Low Pass Filter/CCD cleans

Unavoidably, dust will migrate to the imager filter surface via the many air currents flowing through the camera. The dust is vacuumed in during the release of the shutter and particularly when zooming the lens. Dust is most visible when you use a small aperture and/or light backgrounds.  Editing software is time intensive.

Q: I can see spots on my images - what are they?

A: Microscopic dust particles on the imager surface/low pass filter will show up on the images. Dust can be quite intrusive. 

Q: Where is the sensor/low pass filer located? 

A: It is located behind the shutter unit

            shutter/mirror box          behind the shutter unit          The sensor assy

Q: I can see dust in the view finder on my camera, will this come out on my images?

Q: How does the dust get there? 

Q: How does Camera Clinic clean the filter?

• A before-clean image is taken - this is stored on our image server.

• Using compressed air we clean the mirror box/shutter area; another image is taken to view the cleaning process. 

• Wet swab the filter surface using an isopropyl based solution, after every swab another image is taken.

• When the imager is finally cleaned the last image is taken and saved as an after clean reference.

• All images are taken at the highest resolution and lowest ISO setting.

• We will advise you if there are any un-removable marks/dust particles on your filter.     

Cost:  Standard frame     $77.00   -  1 x free external lens clean and focus check

            Full frame             $99.00   -  1 x free external lens clean and focus check          

            Extra lenses          $44.00   

            Pro backs             $132-00 to $165.00

Turn around time:  Cleans are preformed within 8 to 24 hours or shorter via prior arrangement. Interstate and Country customers can pre-book their cleans to be done in a few hours. Phone 03 9419 5247 for a booking.  

Under the filter cleans:

• Unfortunately dust can get under filter surface during normal use or when incorectly cleaning the CCD. To remove dust under the filter is a very time intensive clean.

• The low pass filter has to be removed, if there is a vibration cleaning function in the camera it needs to be disconnected to remove the filter.

• The Imager is cleaned in a dust free enclosure. This procedure will take several hours. 

• After each swab the Imager is inspected to assure the dust has been removed.

• After the dust has been removed the filter is re-fitted and the vibration cleaning unit re-connected. 

• When the imager is finally cleaned the last image is taken and saved as an after clean reference.   

Cost:  $330.00 to $440.00  - depends on the times it take to complete the clean. 

Turn around time:  we will require the equipment for a few days. 

Your camera will also receive a free firmware up-grade to the latest firmware we have available. The lens that is attached to the camera will receive a free blow out, external clean and focus test. All extra lenses $44.00 (Inc gst).

Focal test:  During in the testing process if we find your camera is forward or back focusing we will advise you with a courtesy quote and if possible we will do the adjustment that same day. If the camera is sent in with no lens or body cap. A body cap will be fitted at a cost.  

Un-removable marks/dust particles: After your filter is cleaned we will advise you if there were any un-removable marks/dust particles. To remove these marks can be costly. The filter has to be removed to clean or a replacement filter may be required.  

If you courier/send the unit for a clean; please call to pre-book your equipment for a same day turn around and dispatch, 03 9419 5247.

NPS (Nikon Professional Service) customers; receive a free clean while they wait. This is not a full clean just a wet wsab of the filter.

CPS (Canon Professional Service) customers; receive a free clean while they wait. This is not a full clean just wet swab of the filter.

Damaged/marked filter:  To replace the filter in a Digital SLR is a very costly repair. Many filters are available separately however there are some cameras that the filters only come as part of the imager.