The Copper Hill method finally failed me

[Killjoy]

Okay, so maybe "I" failed me and not the Copper Hill method.

In my last photos of my daughters Soccer game, I noticed some issues on my sensor, on the sky portion of the shot.

Today it's Halloween. With the intent of taking a shot at her school, of the class, as I have done the past few years, I knew my sensor needed to be cleaned. So, as my daughter was getting ready, I broke out the cleaning stuff.
I cleaned my sensor, and went on my merry way.

I took several shots this morning, got home to download the files, and they are ALL cloudy. Not a single shot is in focus. :evil:
Not just the intended subject is out of focus, but the whole photo. There's nothing in any of the shots that is clear.

So, I broke out the cleaning system again (hey, I can't possibly make it any WORSE, right?) and cleaned it again. After taking a couple of test shots with the same lens, and same settings, the photos are crystal clear.:)

Well, I missed my shots this morning. Let this be a lesson to all. When you clean your sensor, don't just take it for granted that it is clean. Test it before you go for the money shot.:cry:

I still stand behind the Copper Hill method. It has worked great for me every time I take the time to clean my sensor correctly. I know I will never rush through a sensor cleaning again.

[gjl711]

Testing after a cleaning is mandatory. Many times the first cleaning makes it worse. First time it happened to me I freaked out and though I had done something seriously wrong. Anyway, I believe it depends on what the gunk is. If it’s dust, it wipes away the first time easily. If it’s stray lubricant, it can leave a big streak so a second or third cleaning is needed to get it.

[steved110]

I've never used anything but my rocket blower - too cowardly! I haven't checked for dust at small aperture because I'd rather not know...I don't see anything in my normal usage anyway!

[gjl711]

.....I don't see anything in my normal usage anyway! The ostrich method is never the best cleaning method. One day you will see a spot. Then go back and review your pics only to learn that hundreds of pics have the same spot. Plus, that are still degrading your IQ even though you don't see them. Wet cleaning is a very simple technique that all SLR users should learn.

[JWright]

Every time I try to wet clean my sensor using the Copperhill method, I end up with more crap on the sensor than before I tried to clean it. I've about given up on wet cleaning completly...

[steved110]

The ostrich method is never the best cleaning method. One day you will see a spot. Then go back and review your pics only to learn that hundreds of pics have the same spot. Plus, that are still degrading your IQ even though you don't see them. Wet cleaning is a very simple technique that all SLR users should learn.


I know, I know.....:o