Erl
Established
Anyone gopt a technique for cleaning the RD1 sensor? Mine needs cleaning I believe and I don't want to stuff up.
I understand correct tools are mandatory, but with the RD1 specifically, what settings are used on the camera while cleaning?
Any advice?
Thanks,
Erl
I understand correct tools are mandatory, but with the RD1 specifically, what settings are used on the camera while cleaning?
Any advice?
Thanks,
Erl
pfogle
Well-known
There are two main methods - using an electrostatically charged brush, which picks up the dust particles by attraction, or using a sensor swab with a cleaning fluid (pure isopropyl alcohol or equivalent).
I use the brush now, as it's less risky for the sensor. I use a flat artists 3/8th inch Taklon white fibre brush. The specially marketed ones are *much* more expensive! Test the brush first by gently brushing a clean multicoated filter or lens, and look for small streaks under a strong light. No streaks - OK, otherwise you will have to wash the brush carefully in detergent first to get the grease off. You should never touch the brush fibres with bare fingers.
You can charge up the brush by blowing air at it, either from a can, or using a rocket blower. I use about 10 puffs, with the nozzle no more than half an inch from the brush.
Now, put the R-D1 on the B setting on the shutter dial, and open and, if you have a locking cable release (recommended!) lock the shutter open. You can now see the sensor when the lens is removed. Under a bright light (I like to use an LED torch) you will see the tiny specks of dust. I find that if I gently touch the dust specks with a corner of the brush, they will just lift off. A badly dirty sensor may need actually wiping with the brush, but I would avoid that if possible. If the sensor is really grotty, you may have to invest in a sensor swab for the initial cleaning (check out Copperhill in Google).
Anyway, that's more or less what works for me - others will have their favourite methods which will vary.
cheers
Phil
I use the brush now, as it's less risky for the sensor. I use a flat artists 3/8th inch Taklon white fibre brush. The specially marketed ones are *much* more expensive! Test the brush first by gently brushing a clean multicoated filter or lens, and look for small streaks under a strong light. No streaks - OK, otherwise you will have to wash the brush carefully in detergent first to get the grease off. You should never touch the brush fibres with bare fingers.
You can charge up the brush by blowing air at it, either from a can, or using a rocket blower. I use about 10 puffs, with the nozzle no more than half an inch from the brush.
Now, put the R-D1 on the B setting on the shutter dial, and open and, if you have a locking cable release (recommended!) lock the shutter open. You can now see the sensor when the lens is removed. Under a bright light (I like to use an LED torch) you will see the tiny specks of dust. I find that if I gently touch the dust specks with a corner of the brush, they will just lift off. A badly dirty sensor may need actually wiping with the brush, but I would avoid that if possible. If the sensor is really grotty, you may have to invest in a sensor swab for the initial cleaning (check out Copperhill in Google).
Anyway, that's more or less what works for me - others will have their favourite methods which will vary.
cheers
Phil
Bob Parsons
Established
I've put the official Epson cleaning document on a server. I'll leave it there for a few days. What's of note is how to prevent the sensor from powering up by removing the SD card before starting the cleaning procedure.
www.dodo.demon.co.uk/Epson/Cleaning_R-D1Sensor.pdf
Bob.
www.dodo.demon.co.uk/Epson/Cleaning_R-D1Sensor.pdf
Bob.
Last edited:
Erl
Established
Both useful comments. Thanks guys. I am preparing myself.
Cheers,
Erl
Cheers,
Erl
andyturk
Established
Bob Parsons said:
One of the warnings seems to imply that they can actually do repairs. I always assumed that if an out-of-warranty R-D1 had a serious problem, it would basically be a paperweight.
rvaubel
Well-known
andyturk said:
No reputable camera manufacture can avoid servicing their product for a reasonable period of time. Even camera producers who have left the market are forced to make accommadations for their old product line. Normally 10 years or so for parts, etc is considered adaquete.
The situation with Epson is unique because they have so many unsold bodies that they have been pursuing a replacememt policy instead of a repair policy for their camera's that are in warranty. That is OK as far as it goes, but I wonder what will happen when they run out of replacement bodies? The chickens will come home to roost eventially.
As one of the chickens, I'd be interested in what others think.
Rex
pfogle
Well-known
Just think of it as an expensive disposable camera - that way it'll probably turn out better than you expected!rvaubel said:
rvaubel
Well-known
Nobody here but us chickens
Nobody here but us chickens
Your so cynical! Don't you think an esteemed international compay like Epson would be more than happy to repair one of their fine products?
Chicken Little
AKA Rex
Nobody here but us chickens
pfogle said:Just think of it as an expensive disposable camera - that way it'll probably turn out better than you expected!
Your so cynical! Don't you think an esteemed international compay like Epson would be more than happy to repair one of their fine products?
Chicken Little
AKA Rex
LCT
ex-newbie
Not quite sure if they are able to repair anything else than their printers, Rex.rvaubel said:
Erl
Established
Personally, I have no faith in Epson being able or interested in fixing my RD1. I have done a reasonable job of aligning the VF myself. I have manages to 'clean' my sensor reasonably with a blower brush. I am yet to go as far as 'brushing' the sensor myself. Eventually, I accept that it may just be a an expensive 'disposable', but I bought it with that knowledge.
I am not impressed with Epson wrt to RD1 or their printers, which I also use. They are all just too disposable which is probaly my biggest "beef" with the whole digital world. It all makes analog seem so durable.
I am not impressed with Epson wrt to RD1 or their printers, which I also use. They are all just too disposable which is probaly my biggest "beef" with the whole digital world. It all makes analog seem so durable.
pfogle
Well-known
Guilty as chargedrvaubel said:
- yes, cynicism is my middle name!But seriously, I don't expect to have too much trouble keeping this baby going for a couple of years, maybe more. I really don't expect it to have much resale value, though I'm hoping otherwise...
I'd get the M8 like a shot if I thought I could earn the money back with it, but right now that's really just wishful thinking. But at least it will mean life after R-D1 for those of us that are addicted to digi RF.