Photography - equipment, help & hints

[evangilder]

Aaron, before you try to clean the sensor, clean the front and back lens elements first. If the dust spots only show up with a focal length and beyond, switch lenses and see if the spots show up. If they don't, it is most likely a spot on the lens. If it is on the sensor, it will show up on all photos in the same place, regardless of magnification. I have plenty of examples of sensor dust.

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

Thank you very much Dave and Eric. I will recheck the large lens but if it is just the large lens I have a bad feeling that it is inside the lens. Again, thank you very much.

[evangilder]

I have a few spots inside my 50-500mm, which isn't terribly surprising given the conditions I shoot in. Not much you can do about that, unfortunately. I have been thinking about getting it cleaned professionally, but have no idea how much it will cost.

[ontos]

Wow, that sucks Eric. Whenever I have to get my camera cleaned, I have to take it to Ritz, they charge you way to muck. No one closer in Riverside.

[evangilder]

Yep, I just use the clone stamp tool to wipe the spots out. One of these days, I will see what it costs to clean.

[RabidAlien]

Heh. I love the clone stamp! That, and the bandaid. Have y'all checked on sending the lenses back to the manufacturer to have them cleaned? I think Canon did that a while back, or they had an authorized repair center you could ship it to. I haven't had one cleaned in ages, though, so I dunno if they're still doin that.

Since I got my digital SLR, I haven't stopped in a Ritz/Wolf since. Waaaaaaaaay overpriced, and you're lucky to find someone there who knows about photography and associated equipment. Last time I bought a filter (my polarizer self-destructed on me), I had to pretty much explain to the guy what a polarizer was and how to tell what type I needed.

[evangilder]

Yes, both Canon and Nikon have repair centers that will clean your cameras and lenses. My 50-500 is a Sigma. I don't know if they do cleaning direct, but the local camera store I use (local independent, not a chain retailer) said that he could give me an estimate on cost and time if I bring it in.

[GrauGeist]

Sigma does have regional repair centers, you can find them under the Service link on thier homepage: Sigma Corporation of America

They were exceptionally helpful when I had to send in my old Sigma 70-300 for cleaning and seal replacement but it was beyond repair (obsolete, no parts available). They made me a great deal on a new one, using my old one as a trade-in and I think I got the better end of the deal.

For your Pentax camera & equipment, they have a factory service center as well as authorized repair shops across the states. I've had great experiences with the factory service center. You can find info on the Customer Care page by clicking the Support link on their home page: PENTAX Digital Cameras and DSLRs - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site

[RabidAlien]

Evan, you use the Sigma 50-500mm too??? That cinches it....I've just gotta save up $1G!!! Been looking at that one for about a year or so now.

[RabidAlien]

Dang. That was weird.

[GrauGeist]

Uh...I've heard of duplicate posts...but seperated by an hour?

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

[vikingBerserker]

[sarcasm] Boy, I'm glad I never screw up my posts!!!...... [/sarcasm]

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

JUST wait VB, YOU WILL!!

[Redbeard]

oooh damn, never say never. That's when it bites you in the ass.