CCD cleaning disaster.

Zorpie · Jan 11, 2003

My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However. I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles' of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid and pec pads.

Ross25784 · Jan 11, 2003

I haven't done that, but I did try cleaning a multi-coated Schneider circ polarizer once and the same thing happened. I ruined a $300 filter. My bet is the coating on the filter that lies on top of the CCD is now scratched. Try taking some detail type photos and see if the area shows up in the image. It might be so close to the CCD that you don't see it. Just a thought.

Zorpie said:
My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that
often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However.
I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec
pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust
specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD
surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles'
of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed
the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more
cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like
some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like
the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time
did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time
mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few
smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks
like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to
go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do
it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty
repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've
probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why
this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid
and pec pads.

--
Ross Frid
http://users.netonecom.net/~rsfrid/

Bob Margolis · Jan 11, 2003

Zorpie -

I feel for you. I also had a bad experience cleaning my CCD, but I did not do any damage. I hope everything works out for you. Let us know.

Bob Margolis

Zorpie said:
My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that
often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However.
I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec
pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust
specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD
surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles'
of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed
the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more
cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like
some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like
the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time
did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time
mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few
smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks
like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to
go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do
it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty
repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've
probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why
this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid
and pec pads.

--
Bob Margolis

greg n · Jan 11, 2003

I bought the pads but have yet to try to clean my D100, I have a few dust bunnies, though I must say after reading your experience, I am pretty nervous about trying to clean it. I think I might send it in and have them upgrade and clean it at same time.

Bob Margolis said:
Bob Margolis

Zorpie said:

My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that
often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However.
I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec
pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust
specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD
surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles'
of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed
the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more
cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like
some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like
the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time
did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time
mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few
smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks
like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to
go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do
it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty
repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've
probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why
this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid
and pec pads.

Click to expand...

--
Bob Margolis

Darrel60784 · Jan 11, 2003

Does anyone know exactly how Nikon cleans them and what they use?

Zorpie said:
My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that
often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However.
I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec
pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust
specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD
surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles'
of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed
the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more
cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like
some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like
the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time
did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time
mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few
smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks
like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to
go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do
it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty
repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've
probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why
this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid
and pec pads.

Zorpie · Jan 11, 2003

Ross,

There is no way that this mark on the CCD cannot be seen on a photo - irrespective of the F stop used !! It is beyond any post-production work in Photoshop. It is really puzzling - nothing - but a folded Pec pad with a few drops of Eclipse fluid on it, ever came in contact with the CCD filter surface. It serves as a warning to others however. My D100 is probably out of action for a few weeks now. If I admit that I cleaned it with Eclipse fluid and Pec pads - then I have invalidated my warranty. I don't think there is any way this will be repaired under warranty. I will have to wait til Monday now to take the D100 back to the shop where I bought it. They will obviously send it back to Nikon (UK) for their comments. There's nothing I can do now but wait.

Zorpie said:
My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that
often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However.
I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec
pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust
specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD
surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles'
of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed
the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more
cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like
some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like
the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time
did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time
mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few
smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks
like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to
go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do
it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty
repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've
probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why
this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid
and pec pads.

Jonathan F. · Jan 11, 2003

Zorpie said:
There is no way that this mark on the CCD cannot be seen on a photo

irrespective of the F stop used !! It is beyond any

post-production work in Photoshop. It is really puzzling - nothing

but a folded Pec pad with a few drops of Eclipse fluid on it,

ever came in contact with the CCD filter surface. It serves as a
warning to others however. My D100 is probably out of action for a
few weeks now. If I admit that I cleaned it with Eclipse fluid and
Pec pads - then I have invalidated my warranty. I don't think there
is any way this will be repaired under warranty. I will have to
wait til Monday now to take the D100 back to the shop where I
bought it. They will obviously send it back to Nikon (UK) for their
comments. There's nothing I can do now but wait.

Zorpie said:

My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that
often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However.
I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec
pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust
specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD
surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles'
of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed
the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more
cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like
some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like
the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time
did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time
mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few
smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks
like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to
go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do
it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty
repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've
probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why
this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid
and pec pads.

Click to expand...

Yikes! Damn, I nearly took 3/4s my savings buying this camera (working designer/artist/photographer student)! For the price you pay, I don't think I will do any of my own camera cleaning, even though I'm pretty technically oriented (build computers, interactive work, motion graphics, etc.) The price is just too damn expensive to be fooling around with the insides of a high end piece of equipment.
--
Time for the new skool to take over!

Lou Verruto · Jan 11, 2003

Wow. Hope the news is not as bas as you feel it may be.

I have a friend who works for a major newspaper. He uses 2 D1's. He claims he "lives on the edge" by cleaning his ccd with canned air! says he wouldn't ever attempt the pec pads. I find that interesting. I have tried the pads and solution.. both times were a disaster. I fully expected Nikon to tell me I ruined the ccd and each time the camera came back..small charge for cleaning (A D1X ). So maybe it's not as bad as it looks. I hope so.

Good luck.

Zorpie said:
My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that
often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However.
I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec
pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust
specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD
surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles'
of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed
the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more
cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like
some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like
the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time
did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time
mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few
smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks
like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to
go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do
it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty
repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've
probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why
this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid
and pec pads.

--
http://www.profotos.com/pros/profiles/index.cfm?member=612

Zorpie · Jan 11, 2003

LouV,

Thanks for trying to make me feel better !! But when you say that your own attempts at cleaning 'were a disaster' I take it that you didn't see any obvious damage to the CCD when you sent the camera back ? In my case - there IS obvious signs of a permanent mark on the CCD. It is not a scratch - well, not that I am aware of. How could I have scratched the CCD filter with a pec pad ?? Unless it was a piece of dust that was dragged over the surface. Then, I would expect to see a line - but it isn't a line. It just looks like a large speck of dust - I know it is the coating however because when I noticed it at first - and tried another clean - it got bigger. There is no doubt that something I did - with pec pads and Eclipse fluid - has caused it.

LouV said:
Good luck.

Zorpie said:

My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that
often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However.
I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec
pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust
specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD
surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles'
of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed
the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more
cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like
some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like
the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time
did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time
mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few
smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks
like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to
go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do
it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty
repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've
probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why
this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid
and pec pads.

Click to expand...

--
http://www.profotos.com/pros/profiles/index.cfm?member=612

paulfrye · Jan 11, 2003

I really doubt that you have damaged the ccd filter. It is very, very hard. I would suggest trying some more cleaning. It appears to me that you may have something that is slightly soluable on it and it is just being smeared around. Some more work shouldn't put you in any worse case than you are now...and to my knowledge no one on this forum has ever damaged their ccd using the method you mentioned.

Regards,

Paul

Zorpie said:
My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that
often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However.
I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec
pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust
specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD
surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles'
of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed
the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more
cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like
some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like
the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time
did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time
mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few
smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks
like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to
go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do
it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty
repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've
probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why
this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid
and pec pads.

--
'Some people are like cement; All mixed up and permanently set.' Alfred
E. Newman

Lou Verruto · Jan 11, 2003

Yes, it clearly appeared to me that I had damaged the ccd. Looked like more that a smear. It looked like a scratch! It looked like the coating was ruined! That's why I was so pleasantly surprised when the camera came back from Nikon with only a small charge for the cleaning. I hope you are as fortunate. As for future cleanings, I'll do everything I can with a blower, do everything I can in PS to cover the specs and when that is no longer feasible, the camera goes back to Nikon. I know there are thousands of folks on this site who find ccd cleaning to be a breeze. Unfortunately I'm not one of them!

Zorpie said:
Thanks for trying to make me feel better !! But when you say that
your own attempts at cleaning 'were a disaster' I take it that you
didn't see any obvious damage to the CCD when you sent the camera
back ? In my case - there IS obvious signs of a permanent mark on
the CCD. It is not a scratch - well, not that I am aware of. How
could I have scratched the CCD filter with a pec pad ?? Unless it
was a piece of dust that was dragged over the surface. Then, I
would expect to see a line - but it isn't a line. It just looks
like a large speck of dust - I know it is the coating however
because when I noticed it at first - and tried another clean - it
got bigger. There is no doubt that something I did - with pec pads
and Eclipse fluid - has caused it.

LouV said:

Good luck.

Zorpie said:

My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that
often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However.
I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec
pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust
specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD
surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles'
of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed
the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more
cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like
some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like
the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time
did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time
mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few
smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks
like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to
go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do
it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty
repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've
probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why
this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid
and pec pads.

Click to expand...

--
http://www.profotos.com/pros/profiles/index.cfm?member=612

Click to expand...

--
http://www.profotos.com/pros/profiles/index.cfm?member=612

david stone · Jan 11, 2003

I am amazed (and admittedly skeptical) to read about some damage which occurred to filter and / or CCD's after using Eclipse and Swabs. My first reaction is : were you saving a few bucks and making your own swabs?

We have had way too many folks using these products over the last 5 or so years with no ill effects. Kodak and Fuji recommend them. ALL manufacturers use the same glass material over the CCD's.

We stand behind what we sell. Period.

Ross : send me the filter and I will check it out. If Eclipse did indeed cause damage, I will send you a new filter , same size, same type, same brand.

Zorpie : I agree with Paulfrye that something got smeared on the CCD. I'd try cleaning it again. If the CCD is already ruined, it's already ruined .... Get me proof that you used the swabs and pad's (not the home-made remedy) and I will pay for the repair.

One piece of advice to prevent smearing : it is absolutely crucial that fingers do not ever come in contact with the pad's (when lense cleaning) or the swabs (when CCD cleaning). Ignore this and you WILL get smearing.

DMS

Martin Levine · Jan 11, 2003

Are you sure you got the correct fluid. I asked a clerk for several things, includung Eclipse solution, fortunately the items spilled out of the bag as I put them in my car. I read the label and found it was lense cleaner, the manager said it would have been disastrous had I used it on a CCD. I hope your year gets better. Marty

paulfrye said:
Regards,

Paul

Zorpie said:

My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that
often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However.
I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec
pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust
specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD
surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles'
of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed
the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more
cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like
some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like
the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time
did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time
mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few
smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks
like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to
go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do
it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty
repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've
probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why
this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid
and pec pads.

Click to expand...

--
'Some people are like cement; All mixed up and permanently set.'
Alfred
E. Newman

brianf · Jan 11, 2003

Zorpie,

I think you may have accidentaly picked something up on the end of your swab and smeared it on the CCD, The coating on the CCD is hard enough to withstand normal cleaning with a swab and Eclipse fluid,

I would suggest you get a clean swab and some fluid and try again, I understand your fear, I would be cra* ing myself if I thought I'd damaged my CCD.

Hope it is not what you think, got my fingers crossed for you.

Brian.

Zorpie · Jan 11, 2003

David,

I can assure you that I used Eclipse fluid which I bought from Crown Products here in the UK. It says on the box 'Eclipse Optic Cleaning System' Plus the box of 12 sensor swaps with a star sticker that says it is for Nikon D1/x/h/100. I only used those - and nothing else. I used about 4 pec pads out of the box that had the Eclipse fluid in it - wrapping them around a swab. I did cause a few smears at first - but then I got the knack of it by using less fluid on the pec pad. I can categorically state that NOTHING but a folded pec pad ever touched the CCD filter. I am reluctant to make this damage any worse by cleaning again. The camera is only 5 months old and this is my hobby - I don't use the thing as a work tool. It hasn't had that much use I guess. My wife has a small Olympus digital camera and I will see if I can get a photo of the mark on the D100 CCD and post it on PBase. I am a resident of the UK - and the camera was bought from a leading UK trader. It will go back to them on Monday - because I doubt - if I can do anything with this apparent damage as it is. I very much appreciate your comments and your goodwill in the matter. If you wish to communicate with me via e-mail rather than via this thread - my e-mail address is:
[email protected]
Thanks again. If I get a photo pn PBase - I will let you know.

david stone said:
I am amazed (and admittedly skeptical) to read about some damage
which occurred to filter and / or CCD's after using Eclipse and
Swabs. My first reaction is : were you saving a few bucks and
making your own swabs?

We have had way too many folks using these products over the last 5
or so years with no ill effects. Kodak and Fuji recommend them. ALL
manufacturers use the same glass material over the CCD's.

We stand behind what we sell. Period.

Ross : send me the filter and I will check it out. If Eclipse did
indeed cause damage, I will send you a new filter , same size, same
type, same brand.

Zorpie : I agree with Paulfrye that something got smeared on the
CCD. I'd try cleaning it again. If the CCD is already ruined, it's
already ruined .... Get me proof that you used the swabs and pad's
(not the home-made remedy) and I will pay for the repair.

One piece of advice to prevent smearing : it is absolutely crucial
that fingers do not ever come in contact with the pad's (when lense
cleaning) or the swabs (when CCD cleaning). Ignore this and you
WILL get smearing.

DMS

Rich Gibson · Jan 11, 2003

I discussed this with the photo shop personnel where I purchased my D100. A asked about Pec Pads and they said, almost simultaneously "You aren't going to clean your CCD with any fluid, are you?" The shop is, I think, the premier Nikon shop in northern Virginia (Ace Photo). They clean my CCD any time I bring it in.

So I asked them how they do it. They use a hand held squeeze bulb. They also vehemently argue against can compressed air. The only way to keep the can from spitting out liquid propellent is holding it upright, a very difficult alignment for seeing what's going on inside the camera. They talked me out of it; I bought the squeeze bulb and the power pack to hold the mirror down. After this thread I think I'll stick with my bulb or their free cleaning.

I don't know what to say about those folks who have successfully cleaned their CCDs with pec pads and fluid. Maybe it's something like using a microdrive. By that I mean you can clean with fluid/or use a microdrive for years with no problem, however there is an element of risk and the outcome of the failure mode is catastrophic failure.

It would be useful to hear a technical explanation why using fluid is dangerous.

Rich

Darrel said:
Zorpie said:

My D100 was new in September of 2002. I don't change lenses that
often, and seem to have been 'dust-free' for a few months. However.
I noticed my first dust specks a few days ago, ordered some Pec
pads, cleaning swabs and Eclipse fluid. Could not clear the dust
specks completely only seemed to be shifting them around the CCD
surface. After about the use of 4 Pec pads and different 'styles'
of cleaning (at no time ever pressing hard on the CCD) I noticed
the appearance of a mark that would not shift. I tried more
cleaning - a fresh pec pad - the mark got bigger. It looks like
some sort of coating is coming off the CCD filter. So it looks like
the CCD filter is now damaged. But how - I do not know. At no time
did I ever apply excessive pressure - I did make the first time
mistake of too much Eclipse fluid on the pad and caused a few
smears - but I changed the pad and got rid of the smears. Looks
like I am now at the mercy of Nikon (UK) and the D100 will have to
go back. To those of you who haven't yet attempted a CCD clean - do
it at your own risk. I doubt if I will get away with a warranty
repair here. After all - Nikon say 'Don't clean the CCD' !! I've
probably invalidated the warranty by my actions. But how or why
this has happened - I do not know. I only ever used Eclipse fluid
and pec pads.

Click to expand...

Raul · Jan 11, 2003

Zorpie,

What I would do if I were you (actually lots of things happened to me with my firsts cleanings (fujiS1):

1) Check that all is what it should be (liquid and cloth)

2) forget about the swabs

3) make your own thingy like

http://www.bythom.com/cleaning.htm
http://www.hilstudio.com/tool/CleaningTool.html
(this is very clear)

using pecpads. (There is no way that you may have damaged the sensor just with some excess liquid since you have not put heavy pressure on it with somthing that might scratch.)

You might want to try to use the swab again but they bend on the cloth extreme so it is not easy. You need something stronger in the sense of rigidity.

4) and give it another try (Only two or three drops of liquid)

For now the idea is to get rid of what you think is a damaged spot so just concentrate on that. When you clean that area (after that), you will have gained experience with the stupid process, and can go for a complete cleaning.

Regards

Raul

Zorpie · Jan 11, 2003

David,

I tried a close-up photo with my wife's Olympus digital point and shoot. It is like trying to take a photo of a mirror !! However, the best one I could do is here:

I have never posted from PBase so I don't know if this will work.

david stone said:
I am amazed (and admittedly skeptical) to read about some damage
which occurred to filter and / or CCD's after using Eclipse and
Swabs. My first reaction is : were you saving a few bucks and
making your own swabs?

We have had way too many folks using these products over the last 5
or so years with no ill effects. Kodak and Fuji recommend them. ALL
manufacturers use the same glass material over the CCD's.

We stand behind what we sell. Period.

Ross : send me the filter and I will check it out. If Eclipse did
indeed cause damage, I will send you a new filter , same size, same
type, same brand.

Zorpie : I agree with Paulfrye that something got smeared on the
CCD. I'd try cleaning it again. If the CCD is already ruined, it's
already ruined .... Get me proof that you used the swabs and pad's
(not the home-made remedy) and I will pay for the repair.

One piece of advice to prevent smearing : it is absolutely crucial
that fingers do not ever come in contact with the pad's (when lense
cleaning) or the swabs (when CCD cleaning). Ignore this and you
WILL get smearing.

DMS

Zorpie · Jan 11, 2003

OK - cannot do that - then just go there and take a look at the image:

http://www.pbase.com/image/10650268

Hopefully it will give you some idea of the size of the problem. It isn't very good - I could try sticking a lens on the D100 and taking a photo of a plain background - you would see the extent of the damage then. I'll try that.

Zorpie said:
I tried a close-up photo with my wife's Olympus digital point and
shoot. It is like trying to take a photo of a mirror !! However,
the best one I could do is here:

I have never posted from PBase so I don't know if this will work.

david stone said:

I am amazed (and admittedly skeptical) to read about some damage
which occurred to filter and / or CCD's after using Eclipse and
Swabs. My first reaction is : were you saving a few bucks and
making your own swabs?

We have had way too many folks using these products over the last 5
or so years with no ill effects. Kodak and Fuji recommend them. ALL
manufacturers use the same glass material over the CCD's.

We stand behind what we sell. Period.

Ross : send me the filter and I will check it out. If Eclipse did
indeed cause damage, I will send you a new filter , same size, same
type, same brand.

Zorpie : I agree with Paulfrye that something got smeared on the
CCD. I'd try cleaning it again. If the CCD is already ruined, it's
already ruined .... Get me proof that you used the swabs and pad's
(not the home-made remedy) and I will pay for the repair.

One piece of advice to prevent smearing : it is absolutely crucial
that fingers do not ever come in contact with the pad's (when lense
cleaning) or the swabs (when CCD cleaning). Ignore this and you
WILL get smearing.

DMS

Click to expand...

Zorpie · Jan 11, 2003

To all who think I was using something else - take a look at the photo - this was supplied to me by a UK importer:

http://www.pbase.com/image/10650609

So I know I have the right tools for the job.

Zorpie said:
I can assure you that I used Eclipse fluid which I bought from
Crown Products here in the UK. It says on the box 'Eclipse Optic
Cleaning System' Plus the box of 12 sensor swaps with a star
sticker that says it is for Nikon D1/x/h/100. I only used those -
and nothing else. I used about 4 pec pads out of the box that had
the Eclipse fluid in it - wrapping them around a swab. I did cause
a few smears at first - but then I got the knack of it by using
less fluid on the pec pad. I can categorically state that NOTHING
but a folded pec pad ever touched the CCD filter. I am reluctant to
make this damage any worse by cleaning again. The camera is only 5
months old and this is my hobby - I don't use the thing as a work
tool. It hasn't had that much use I guess. My wife has a small
Olympus digital camera and I will see if I can get a photo of the
mark on the D100 CCD and post it on PBase. I am a resident of the
UK - and the camera was bought from a leading UK trader. It will go
back to them on Monday - because I doubt - if I can do anything
with this apparent damage as it is. I very much appreciate your
comments and your goodwill in the matter. If you wish to
communicate with me via e-mail rather than via this thread - my
e-mail address is:
[email protected]
Thanks again. If I get a photo pn PBase - I will let you know.

david stone said:

I am amazed (and admittedly skeptical) to read about some damage
which occurred to filter and / or CCD's after using Eclipse and
Swabs. My first reaction is : were you saving a few bucks and
making your own swabs?

We have had way too many folks using these products over the last 5
or so years with no ill effects. Kodak and Fuji recommend them. ALL
manufacturers use the same glass material over the CCD's.

We stand behind what we sell. Period.

Ross : send me the filter and I will check it out. If Eclipse did
indeed cause damage, I will send you a new filter , same size, same
type, same brand.

Zorpie : I agree with Paulfrye that something got smeared on the
CCD. I'd try cleaning it again. If the CCD is already ruined, it's
already ruined .... Get me proof that you used the swabs and pad's
(not the home-made remedy) and I will pay for the repair.

One piece of advice to prevent smearing : it is absolutely crucial
that fingers do not ever come in contact with the pad's (when lense
cleaning) or the swabs (when CCD cleaning). Ignore this and you
WILL get smearing.

DMS

Click to expand...

CCD cleaning disaster.

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