You CAN clean the sensor and it CAN be touched in the process (with the right gear) that is of course to say the glass filter can be cleaned Johns advice is good though dont clean it unless you have to. these links may be useful in dispensing with your fears.

link

link

And there are many more on the market

You can also try a search on youtube for "sensor cleaning" videos

SHAME on you

The Magpie is a beautiful subject, and not all that easy to photograph with the contrasting plumage, and this is quite a good attempt.

I suppose you either love or hate Magpies but you cant deny the fact they are magnificent looking creatures.

What he said

Hello and Welcome

Welcome to the forum Mark

I dont think the auto modes will apply any differing processes to an image, AFAIK* the auto modes will simply select the most suitable aperture and shutter speed etc and not make any adjustments to colour, contrast, sharpness setting etc etc.....though I could be wrong.

For the moment I would suggest leaving setting like colour and sharpness at their default.

PS: sorry AFAIK (As Far As I Know) in case your not be into forum abbreviation yet

Maybe their protecting your identity in case David Adams takes offence and comes round to thump you

PS; also got to read it in my local supermarket today, I did note the lack of reference to SRS

I was under the assumption that the sensor was covered with glass? even so it should be able to withstand a knock from a blower if its designed to be cleaned with swabs and the like.

I would invest in a "wet" cleaner before shipping it off to Pentax, this will always come in handy later anyway.

Trust a Womble to beat you to it

I suppose the answer is buy another flashgun

Unless of course your vivitar is some supa-dupa all singing P-TTL unit produced with DSLRs in mind.

Not sure about the 200D but I suspect it will only function fully with a modern gun. You could try using it totally manually of course but then you run the risk of the dreaded "too high a voltage across the contacts scenario"


PS if you want another gun for a 4 pin Pentax Pre-DSLR hotshoe then drop me a PM. I have a Sunpack 888AF Pentax dedicated, you can have for the cost of the postage and a small donation to the charity of your choice.

I think I need a longer lens to see whats...out there!


link

Makes you feel rather insignificant doesn't it