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Nikon D1 series CCD Cleaning Processes
Three different states
Depending on the nature of the spots seen in the image then you need to do one
of the following methods.
1. Sensor self-clean – camera shakes sensor using firmware. This is
best performed with the camera facing downwards.
2. Sensor clean – Using mirror lockup for cleaning and air blower,
Giotto Rocket.
3. Sensor – Wet clean using mirror lockup for cleaning.
Test Exposure
1. Check CCD is clean by doing a test exposure (Test exposure best against a
blue sky using camera in Aperture Priority mode ISO 200, f11 - f32, with the
shutter speed chosen by the camera. The shutter speed is unimportant. Or in
studio against an evenly lit coloured background. Alternatively, stop down to
f22 then do a bulb exposure of approx one or two seconds while pointing the
lens at anything reasonably light colored (like a light or something) and wave
the camera around. You get a great smeared background and the dust
particles should be in sharp focus. I find this method a little more convenient
than the blue sky method.
2. Check for lack of smears and dark marks or spots preferably on a computer
screen but if necessary on the camera LCD. The resulting picture should
show an evenly coloured picture.
Sensor Self Clean
Works well for most situations where there is light spotting of the sensor.
1. This self-clean of the sensor on some cameras can be set in firmware to
occur at camera start-up and/or close-down. (N.B. This process uses extra
battery power)
2. Perform a test exposure. Usually this is best performed by exposing at ISO
200, shooting a blue sky (no clouds in shot) with a small f stop e.g. f11-16
3. Check exposure on either back screen of camera or preferably on computer
screen.
Sensor Clean with Giotto Rocket
1. 2. Set Camera to Custom Setting - Mirror Lockup for Cleaning
Unmount lens. Hold camera lens-throat down to ensure (none or as little as
possible) dust can enter camera.
3. Using the Giotto Rocket and holding the camera face down repeatedly blow
the sensor with the contents of the Giotto Rocket for 10-15 seconds.
4. 5. Then Close shutter – Usually by pressing the shutter release.
Replace lens as soon as possible
6. Perform a test exposure.
Wet Cleaning
Equipment
1. Nikon AC Adapter (EH-4) (a definite must have from the camera safety angle
for older cameras)
2. A Giotto Rocket and/or ReAir compressed air canister (see
http://www.mikeshardware.com/section_reviews/review_reair_refillable_duster.html ). Also
available from CompUSA for $28.
3. QTips/Cotton buds
4. Isopropyl Alcohol/Methanol (from pharmacy, scientific supplier)
Older Camera - Process is as follows.
1. Plug in AC adapter
2. Set Camera to Custom Setting - Mirror Lockup for Cleaning
3. Unmount lens. Hold camera lens-throat down to ensure (none or as little as
possible) dust can enter camera.
4. Dip Qtip in Isopropyl alcohol/methanol and ensure it is not dripping and gently
clean the CCD.
5. After swabbing the CCD blow dry with the ReAir compressed air from no
further into camera than lens mount opening.
6. Replace lens.
7. Change Camera Custom setting back to 8/0
8. Perform a test exposure.
Newer Camera - Process is as follows.
1. 2. 3. Make sure camera battery is fully charged or >75% charged
Set Camera to Custom Setting - Mirror Lockup for Cleaning
Unmount lens. Hold camera lens-throat down to ensure (none or as little as
possible) dust can enter camera.
4. Dip Qtip in Isopropyl alcohol/methanol and ensure it is not dripping and
gently clean the CCD.
5. After swabbing the CCD blow dry with the ReAir compressed air from no
further into camera than lens mount opening.
6. Replace lens
7. Perform a test exposure.
***** In the event of you camera going wild or seeming to misbehave.
You have not damaged/broken it.
The electronics (like people) seems to be sensitive to alcohol vapour.
Be patient the alcohol vapour will be gone in less than 15 mins.
Result:
No spots, etc on CCD. Low cost and no down time with camera away at NikonService centre.
____________________
Still learning after all these years!
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