Where can I get a sensor cleaning or (last resort) replacement?

[Synomis192]

I've recently discovered that my sensor is a tad dirty...

Actually, it's pretty bad.

Can't really say how it happened though, I did a photoshoot with my friends and it was fine. Never changed lenses, kept my 18-55 on the whole time.

Anything shot over f/8 will show dark circles in my picture. There is also a line that appears near the top left of the images. I don't know if that's a scratch or a hair or something else, but there is something on my sensor.

I've tried using the Giottos Rocket Blower, and did manage to blow off some dust but the line that appears in my photos is still there.

Is there any DIY sensor cleaning options that I can use?

Is there a place where I can send my camera for some sensor cleaning? There is a Canon factory near where I live in California that is said to offer cleaning services. How much does that cost?

Here's some samples

http://www.flickr.com/photos/synomis/7318813026/#in/photostream/lightbox/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/synomis/7318823046/#in/photostream/lightbox/

(Random but, is there a way I can paste photos in the forum itself rather than having to link to flickr? Sorry if that's a really dumb question.)

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

When you compose a post, you will see attachments and other options at the bottom of the input screen. Use that to attach images. There is a size limit.

Many loocal camera shops, repair shops, and, of course, Canon, will clean your sensor.

The line on the photo looks like dirt, be sure to clean your lens. If there are marks or a hair on the rear of the lens, you could see this, on the front, its not likely you would see it that badly.

If you have a UV filter on the camera, remove it, make sure the lens is clean, front and rear, and try again without the filter. They can go bad.

If the smear is still there, I'd have Canon clean it, its unusually dirty, normally you have to view dust at 100% magnification.

The sensor would have to have had something wiped on it to make it that dirty.

 

[Fknbryce]

it doesn't look too bad. why don't you go get one of those wet sensor clean kits? i bought one late last year, I've used it 4 or 5 times, and I'm very happy with it. i just got the type with the alcohol solution and swabs. worth a try, and very easy o do

 

[brattymesler]

Ok. So I see the splotches which are hallmarks of a dirty sensor, but those "power lines" have me worried, assuming they are not actually power lines. You should have it professionally cleaned. I do not know where you are located, but either Canon (nationally) or photo tech (nyc) would be my recommendation.

Matt

 

[Invertalon]

CopperHill kit... Awesome for doing wet-cleaning of sensors.

 

[JerryKnight]

There's always the option of sending it to an official Canon repair center, but I have sent a few cameras and lenses to Toshio at T F Camera Repair Service in New Jersey. He does a fantastic job with sensor cleaning, repairs, even shutter replacements for well-loved SLRs. His prices have been very fair in my experience - just the standard parts + labor..

You can Google around for T F Camera repair. You should find several sites, forum posts, etc. recommending him. Just call him to get an estimate.