rgeorge911 Posted March 20, 2005 Share Posted March 20, 2005 Well, I almost did it. I am very careful not to clean my D70 CCD too often, or with any contact at all. Therefore, I always just use an air bulb, and lock up the mirror, never getting the buld inside the camera where the mirror could hit it. So, I'm ready to clean the other day, but can't find the air bulb. I find it on the floor of my office, lock up the mirror, and go. But, what's that? I see a spray of mist from the end of the bulb, which goes directly onto my CCD. Seems my 4 year old has been playing with the bulb, and I've now put her spit on my CCD! I stopped, didn't try to remove it, and took it to the shop for cleaning the next day. They tell me that it may or may not come off, and replacement will cost $900!!!! Anyway, they were able to get it off, thank goodness. But actually, even though the spit spots are now off, the CCD is dirtier (dust-wise) than it's ever been. And, there are new chunks of dust in the viewfinder path, presumably behind the focusing screen, since they won't blow off. So, now it's back to get that cleaned out. Overall, a very stressful experience. I've certainly learned to double-check that bulb, and be more careful than before! Reed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnabdas Posted March 20, 2005 Share Posted March 20, 2005 If kids get to play with blower bulbs, they might even pick up something a lot more dangerous. So some caution is needed there too -- just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron c sunshine coast,qld,a Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 Saliva is easy to get off so it wasn't really a worry-they shouldn't have scared you like that <P>It's definitely a heads up moment though! ! It could have been much worse than harmless spit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnabdas Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 I meant "a lot more dangerous" for the kid .... keep the Eclipse cleaning fluid away, for example. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric_pollinger Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 You might want to check out a different system like http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/visible-dust.shtml. I wouldn't suggest using a bulb (even if you think it is clear) and I would even avoid using compressed air unless it was certified for sensor work. I have yet to try the Visible Dust product but I like the idea. -Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lex_jenkins Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 I use one of those light bulb sized squeeze blowers in my darkroom to dust off negatives and my glass negative carriers. I've just gotten into the habit of squeezing them several times into the air before actually directing the puff toward my negs or carriers. It never occurred to me than one of my grandsons might have been playing with the thing but I was concerned about condensation since my darkroom was in the spare bathroom/laundry room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorgen_udvang Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 Hmmmm..... how much was that F6 again.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustapha_abdelrahman Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 jorgen, exactly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_brown4 Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 The replacement is $900? Yikes! I thought new D70's could be had ffor $800 these days. Anyway, I'm glad it worked out OK for you. I suggest you get some Eclipse fluid, Pec pads, and learn to clean that way (do a search here) the techniques works very well for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_roberts Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 If you are going to use a SLR, you are going to have to learn how to clean the sensor with a swab system. Nothing else will work well and you will get sick of taking it back to a dealer and paying him to do it. It is not that hard to do and the risk is minimal if you do it right. It seems like mine needs cleaning every 2-3 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
efusco Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 I'm with Jim. Learn how to use a swab system. There are any number of sites with great instructions. It takes 30 seconds to do (couple minutes more with getting set up) and will be more effective and ultimately better for you. If there had been something 'bad' in that moist stuff you sprayed onto your CCD and it had dried just that drying could have damaged the CCD. If you'd have known how to clean it properly you could immediately have done so, before the substance had a chance to do any damage. This is not something you should be afraid of, just like cleaning a camera lens it needs to be done carefully and properly, but it needs to be done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hashim a Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 Dan (or anyone else), Could you please provide the link or URL. I found some dust specks on my D70 sensor as well and would like to know the proper way of cleaning the sensor. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_boyd Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 Here's the url for <a href="http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning">CCD Cleaning</a>. <P> Good Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hashim a Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 Thanks Joe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_brown4 Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 Yes, the link Joe submitted is exactly the set-up I use, in fact I ordered my supplies from that web site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
art_kramer Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 wow $900, the whole camera costs that. whats the rest of the camera worth? someone was raking you over the coals.i'd replace the CCD myself for that price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgeorge911 Posted March 22, 2005 Author Share Posted March 22, 2005 Well, the story continues.... The camera store denies causing the dirt in the viewfinder path. I fought fiercely with them, as I'm 100% sure it wasn't there before. They're sending it to Nikon to see if they'll remove the dust as a warranty item. If not, we still have to discuss who'll pay for it. And even after I bought a warranty policy at the camera store. Not a happy customer..... I'm going to give them a chance to do the right thing, like I thought I was doing the right thing supporting my local camera store. If they don't, I'll purchase only online after this. After all, they're only there because the can offer customer service. Their prices can always be beaten by a reliable online supplier. Oh, and thanks for the concern for the kid. I don't keep dangerous fluids around for her to get into. Reed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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