Scratch or residue?

Hi,
I recently acquired a 5D online through a reputable brick and mortar shop.

I test shot at f22 (using the 50 1.8 II) to see how dirty the sensor was. I was not expecting crystal clean, but I found more than dust spec. I just want to know if I have to deal with a scratch sensor or a lousy cleaning that left residue. I know the dot are dust that I can probably blow using a rocket blower, but I am more concern with the horizontal linear stripes.

If it is just lousy cleaning, I will have it clean, but if it is scratch I will return it.

Here is the shot in question

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hopefully smearing from a poor cleaning job. Try a sensor pen on it.

Thanks for the quick reply, I would like to be able to say if it is a scratch before I touch the sensor. If it is scratch and I haven't touch it refund will be easier (I hope), plus I don't know if the pen will arrive before the eligibility return ends.

Thanks for the advise, I will use the pen if I need to.

Best regards,

I couldn't access the photobucket images - they're offline at the moment it seems.

How about sending the image to the customer service people at the store where you purchased it, saying you are not entirely satisfied, and asking what course of action they recommend?

xarqi wrote in post #16427051
I couldn't access the photobucket images - they're offline at the moment it seems.

How about sending the image to the customer service people at the store where you purchased it, saying you are not entirely satisfied, and asking what course of action they recommend?

I am in communication with them. I would like to know if I received a scratch sensor or a dirty one. Is there a way to tell without touching the sensor with anything?

wallace1837 wrote in post #16432516
I am in communication with them. I would like to know if I received a scratch sensor or a dirty one. Is there a way to tell without touching the sensor with anything?

wallace,

A sensor magnifier would be a great help in assessing the situation.

The horizontal marks in the image are across the entire sensor, so if they are scratches, the person was cleaning it with steel wool.

I would wager the previous owner used a static brush and subsequently picked up and dragged lubricant which is showing up as those lines. He did make a total mess out of it but I don't see any serious damage just going by the test shot. It will probably take 3 or 4 or more swabings to remove all of the oil.

Nicholas
www.copperhillimages.c​om

any strong magnifying glass and a flash light should be enough to take a closer look. You can get 10x magnifying glasses cheaply at hardware stores etc. Go into the sensor cleaning procedure (mirror up) and take a look. You can't really touch the sensor anyway, just the filter in front of it. Sensor cleaning is quick and easy with any of the tools sold, there's so little danger of messing things up that it's certainly worth a try.
I always clean mine myself, never had any issues.

Instead of indirectly looking at a photo, why not use a magnifier with a light to look directly at the sensor. Superficial streaks should be distinguishable from actually scratches on the filter/glass cover which is covering the sensor, as there should be edge highlights if there is an actual defect on the smooth surface.

If it were me, I would sensor pen or wet clean and relook. If it is just streaks, they will be gone. If it is really scratches on the filter/glass cover, can they really argue that you did it vs it came that way, especially since you have communication with them re: this issue.

Agreed. Looking at the image won't tell you nearly as much as looking at the sensor with a magnifier.