M
MarkTheSpark
Guest
After a time, the CCD on an SLR will gather some dust. Most SLRs have a 'mirror lock' facility so you can access the CCD and clean it. But for heaven's sake don't do what I did - you might not get away with it.
The first thing is NEVER to just hold the shutter button on B to keep the mirror up. Accidentally release the button and you're looking at a very big bill. Use the proper function shown in your manual.
NEVER try to clean the CCD with any kind of swab or cotton bud with the exception of the special ?20 kits sold for the purpose. Even then, be really, really careful.
The dust can usually be blown off the CCD with a bulb puffer, NOT a puffer brush. Hold the camera upside down as you do this so nothing else falls inside.
And <u>don't</u> use canned air to blow the dust away. I tried, and a jet of propellant shot out straight on to the CCD, leaving a big splodge. Using a very expensive swab kit (like I say, ?20 minimum) I managed to get the splodge off, but if you're really unlucky, the freezing action of the propellant shatters the CCD.
The first thing is NEVER to just hold the shutter button on B to keep the mirror up. Accidentally release the button and you're looking at a very big bill. Use the proper function shown in your manual.
NEVER try to clean the CCD with any kind of swab or cotton bud with the exception of the special ?20 kits sold for the purpose. Even then, be really, really careful.
The dust can usually be blown off the CCD with a bulb puffer, NOT a puffer brush. Hold the camera upside down as you do this so nothing else falls inside.
And <u>don't</u> use canned air to blow the dust away. I tried, and a jet of propellant shot out straight on to the CCD, leaving a big splodge. Using a very expensive swab kit (like I say, ?20 minimum) I managed to get the splodge off, but if you're really unlucky, the freezing action of the propellant shatters the CCD.