Sensor shake on KX

A number of cameras shake the sensor (or is it the mirror) on start up to reduce dust collection. On the KX this is an optional setting. I an wondering if it is best to set it always to vibrate on start up or not? I have not done so at the moment because a) slightly delays start up time b) not sure if shaking it is particularly good for the unit to be constantly vibrated.

On the other hand do not want the sensor covered in mud (so to speak)...

Advice please!

Steve

Yep, set it to shake the sensor every time. Don't forget to turn the camera off before changing lenses, this removes the possibility of anything going wrong with the electronics during the change (unlikely) but also cleans the sensor after the exposure to crud during the lens change.

Ian.

.... that's not the reason you should turn the cam off during a lens change. The real reason is that the sensor is statically charged when the cam is on and will therefore attract dust. Ergo, turn the camera off.

Bret

Nope, that is not the reason. There might be some static charging of the sensor but it will be shielded by the shutter.
I'm with Ian in thinking it is to protect the electronics during the lens change. Lenses and the camera bajonet have electronic contacts that might be shortened in a way not too healthy for the electronics. I did the odd change when I had forgotten to turn off the camera and nothing happened. But better be safe than sorry.

Prieni

Interesting. I can't remember where I read the static thing. I do it anyway, but don't see why the contacts can't be protected...

Bret

I set mine to clean the sensor every time. I also make sure that I turn the camera off before changing lenses and always hold the camera facing downwards while doing so. As a result I don't have much trouble with dust - a good thing as the cost of an Arctic Butterfly cleaning tool scares me!

I rarely turn the cam off or shake the sensor ! and no problems
.

Thanks for the comments. Never thought about switching off during lens change but will do this now - unless in the inevitable rush to get the picture..

I don't have sensor shake on startup to have the camera ready for use sooner. It's never removed a speck of dust in my cameras anyway.