bulb won't do that. Visible dust also makes a filtered blower.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Right. It has nothing to do with a filter or common sense. Look at what happens when you use a leaf blower. A Rocket is just a miniature version of that. Unless the camera has spent its life inside a "clean room," there's going to be a lot of dust inside the camera. Only a small portion of that dust will land on the sensor. The rest finds other places for reside. Aiming the blower right at the sensor is supposed to remove any dust that's on the sensor, but dust travels.

ggenova64

Try Photo Tech Repair Service in NYC
Address: 360 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 673-8400

Low Budget Dave

Depends. Is the dust on the mirror, or on the focusing screen?

If it doesn't affect your images, then I would ignore it.

Martys Loc: Lubec, Maine

Don't hang out a shingle.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I use the rocket blower often to clean the sensor. I have not experienced the problems you have.
I am sure you also do it but it is very important to keep the camera during the use of the blower upside down.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

ABSOLUTELY. Sometimes LESS is MORE!! Best of luck.

lamontcranston

Someone mentioned common sense. Store your Rocket Blower in a dust free plastic bag at room temperature to avoid it becoming a "dust machine". Use it according to the manufacturer's directions that come with the blower. I have used the Rocket Blowers and similar products since the 60's with no problems. Same goes with lens brushes. Use good quality brushes and keep them clean by storing them in a dust free environment to avoid problems.