M8 & Dust

[Rhodie]

Dust & Digi SLRs are a problem when operating in a dusty environment.
One particular geographical local that I regularly visit is particularly troublesome.
As a consequence when using digi SLRs I try to leave the same lens attached until I can be assured of a semi "clean" environment. Not ideal but better than smearing the sensor with a botched field clean.

Using Leicas in the same environment I have found the fine dust has a way of permeating its way within my M viewfinders, requiring an expensive service after assignments. Though this has been a nuisance - it obviously did not effect the shot film image.

With the M8 this is critical, as there appears to be no seal between the lens & body - thereby potentially exposing the sensor. I am expecting the viewfinder to be similarly susceptable to dust as previous Ms [6, 7 & MP] I use.

Field cleaning of sensors are not really an option, unless marked progess has been made in this science that I am unaware of.

Living in Bangkok and trying to get Canon to do this professionally is an issue in itself, with my 1Ds MkII being returned after a service & clean without its body cap! Entailing an immediate about turn & repeat of same. GRRR!

Leica here can do little but send a camera & lens to Singapore or Hong Kong.

Finally, has anyone seen a field report/test on the new 16/18/21 tri-elmar?
Having bought the original mark 1 28/35/50 version, which after a litany of problems was replaced by Leica for a mk2 I don't particularly want to be another guineapig in Leica's launch & redevelopment cycle.
I wondered whether it would be prudent to wait for sometime to see if there are any issues. Similarly, I suspect this caution might be applied to the pending M8.

Thoughts of those well-versed in Leica Digital would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Rhodie

 

[JohnL]

I doubt if *anyone* is yet well-versed in M8 sensor cleaning, but it's something I'd guess many people would like some guidance on. Maybe Sean Reid can be induced to add this to his "to do" list?
BTW, it appears you are working in an horrendously aggressive environment 🙁

 

[Ben Z]

I plan on keeping a small changing bag in the side pocket of my camera bag and use it for lens changes. A $5000 Leica shouldn't be forced to be exposed to the elements, that's what Canons are for 😀 😀 😀 😀

 

[truando]

why don't you buy a waterproof bag for this assignment? Just an idea, might be a simple solution.

 

[photogdave]

Marked progress HAS been made in the science of sensor cleaning!
www.visibledust.com

 

[MP Guy]

here is a great changing environment that is guaranteed to keep the dust out 🙂

 

[jaapv]

Dust & Digi SLRs are a problem when operating in a dusty environment.
One particular geographical local that I regularly visit is particularly troublesome.
As a consequence when using digi SLRs I try to leave the same lens attached until I can be assured of a semi "clean" environment. Not ideal but better than smearing the sensor with a botched field clean.

Using Leicas in the same environment I have found the fine dust has a way of permeating its way within my M viewfinders, requiring an expensive service after assignments. Though this has been a nuisance - it obviously did not effect the shot film image.

With the M8 this is critical, as there appears to be no seal between the lens & body - thereby potentially exposing the sensor. I am expecting the viewfinder to be similarly susceptable to dust as previous Ms [6, 7 & MP] I use.

Field cleaning of sensors are not really an option, unless marked progess has been made in this science that I am unaware of.

Living in Bangkok and trying to get Canon to do this professionally is an issue in itself, with my 1Ds MkII being returned after a service & clean without its body cap! Entailing an immediate about turn & repeat of same. GRRR!

Leica here can do little but send a camera & lens to Singapore or Hong Kong.

Finally, has anyone seen a field report/test on the new 16/18/21 tri-elmar?
Having bought the original mark 1 28/35/50 version, which after a litany of problems was replaced by Leica for a mk2 I don't particularly want to be another guineapig in Leica's launch & redevelopment cycle.
I wondered whether it would be prudent to wait for sometime to see if there are any issues. Similarly, I suspect this caution might be applied to the pending M8.

Thoughts of those well-versed in Leica Digital would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Rhodie

I feel your pain - but what has changed since Barnack built the first Leica? Dust and photography have always been implacable adversaries...😱 Nowadays we have sensor dust- but there are sensor brushes and as a last resort the Clone Stamp and HealingTool. Not as hard as the scalpel, ink and paintbrush and retouching pencil of yore... have you ever tried to remove tramlines from a slide? Next to impossible. And the day the cat walked through your darkroom? I think sensor dust is a blessing 😉

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I doubt if *anyone* is yet well-versed in M8 sensor cleaning

It's the most cybertested vaporcamera I've ever known.

 

[Peter G1G2]

I plan on keeping a small changing bag in the side pocket of my camera bag and use it for lens changes.

Excellent idea, Ben!
Rhodie, as a former cinematographer I can reassure you that a good changing bag will work wonders for you. After you practiced at home with your eyes closed and the bag open, it will be very easy to do any lens changing quite savely in the field.
( be carefull what kind of clothing you ware on your arms, e.g. no 'hairy' fabrics)

Look for further info on:

http://extranet.mole.com/public/index.cgi?cmd=view_item&parent=1434-1547-1185&id=3103

Succes!

Peter

 

[Mark Norton]

Visible dust is the way to go plus sensible precautions like vacuuming your camera bag out, always using lens/body caps and switching off the camera when changing lenses. It's a non issue for me and if anything the M8 will be easier to clean than a DSLR.

 

[Steve L]

I had Canon D30, 1D and 1Ds, requiring frequent sensor cleaning...then I got a R-D1, changed lenses fairly frequently, and never had to clean the sensor. I don't really understand it, maybe not having that mirror waving around in there lets the dust settle and not move around.

By the way, don't be afraid of cleaning it yourself - the first time or two are a touch nerve-wracking, but it is actually pretty easy, once you get the hang of how to move the swab and how hard to press.

 

[thurows]

I hope that the M8 has some sort of glass in front of the sensor to protect it from dust otherwise I'd be leery of using any of the cleaning techniques directly on the CCD.

 

[jaapv]

I hope that the M8 has some sort of glass in front of the sensor to protect it from dust otherwise I'd be leery of using any of the cleaning techniques directly on the CCD.

Of course: 0,5 mm thick....

Btw. even my venerable Canon 10D, no dustseals, flapping mirror and all, only very seldomly needed a sensor clean, despite being used in the most dusty conditions imaginable. But I took it into the shower (shower turned off 😉) each evening and gave it a good blow with the Rocket Blower.