6D Error 06 - failure to clean sensor

I got an Error 06 on my 6D (failure of the automatic sensor cleaning function). At first, this bricked the camera, as it would fail on start up when it tried to clean the sensor. Found a work around (thanks, internet), which was switch to live view before turning the camera on, then going into the menu and disabling automatic sensor cleaning.

I did a bit of testing. Triggering the sensor cleaning function manually from the menu resulted in a small mechanical noise and the error message. The camera appeared to work okay, otherwise.

I rang Canon, and sent the camera in for assessment. Some time later (a minor grizzle), they quote AU$1,231 to replace the faulty sensor assembly.

I politely declined. The camera only cost me $1,415 (on special, and a Canon rebate) brand new 2.5 years ago. For that price, I'll just use it without the sensor cleaning function. I guess I'll have to learn how to clean a sensor . . . .

Try getting a bulb blower and using that to blow out the sensor/mirror box from time to time.

TeamSpeed wrote in post #18016304
Try getting a bulb blower and using that to blow out the sensor/mirror box from time to time.

I already do that every now and again. If I can avoid a wet clean, all the better.

Hi there

I am having exactly the same problem at the moment, with my four-year old Canon 6D. The problem is that I am in Peru to shoot a documentary project and can't exactly give it to a canon centre to be looked at. I am quite worried about it so just wanted to know what happened to your camera afterwards?

Thanks!!

Inès

Ineslion wrote in post #18377028
Hi there

I am having exactly the same problem at the moment, with my four-year old Canon 6D. The problem is that I am in Peru to shoot a documentary project and can't exactly give it to a canon centre to be looked at. I am quite worried about it so just wanted to know what happened to your camera afterwards?

Thanks!!

Inès

Still going strong. It gets bit less use now that I have a 5D4, but it still performs as well as ever.

Thanks for your reply, happy to know it can survive without an automatic sensor cleaning...

dodgyexposure wrote in post #18016669
If I can avoid a wet clean, all the better.

I recently purchased an Eyelead Sensor Gel Stick for sensor cleaning. It's a sticky gel that lifts dust etc. from the sensor surface. I've only used it once but it did a good job.

Here is a thread where I asked about it:
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1480788

Eyelead is based in Germany and it's available globally.

Mike