Mysterious spots

This I take it is not unusual.
On certain shots I see spots on the photos.

This tends to be on lowershutter speeds or on AP, and possibly SP, setting.


What I can't understand is that it's not every shot this happens.

I have a fried who has a D50 Nikon.
It's been sent back to get cleaned (Sorted) 3 times, and it's still not correct.

He even went to the extent of buying a 28-300 lens so as not to have to change the lens at all.

Surly this is the not good for Semi-pofessionals or serious amateurs.

What can be done, to sort & or prevent this.

There are two main reasons for "spots" on photos:

1. Very small bright spots are failed pixels, only noticeable against a dark background, and

2. Much larger greyish spots are caused by dirt/dust on the sensor, which can usually be blown off, but might ocassionally require wiping or cleaning. These are part of life if you own a digital camera, unless you keep it in a vacuum.

G

I find that my Pentax ist DS stays clean if I adhere to two rules. Change lenses only when the camera opening is facing down. And try if possible to change lenses in a dusty or windy environment.

Thanks Joel.

I can only hope that later generations of Digi Slr's are better containing this.
Many Thanks Alistair.

I assume joel, you missed a 'not' in that last sentence?!!
Andy

Yes thanks, I am bad I missed the not. Well I am starting a new fad, more dust on CCD the better. Should I call it the Spotted Photo Look?

It's difficult to avoid the dust. CCD stands for "Charge Coupled Device" and as such it is quite attractive to dust! There are things you can do to reduce the dust, but you can't eliminate it all together. Sooner or later you have to clean it.

But it's not that difficult
Matt

You have to remember that the *ist D range is the successor of the SPOTmatic.

G

Aw Geeeeezzzze, George!

Once used a blower to clean sensor, and ended up with black snowstorm pics - didn't think they would catch on tho'

Andy

I've just come across the following website.

http://www.intemos.com

Is this a good idea, or should a great deal of caution needed.

I know several friends who have had to clean their CCDs, usually using some sort of wipe.

Personally, after almost a year, I have found no dust spots at all, and as long as that holds true i won't be thinking about sensor cleaning.

Like lens cleaning, only do it if you have to.

Hi John,
many thanks.

I agree that should only clean if necessary; however after my 'black snowstorm' comment above, had to use another method. I used the Eclipse fluid and 'digipads' available from ePz shop (Warehouse Express). Have had to use them twice, and seems ok as long as you follow the instructions.
Andy