Is This Sensor Damaged or Salvageable?

BunnyLover · Oct 29, 2021

Hey, I got a used NEX-5N for super cheap at a thrift store and it works, but there is a huge spotty/blotchy area on the sensor that creates some visible weirdness in images. I'm pretty new to mirrorless cameras so I'm not sure if this is cleanable or if it's permanent damage? It almost looks like the coating was rubbed off or something.

It was under $20 so I'm not too mad if it's not fixable because it kinda works as a beater camera but I figured I'd ask and see if anyone's got advice.

Thanks!

Entropy512 · Oct 29, 2021

Weird. It depends on if someone was rubbing the sensor itself with the cover glass removed (CFA removal attempt??), or if they just mis-cleaned the cover glass/hot mirror.

If it's just the cover glass/hot mirror assembly, then you can replace that.

A lot of people don't realize that the sensor is not directly exposed in almost any modern camera. There is, in almost all cameras, an IR-blocking filter at a minimum.

is the first Google hit on a possible repair approach (which also gets you an IR conversion) - I'm guessing you can find people that will sell you replacement hot mirrors in addition to replacement cover glass that lacks the hot mirror.

LifePixel's filters are probably more than you want to spend on this, but there are probably cheaper sources.

BunnyLover · Oct 29, 2021

Entropy512 said:
Weird. It depends on if someone was rubbing the sensor itself with the cover glass removed (CFA removal attempt??), or if they just mis-cleaned the cover glass/hot mirror.

If it's just the cover glass/hot mirror assembly, then you can replace that.

A lot of people don't realize that the sensor is not directly exposed in almost any modern camera. There is, in almost all cameras, an IR-blocking filter at a minimum.

is the first Google hit on a possible repair approach (which also gets you an IR conversion) - I'm guessing you can find people that will sell you replacement hot mirrors in addition to replacement cover glass that lacks the hot mirror.

LifePixel's filters are probably more than you want to spend on this, but there are probably cheaper sources.

Yeah after some research and watching an NEX-5N specific IR conversion video it's not the sensor itself, it seems to be the low pass filter and they are pretty cheap on eBay. I think I'll research a bit more and probably try swapping that since it looks to be within my skill level from computer and phone repairs I've done.

Thanks for your help!

WhoKnow · Oct 29, 2021

Good luck and share the results.

snapa · Oct 29, 2021

BunnyLover said:
Hey, I got a used NEX-5N for super cheap at a thrift store and it works, but there is a huge spotty/blotchy area on the sensor that creates some visible weirdness in images. I'm pretty new to mirrorless cameras so I'm not sure if this is cleanable or if it's permanent damage? It almost looks like the coating was rubbed off or something.

It was under $20 so I'm not too mad if it's not fixable because it kinda works as a beater camera but I figured I'd ask and see if anyone's got advice.

Thanks!

If I were you, I'd take it to a local camera shop and ask them their opinion. If they say they can clean it and it should work, I'd let them give it a try. If they say the sensor is perminently damages, and will not even try to clean it, consider it a lesson learned.
To me, it looks like it is "not fixable", but you never know till you find out. Good luck!

SafariBob · Oct 30, 2021

BunnyLover said:
Entropy512 said:

Weird. It depends on if someone was rubbing the sensor itself with the cover glass removed (CFA removal attempt??), or if they just mis-cleaned the cover glass/hot mirror.

If it's just the cover glass/hot mirror assembly, then you can replace that.

A lot of people don't realize that the sensor is not directly exposed in almost any modern camera. There is, in almost all cameras, an IR-blocking filter at a minimum.

is the first Google hit on a possible repair approach (which also gets you an IR conversion) - I'm guessing you can find people that will sell you replacement hot mirrors in addition to replacement cover glass that lacks the hot mirror.

LifePixel's filters are probably more than you want to spend on this, but there are probably cheaper sources.

Click to expand...

Yeah after some research and watching an NEX-5N specific IR conversion video it's not the sensor itself, it seems to be the low pass filter and they are pretty cheap on eBay. I think I'll research a bit more and probably try swapping that since it looks to be within my skill level from computer and phone repairs I've done.

Thanks for your help!

Consider taking The filter off and turning it into uv

wb2trf · Nov 3, 2021

I would just try to clean it. Fair chance that will work, but hard to say. Buy Eclipse fluid, and some foam swabs and go at it. You will quickly learn if the splotch is changing or moving. If it is, it may take a while to get it off, but may eventually work.

I bought an old Nex, I forget what model, that was discolored and looked hopeless, different but as bad as that by appearance. It turned out to be just some greasy substance that had gotten onto it and dried to an ugly film. With about 30-45 minutes of cleaning with Eclipse it was gone.

The other thing is that as long as you keep the liquid on the sensor and use a foam swab, you aren't going to hurt it.

BunnyLover · Nov 6, 2021

Update so far:

I have tried cleaning it with a kit (not Eclipse solution but a well reviewed alternative on Amazon) with no luck.

The replacement ir/band-pass/low-pass/whatever the right name is for it is gonna be here next week, will update when there's more to share!

snapa · Nov 6, 2021

BunnyLover said:
Update so far:
I have tried cleaning it with a kit (not Eclipse solution but a well reviewed alternative on Amazon) with no luck.

The replacement ir/band-pass/low-pass/whatever the right name is for it is gonna be here next week, will update when there's more to share!

I probably would not have invested in a camera (no matter how cheap it was) with a sensor that looked like that, just saying.

It will be interesting to see how (or if) you clean it, and it ever works out for you. Please update when you find out if you can clean it, or not, thanks!

BunnyLover · Nov 6, 2021

I couldn't take the lens off when I bought it, but for $15 it was more than worth it for the kit lens and battery alone since I plan to get a newer Sony body and get into the system at some point.

And the sensor filter swap is admittedly a decent bit of work but electronics stuff is my hobby so it's a fun little project that could end with having a spare camera for super cheap lol.

SafariBob · Nov 6, 2021

BunnyLover said:
And the sensor filter swap is admittedly a decent bit of work but electronics stuff is my hobby so it's a fun little project

when you are not engaged in your primary bunny appreciation activity

Entropy512 · Nov 8, 2021

BunnyLover said:
I couldn't take the lens off when I bought it, but for $15 it was more than worth it for the kit lens and battery alone since I plan to get a newer Sony body and get into the system at some point.

And the sensor filter swap is admittedly a decent bit of work but electronics stuff is my hobby so it's a fun little project that could end with having a spare camera for super cheap lol.

Not just a spare camera, but potentially an IR-converted one!

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