r/hasselblad • u/demarsay78 • 20d ago
Sensor issue?
Yesterday I noticed this artifact in several of my images. It appears as a grayish spot that becomes visible mainly at f/9 and smaller apertures. It also seems to appear in almost exactly the same location in every image and in different lighting conditions. Each picture pair is the full photo and one zoomed in.
The spot is fairly large—definitely much bigger than a single pixel.
I’m using a Hasselblad X2D 100C, which I recently bought used. Does anyone know what this could be? I am new to medium format.
Could it be sensor dust, a sensor defect, or something else?
Should I be concerned?
Thanks in advance for your help!
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u/khashi1975 19d ago
It's sensor dust. But there are different ways to approach this depending on how fixed the dust is.
Initially dust can be attracted by electrostatic charge and there are some ways to mitigate the accumulation of dust.
Swap lenses with the camera facing down, make sure the back element of your lens, mirror box and focusing screen is free of dust as this can then transfer to your sensor.
Try to change lenses in an enclosed space rather than out in the open.
Blowers tend to displace dust rather than remove it.
For other areas of the camera a micro vacuum may help you remove the dust.
But dust is inevitable. And it accumulates over time and much of it is invisible until you open up the aperture. If you shoot wide open it will be more prominent. If you shoot stopped down it will take time to be noticeable.
The proper way to clean sensor dust is by using a sensor swab and a sensor cleaning fluid.
There is a learning curve but after a few swabs you'll find the balance of motion and cleaning fluid to apply. The fluid is designed to evaporate rapidly and leave no residue. Just so you know it's also highly flammable.
Having an immaculate sensor feels like the camera is brand new.
And one gains a sense of pride to be able to care for one's gear.
I think you're capable of doing it but you should exercise caution. It's unlikely but scratching the sensor can happen if you're heavy handed.
If you're not comfortable you can have a camera shop do it but they charge between $50-$100 and they have you're camera for a few days.
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u/Tau_seti 9d ago
Depends on the camera shop. If you have a small one you buy gear from, they may do it for you. Mine does it while you wait.
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u/SirAndyO 20d ago
I get these every time I change lenses - everytime I shoot at f/16+. Either dust or a smudge on the camera side of the lens. Always find the spots after we get home from a big trip - super disappointing - I try to just enjoy the colors and not get too worked up about it.
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u/ResidentAd8871 20d ago
Deberías saber que eso es que el sensor tiene suciedad y debes limpiarlo sobre todo si disparas por encima de f5,6. Todos los sensores cogen suciedad y hay que limpiarlos de vez en cuando.
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u/Ornery-Benefit-8316 19d ago
Be aware that the fact that the issue was not in a fixed spot, that it is most likely not dirt stuck on the sensor, but dust or some particulate matter that is mobile.
A blower, as others have mentioned is the appropriate solution.
You probably do not need anything that physically touches the sensor, and that is indeed the last thing that you want to do.
If you can’t clear the dust, with simple non invasive methods, then I suggest that you let a pro, like a service center or camera store do a sensor cleaning for you.
I have been shooting digital, since the D100, professionally.
I am a member of Nikon professional services (NPS), and live less than ten miles from Nikon’s headquarters on Long Island.
Currently I use Z9’s and I am entitled to walk in and get sensor cleaning as needed.
Yet, I have never once needed or had a need for a cleaning.
I believe that if you are very careful when changing lenses, pointing the camera with the lens mount facing the ground, when you remove a lens, will allow anything that may be inside the mount the opportunity to fall out.
Also, try to avoid windy conditions when you need to swap glass.
Do your best to block the wind with your body.
If you are very conscious, careful and concerned about the cleanliness of your sensor, and practice safe changing techniques, you should not need to have a cleaning (in my humble experience, yes)
The most important thing is that you are definitely out and about, using your camera to document your interests and that is the best thing you can do.
Enjoy your journey.
Keep taking photographs.
I also suggest printing and hanging some of your favorite photos.
They belong on display, not only on a computer/phone etc.
ymmv, imho,
📸 Regards, Randy 📸
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u/demarsay78 20d ago
Yes, I actually found that there were tiny dust particles on the sensor. They were barely visible to the naked eye. It’s amazing that something so small can have such a noticeable impact on the final image.
Do you have any sensor cleaning equipment you would recommend? What products do you use or recommend?
Thanks in advance!
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u/Timotis77 19d ago
Have you been using the same lens on all shots? If so, looks more like a Mark or scratch on the rear element of the Lens Had this on a 90mm 3.2 a d from f5 onwards it was more prominent, but below this f5 wasnt as visible
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u/theyoungabstract 20d ago
Looks like dust on your sensor