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Now that I'm really good at vacuuming,

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Lightpath48

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My CPA is bringing dirt-free results, and life is good.

A few more image posts: Mila's "screen time" at Granny & Papa's; NASA Saturn 5, and Shuttle Atlantis (raw conversions in Photos - Tonality and DXO Extensions)



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Yes, you're getting really good: no dust spots in these images!

Very nice, and impressive high iso detail and lack of noise, particularly in the last one (iso 3200).

Colors are great too.

Thanks for sharing.
 
DXO's Prime noise reduction gets the credit for the low noise with ISO 3600.
 
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Lightpath48 said:
DXO's Prime noise reduction gets the credit for the low noise with ISO 3600.
Click to expand...
Yup, 3600. I also use DxO prime for noisy images. Does a fairly good job, much better than NX-D.
 
How did you vacuum? I searched the forum but couldn't find that you posted any techniques.
 
LarryGee said:
How did you vacuum? I searched the forum but couldn't find that you posted any techniques.
Click to expand...
I read other's techniques, and didn't post mine, but here it is.

1. Turn on camera and remove battery, leaving lens extended.

2. Insert a narrow vacuum extension all the way into the empty battery compartment; turn vacuum on and leave on for a good 10-15 seconds.

3. With the vacuum running, place the slim vacuum extension into your closed fist on the thumb/index finger end. With the camera lying on its back on a soft cloth, place the other end of your hand gently over the extended lens assembly, opening just enough to close around the base of the lens, where it meets the body. Adjust fingers until you have the maximum suction on the lens. Hold 10-15 seconds. (This works better for me, than did the styrofoam paper cup idea.)

4. Applying the edge of the slim vacuum attachment to the exterior circumference of the lens, circle around the base where the lens meets the body, and around each circle of lens extension.

5. Using the the vacuum extension, apply suction while slowly moving along rows of controls to the left and right of the LCD, and around the top body controls.

6. Test that the sensor is clean: Re-insert the battery, set Focus on Manual; using Aperture Priority Mode, set aperture at f/22. Set Exposure button at +2.0 on Auto ISO. Photograph a blank white sheet of paper so that it fills the frame. View the entire file surface at high magnification.

7. Return your shot settings to normal after viewing.

This vacuuming method might sound quite extreme to some. However, I've found that it's the only way to completely clear the camera interior and sensor of dirt. Since my camera was out of warranty and three years old, I figured I had nothing to lose. So far, so good. The camera doesn't seem any worse for the wear. Images are looking perfectly sharp and exposed, with nary a spot on the sensor. Unfortunately, this needs doing every few weeks when dirt re-appears on the sensor.

Please note that this advice is at your own risk, and Nikon's service personnel probably wouldn't recommend it.
 
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Makes sense. Right now, I only have one small speck on the extreme right side of the sensor that is only visible at f/22. I'm reluctant to vacuum that in case I pull over some dust sitting inside the camera somewhere. If it gets worse, though, I'll use the aftermarket filter tube I have to create a seal around the lens and tape the hose to that.

The only thing I don't understand - why do you have to do it every few weeks? That makes me suspect you have a dust reservoir inside the camera. I never see more that a few specks on the lens barrel which I wipe or blow off. I keep mine in a nylon bag in my pocket.
 
I live on the western shore of Lake Michigan, and spend a lot of time photographing in the coastal state parks and dunes, where it's often windy. I don't use a plastic bag, because I have the camera in and out so much. I don't want to be obsessed and compulsive about keeping this camera clean, but it does require more maintenance than any I've had before. My gear list shows quite a few past cameras, and they were all lower maintenance for dirty sensors. Even the older DSLR bodies without sensor vibration systems (D70, D80) were easier.
 
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You are like André and have great eye and perspective on how you take your shots, wonderful shots.
 
Wonderful images! I especially love the third one, with the strong perspective and colors. So crisp too.

That little girl is getting really BIG!!!

Jamie
 
Lightpath48 said:
LarryGee said:
How did you vacuum? I searched the forum but couldn't find that you posted any techniques.
Click to expand...
I read other's techniques, and didn't post mine, but here it is.

1. Turn on camera and remove battery, leaving lens extended.

2. Insert a narrow vacuum extension all the way into the empty battery compartment; turn vacuum on and leave on for a good 10-15 seconds.

3. With the vacuum running, place the slim vacuum extension into your closed fist on the thumb/index finger end. With the camera lying on its back on a soft cloth, place the other end of your hand gently over the extended lens assembly, opening just enough to close around the base of the lens, where it meets the body. Adjust fingers until you have the maximum suction on the lens. Hold 10-15 seconds. (This works better for me, than did the styrofoam paper cup idea.)

4. Applying the edge of the slim vacuum attachment to the exterior circumference of the lens, circle around the base where the lens meets the body, and around each circle of lens extension.

5. Using the the vacuum extension, apply suction while slowly moving along rows of controls to the left and right of the LCD, and around the top body controls.

6. Test that the sensor is clean: Re-insert the battery, set Focus on Manual; using Aperture Priority Mode, set aperture at f/22. Set Exposure button at +2.0 on Auto ISO. Photograph a blank white sheet of paper so that it fills the frame. View the entire file surface at high magnification.

7. Return your shot settings to normal after viewing.

This vacuuming method might sound quite extreme to some. However, I've found that it's the only way to completely clear the camera interior and sensor of dirt. Since my camera was out of warranty and three years old, I figured I had nothing to lose. So far, so good. The camera doesn't seem any worse for the wear. Images are looking perfectly sharp and exposed, with nary a spot on the sensor. Unfortunately, this needs doing every few weeks when dirt re-appears on the sensor.

Please note that this advice is at your own risk, and Nikon's service personnel probably wouldn't recommend it.
Click to expand...
I tried this method but it didn't work for me. Used a 5hp shop vac.
 
I wasn't holding the suction close enough or long enough, out of concern about damaging the camera. It looked like I'd just be storing the camera as a conversational piece because it was so dirty inside. So I just vacuumed the hell out of it, with nothing to lose. Then it worked. You have to create such suction that you can literally feel the air going into, and through the camera from all of the cracks around buttons, lens elements, everything. At least that's my experience.
 
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