Now I've Done it!

[jon72]

Wanted to give the old sensor a cleaning on my 1Ds. My Hurricane blower didn't cut it, so I foolishly used a can of canned air to get those last stubborn particles. Only a tiny spurt of the propellant escaped before I released the trigger. I can however see a smear on the sensor low pass. The smear is fairly good sized. Will a swabbing take care of this, or am I screwed? What can I tell Canon happened (if necessary) to avoid voiding my warranty?

Thanks,

Jon

[jon72]

For what it's worth; I just repeated the #$%k up on a cheap uv filter. Seems that the residue cleans right up with a little lens cleaner. I'd still like to hear from anyone with some advice. Man, what was I tinking!


Jon

[tim]

It depends if you've damaged the AA filter or just left a film. Try the copperhill method, it might help, it's unlikely to make things worse.

I suspect Canon will know what you did whether you tell them or not. I've found the truth is usually the best option, though in this case it might cost you a little to have the filter replaced.

[pjd83]

The AA filter?

Yeah, I agree. Canon will have seen it all, heard it all and known it all before. So truth is always the best method.

I always tell the truth as regardless of what you do, the truth always gets out...somehow.

[Michaelmjc]

Everytime I read posts like this, it makes me never want to clean my sensor! Good luck with it, let us know what happens.

[jon72]

Quick update; brought the whole shebang over to Canon in Jamesburg, NJ. I explained the situation to the polite and knowledgeable Canon rep at the walk in counter. He eloquently prepared me for what was potentially the "worst and “worster” case scenarios," namely replacement of the low pass filter, or more horrific yet - both the low pass filter plus the sensor! I crossed my fingers and surrendered the camera body. Within 3 minutes, the rep returned with a reassuring look on his face. The news was good; as I predicted, all I needed was a sensor cleaning!



The Canon facility in NJ is very well run, and is in my opinion a great business model for the industry. Their policy with respect to sensor cleaning: free, prompt drop off service even beyond the warranty period, is a true show of customer appreciation in my book. I received the body back in about 45 minutes, and they also took care of a few specs residing on my focusing screen. I can't tell you what a relief that visit to Canon has been! Kudos and many thanks to Canon of NJ!



I sure learned my lesson this time round! All DSLR owners; neva eva eva eva use canned or compressed air to clean your sensor, no matter how diligent or gentle you intend to be about it!! I was lucky; you may not be!



Jon

[BlueTit]

Glad you got it sorted, I thought you were going to say it was a new sensor out of warranty, phew.