Photography

Questions tagged [cleaning]

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Tidying up sensors, lenses and other photographic items from dust, fungus, liquids etc.

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2
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1answer
120 views

How can I remove spots on my lens?

I have noticed there are lots of spots on the outside of the 1st optical lens on my Ef-S 18-200mm lens. They are not scratches and look more like marks left by dried condensation or water droplets. ...
5
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2answers
275 views

How do I go about fixing this strange dark line blocking my Minolta XG-1's viewfinder?

I recently bought my friend's Minolta XG-1 which looks super well maintained cosmetically. He did mention to me that it was sitting in his hot attic for about a year. I noticed that there is a weird ...
2
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1answer
157 views

Sensor Scratched/Marks

I need some feedback on what these marks might be. Iso: 100, Aperture: f22, Shutter: 1/8. Applied "DEHAZE" in Lightroom so that the you can see the lines clearer. Ignore the sunflare to the ...
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2answers
154 views

How to properly polish phone camera plastic cover?

I have never had any experience with polishing. I thought dremel and polishing accessories would solve the problem, but apparently they did not. I tried to polish the mobile phone camera cover with ...
3
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1answer
89 views

Can someone help me identify what's on my sensor?

I saw some dirt smudges on my photos the other day, so I decided to take my camera to a shop where they cleaned the sensor. The problem actually got worse, as the number of smudges increased and the ...
1
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1answer
683 views

Is this lens fungus or just a speck of dust?

Bought a tokina 11-16 second hand. I thought it was a speck of dust when I use my phone flash to check the lens while trading. But just now when I use a stronger torchlight, I realise there are hairs(?...
5
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2answers
671 views

Does cleaning the camera sensor affect its autofocus capabilities?

I cleaned my dirty sensor of nikon d3400 few days back and the dirt spots are gone now. But a random thought came to me which is troubling me now. I wanted to know if cleaning the sensor could alter ...
4
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1answer
269 views

An older Canon AT-1, is there any special cleaning kits or products that are recommended?

I am looking to clean up the body, lenses and the inner part of the camera. Does it matter if the camera is older for which products I use to clean it?
5
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1answer
195 views

Sensor spot/dust testing - should test shots be exposed to the right?

I recently bought a new camera and have been doing some sensor spot/dust testing. In some sites/guides/videos, aside from the usual setup (ISO 100, F/22, focus to infinity, shoot at a blank white wall,...
1
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1answer
166 views

What's the problem causing this ring-shaped artifact in my image even though I have cleaned my lens?

I can't see any physical problems on my lens, and sufficiently cleaned it, but see a ring shape in my footage such as... I only have one lens so can't check if it's the camera or lens Any tips or ...
1
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2answers
305 views

What covers a sensor, and what can we clean it with? [duplicate]

What can we clean camera sensors with? Generally googling returns 'ethanol'. Various people use ethanol for the job. What else can we use? Isopropyl alcohol, perhaps, eye glasses cleaner? The ...
1
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1answer
114 views

What causes this kind of sensor spots, and how do I clean it? [duplicate]

I get this spot in my images, on Sony A7III shot data: 0,8" second, F/36, ISO3200. Focused at closest point. Full Frame: Frame crop: As seen here, the spot is caused by dirt on the sensor: I ...
1
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1answer
57 views

Are sensor swabs (used but good, or new) and fluid a good choice for internal element cleaning?

From experiments, it seems that lightly-used sensor swabs (that are NOT contaminated with oils or abrasive particles) make reasonably good internal lens element cleaners and dryers (they are actually ...
0
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1answer
337 views

I have made the lens dirtier than before cleaning it. How can I recover from this? [duplicate]

After some testing, I determined that there was some dirt on my 18-50mm lens. Here is the photo of a white wall with my 18-55mm: You can see the settings of above photo here: Here is the same wall ...
2
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1answer
162 views

How can I clean a B+W polarizing filter that has become so stiff that it's basically unusable?

I have a B+W Filter 77mm HTC Cirular Polarizer Nano KAESEMANN XS-Pro MRC. It has become so stiff to rotate that I basically can't use it anymore. I'm assuming some dirt has gotten into the threads. ...
1
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3answers
103 views

How do I use a container of sensor cleaning fluid?

I purchased Visible Dust sensor cleaning kit, but don't know how to use ampoule in which cleaning fluid is contained. Instead of screw cap there is snap-on cap with stick protruding into fluid, in ...
9
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3answers
3k views

What are these pixel-level discolored specks? How can I fix it?

I recently noticed some weird discolored specks in my images, and I thought it was a lens issue, so I tried cleaning the lens. The specks got a tiny bit smaller, but unfortunately still there. I took ...
1
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3answers
791 views

How to clean glue or adhesive from film?

I'm scanning about 30 years worth of 35mm negatives. This morning I encountered several dozen rolls that were digitized onto 3-1/4" floppies. To do this, Kodak stuck some sort of masking tape to the ...
2
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1answer
230 views

What is the best liquid for washing old negatives?

I have been digitizing old family negatives, mostly 35mm from the 1970s-1990s and I'm trying to remove as much dust as possible. I would like to be able to wash the negatives in water – of all the ...
3
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2answers
84 views

Is there any long-term negative effects of frequent automatic in-camera sensor cleaning?

Many newer digital cameras offer an automatic sensor cleaning option in the menu that uses some sort of sensor vibration to shake off dirt. This strikes me as a source of potential long-term ...
2
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2answers
3k views

How to clean the viewfinder of Minolta X-700

My Minolta X-700 was dropped and the consequence is a viewfinder full of dust like this: I don't know how to clean it except remove the top cover to reach the viewfinder. Is there any other way?
1
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1answer
224 views

What does the solution used in DSLR sensor cleaning kits contain?

What is the actual solution used in DSLR sensor cleaning kits?
0
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1answer
214 views

What is black substance on inner surface of front lens element?

I've noticed a old few lenses have some type of black substance (residue, coating, or powder) on some of the elements, especially the inner surfaces between the first and second element. The substance ...
2
votes
1answer
83 views

What is cause of spots in image taken with dusty Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200mm ED VR II? [duplicate]

Dust or pollen inside this lens is common problem so I finally removed the front element and cleaned it, but even after this procedure I have the very same specks in a video as before. So I guess it's ...
2
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3answers
896 views

What are these streaks on lens element? How to remove?

The front of the front element of a lens (Tamron SP 35-210/3.5-4.2 BBAR MC, made 1983-1987) has streaks that are visible only when light is shone through them at some angles. They do not appear to be ...
2
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1answer
516 views

Sony A7 and A9 Camera Sensor - Why are the edges of the sensor beveled?

I recently cleaned my Sony Mirrorless camera sensor using both a rocket blower and a wet cleaning solution. I was able to successfully remove all the dust/smudges, but I do still have some dust on the ...
2
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2answers
1k views

What is the best way to clean internal lens elements?

I've purchased old nikon ais lens on ebay. It was really cheap. Turns out it has some fungus growing inside. No worries, I take apart and clean. I used rubbing alcohol, 98% solution to clean it. Turns ...
4
votes
1answer
1k views

Why isn't my DSLR's viewfinder showing focus correctly after removing it for cleaning?

I've tried to clean focusing screen of my Nikon D750 by removing it out of the body and placed it back after cleaning. From then on, the focusing is acting weird. When I look through the viewfinder, ...
7
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2answers
3k views

Dust on Sensor After Many Cleanings DSLR

I know there have been a lot of posts on this topic, but I haven't found exactly what I am looking for. I noticed some dust spots on my sensor for my D750 after I took a picture with some sky in it ...
0
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2answers
2k views

Remove spot on sensor Olympus OM-D E-M10 [duplicate]

I've got a visible spot on the sensor of my OM-D E-M10 (Mark I). I think it's a tiny splatter. Can I clean it with a cotton swab and some alcohol for example? I assume there is a piece of glass in ...
2
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2answers
450 views

Removing dust from gelatine layer of processed film

Apologies if this is covered in another answer, but I'm struggling to find something which is this specific. I have a single strip of film which has come back from processing, and I've been somewhat ...
3
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3answers
31k views

Is there a way to remove fungus without dismantling the lens?

I own a 1983 Minolta 35-105 lens which has a minor case of fungus on what I deem the second element (the first glass behind the outer one) The fungus seems to be growing, if only very slowly. As ...
12
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3answers
3k views

Cleaning the rear element of a lens?

I just purchased a used Tamron 45mm lens, and its rear element is a bit dirty. Am I allowed to clean the rear element using microfiber and lens cleaning solution + lens cleaning tissue?
1
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1answer
264 views

Removing sticky particle from sensor [duplicate]

I have two particles on the sensor of my Sony a6000. Both are round and about 0.3 mm in diameter. The spots are only noticeable in bright areas and are easy to remove with Capture One's spot removal ...
1
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4answers
304 views

How to get rid of black these black oil spots which a professional cleaning service said can't be fixed?

I am using a Canon EOS 7D. But my photos have black spots in the same position. I tried sensor cleaning from a professional and the result is the same. He told me that it is due to oil spots which can'...
3
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2answers
617 views

How do I minimise cleaning requirements for an outdoor all-sky camera dome?

I am building an international network of astronomical all-sky cameras. The cameras will be protected from the elements with a clear plastic dome. (To clarify, I will have a camera on a rooftop ...
4
votes
1answer
964 views

Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.7 haze on rear element: disassemble and clean? Recalibration issues?

I recently purchased the notorious Planar 50mm 1.7 at a bargain price, due to its faintly fogged rear element (see attached photos), which my trusted local photographer diagnosed to be an early spread ...
4
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2answers
344 views

Identifying fingerprints on negatives & ultraviolet torches

Is there a way I can identify any fingerprints on a negative that do not involve damaging the negative itself? Has anyone had any success in using an ultraviolet torch to identify fingerprints on ...
3
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2answers
765 views

Is PEC-12 effective at removing old fingerprints from film and negatives?

I have recently been researching PEC-12 emulsion cleaner and have read a lot of positive information about it. Has anyone had any success with removing fingerprints from film and negatives, which ...
4
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3answers
458 views

How to remove embedded sand from low pass/anti aliasing filter?

I have a canon 50d with obstructions on the sensor. Before any cleaning: I have tried to clean the filter with this kit. After cleaning with a blower (All shots at F36, ISO 100, 135MM, of a white ...
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1answer
87 views

Would too much sensor cleaning reduce image quality [duplicate]

Would too much sensor cleaning (wiping) impact the sharpness, dynamic range, and color depth?
1
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1answer
189 views

Why doesn't the shutter close (like it does in mirror-up mode) when changing lenses to protect from dust?

I've just noticed a lot of dust on my sensor and I had to send my camera to the service center to get my sensor cleaned. I've noticed that when I use the mirror up mode "the function that prevents ...
0
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1answer
469 views

Cleaning lenses with ultrasonic technology

I recently discovered ultrasonic technology and one of the first uses I thought about is cleaning whole lenses - with the appropriate cleaning solution instead of tap water, of course. Is anybody ...
1
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2answers
2k views

How do I clean a Yashica Mat-124g taking lens?

I have disassembled the taking lens of my Yashica Mat-124g and tried to clean it. First, I used 99% isopropyl alcohol and it didn't help. Then I used a 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia ...
2
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1answer
889 views

How can I clean marks from the back glass of my lens?

I have a 50mm prime lens, chosen due to great reviews. I bought mine second-hand from a very reputable store. Unfortunately, the 'sweet spot' (middle part of the image) is slightly fogged in my images....
3
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1answer
528 views

Are self-cleaning sensors now standard?

As someone who shoots out-of-doors a lot, I am very pleased to have a self-cleaning sensor. I don't see this feature mentioned much in camera reviews, and I am wondering whether they are now a ...
4
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3answers
8k views

Lens Fungus - how to prevent it while actively using the lens in humid environment and remove it if you already have it?

Intro: This is a popular question throughout this site as well as the internet in general. However the same answers which address storage are used for usage. In this question I am specifically ...
4
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3answers
6k views

How can I remove a piece of dirt from inside the lens system of a compact camera?

Background I have a Panasonic Lumix compact camera, which, out of nowhere caught some piece of dirt between the lenses or on the sensor. I ensured that it was not on the outside of the lens. When ...
3
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4answers
135 views

Will clay and wood dust affect my camera?

I'm a craft design student focusing on pottery and woodworking. Recently I've been thinking of recording my crafting process, hence I will be bringing my camera (Canon g7x) into the studio, maybe put ...
5
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3answers
889 views

Keeping mirrorless camera sensors clean; tips? [duplicate]

I have a Sony A7S II which I adore; but—like every other camera—it too has its disadvantages. For me, one of those disadvantages is the sensor which is exposed when you switch lenses. And a simple "...

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