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Permanent stain on sensor

Started Oct 15, 2019 | Discussions
RobbieD123 New Member • Posts: 1
Permanent stain on sensor

I dropped a Canon sl2 in fresh water a while back and managed to get it back to fair working condition. Everything works except 1 problem I can't seem to fix. The sensor has a stain/ smudge that I can't get rid of. I have tried light wet cleaning with no luck.  I believe the cause is from a water spot drying on the sensor and leaving behind residue.  Anyone have any advice?  I am debating if it is worth it to send it into Canon for repair.

ng whatever deposits were in the water behind.

Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (EOS 200D / Kiss X9)
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John Michael Winterbourne
John Michael Winterbourne Veteran Member • Posts: 3,174
Re: Permanent stain on sensor

You've probably got nothing to lose by trying David's suggestion of trying again with water, as long as you use a tiny amount.  My guess however is that some of the water got between the layers of the sensor stack while it was immersed, in which case no amount of work on the surface will help.

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karl mohr Senior Member • Posts: 1,678
Re: Permanent stain on sensor

I wonder if some of the water got under the sensor's UV filter.  This idea might sound a little weird, but I wonder if you could displace the water by pouring some kind of isopropyl alcohol through it.  I have removed the battery and mem card and poured alcohol through the shutter switch, (had camera oriented so the switch was the low point of the camera and kept the alcohol away from the shutter box and sensor).

Maybe something like this would work?  But I supposed you could also 'brick' the camera as well.  Try it at your own risk......

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Kederek Junior Member • Posts: 28
Re: Permanent stain on sensor

As mentioned, you have little to lose at this point. My thoughts are: from the image you posted, it looks to me like the "stain" is on the outside, given the shape of it. I suspect this is a mineral residue. I would try a carefully placed spot of white vinegar over it. Let sit. Remove with the lightest touch of tissue paper JUST touching the fluid (like blotting paper). If it was/is calcium residue, (my suspicion), then it should be sucked away with the tissue.

IF it does prove successful, a follow up wet clean may be in order.

Let us know how it turns out.

D.

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