Bought ex demo A7iii - sensor is filthy.

[JacekG]

Hi, I bought ex-display a7iii camera which I received few days ago. Body is spotless, shutter count was only 650, but I noticed fingerprint mark on the sensor (!), plus a couple of stubborn dust particles that I haven't managed to get rid off even with the air blower.

So, bought Visible Dust EZ Sensor cleaning kit and gave it a go. It did reasonably well with the fingerprint mark (it's gone), but even after using 3 swabs, I still see spots in pictures taken from f11. Despite sensor is looking clean.

This is my second camera - before I have been using A7ii which I bought new, and never had filthy sensor. It's a quite a big expense for me hence I would like to ask if I should keep it or return it? Should I be worried? I know that dust is everywhere, but those spots remain in the exact same area, even after few cleaning attempts. Shouldn't they be gone by far? I'm well pis..ed, but the price is £400 below RRP and it's hard to send it back



Keep it or not? Do more cleaning?

 

[Ron Poelman]

Before even thinking about further cleaning, I'ld be investing in a cheap loupe and a strong light to see what you're dealing with.

 

[TheOwl360]

Hi, I bought ex-display a7iii camera which I received few days ago. Body is spotless, shutter count was only 650, but I noticed fingerprint mark on the sensor (!), plus a couple of stubborn dust particles that I haven't managed to get rid off even with the air blower.

So, bought Visible Dust EZ Sensor cleaning kit and gave it a go. It did reasonably well with the fingerprint mark (it's gone), but even after using 3 swabs, I still see spots in pictures taken from f11. Despite sensor is looking clean.

This is my second camera - before I have been using A7ii which I bought new, and never had filthy sensor. It's a quite a big expense for me hence I would like to ask if I should keep it or return it? Should I be worried? I know that dust is everywhere, but those spots remain in the exact same area, even after few cleaning attempts. Shouldn't they be gone by far? I'm well pis..ed, but the price is £400 below RRP and it's hard to send it back

Keep it or not? Do more cleaning?

I’d return it.

 

[LoneTree1]

Clean it by wet cleaning with a prescribed wand, it's apparently a finger-print.

 

[SafariBob]

I would return it too, and speaking as a person who nearly always pick warehouse deals and used equipment. Honestly, I think I might start to buy new. I feel the odds of getting lemons are so much higher it’s not really worth the risk anymore.

in this case, the coatings may be off, might be tiny scratches etc. If bought as a second body for a few hundred bucks I wouldn’t worry, but not as a new primary camera

 

[LenRivers]

Return it to the camera store and save your money for a new unit is what I’d do. Peace of mind is worth it sometimes

 

[hungrylau]

What else can go wrong in the future, in circumstances where either the owner or the re-seller don't mind putting their fingers on the effin sensor?!?

 

[Lan]

If you bought it from a reputable store, if you explain the problem they might clean it for you? It has to be worth giving them a call and asking the question at least!

 

[tommiejeep]

A good starting point but ex demo can mean anything. Brick and mortar know to you (and how they let people handle gear) wold be my first choice. On-line I would be wary as to where it was a demo???

Could be more than sensor that was mistreated. If spots do not come off with wet clean ...

I would probably send it back

 

[Starscream67]

Side note did you check your lens probably not what these spots are from but worth a look as you say the sensor looks clean. I ran into the same situation and some of my issue was a really dirty filter on my lens. I might give the idea of going back to where you bought it and see if they would look at it or have someone look at it. It would be in their best interest to get it fixed/cleaned if they want to sell it.

 

[Jimmy Simpleton]

I'd try one more time to clean it and see if any of the spots shrink/disappear.

If not, I wouldn't keep a sensor like that.

 

[LoneTree1]

A good starting point but ex demo can mean anything. Brick and mortar know to you (and how they let people handle gear) wold be my first choice. On-line I would be wary as to where it was a demo???

Could be more than sensor that was mistreated. If spots do not come off with wet clean ...

I would probably send it back

Demos (store demos) can often be better buys than used. Generally fewer actuations and lens changes and store clerks are more attentive to people when they are handling $1000 plus cameras.

 

[tommiejeep]

Not disagreeing with you. My questioning is mainly aimed at on-line merchants. If a seller does not have a shop/store where are "Demos" used or is that another method to make the item more attractive. If an exclusively on-line seller where are the "Demos" from?

OT: Sorry for the typos, getting too old for Forums .

--
Anticipate the Light and wing it when you get it wrong but always have fun
Tom
http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/165169

 

[LoneTree1]

Not disagreeing with you. My questioning is mainly aimed at on-line merchants. If a seller does not have a shop/store where are "Demos" used or is that another method to make the item more attractive. If an exclusively on-line seller where are the "Demos" from?

OT: Sorry for the typos, getting too old for Forums .

Refurbs, demos, all it of means used. An online merchant can obtain non-new companies from brick and mortar stores or direct from the manufacture. There is a large Ebay retailer that gets a lot of stuff, working or not, from the manufacturers.

 

[Garyster]

Not sure if it applies here, but a looooong time ago, when I worked in a camera store, the demos were treated like garbage, literally.

Camera bodies fully open to the elements, people poking fingers in the chamber touching the mirror and shutter, etc (film days).

I would return it if possible and buy a good used one on FM.com

Good luck to you, it is a great camera!

G

 

[JacekG]

I have cleaned it one more time, using last swab, and spots are still there. Haven't got a magnifier to inspect it closely but I'll return the camera anyway.

Thanks for all the replies guys.

 

[LarryRC]

What else can go wrong in the future, in circumstances where either the owner or the re-seller don't mind putting their fingers on the effin sensor?!?

That would be my worry also. When that fingerprint was placed there how hard did they press down on the sensor.