cleaning ccd
 

hi *waves* everyone, it's been a while...

not sure if this goes here...feel embarrassed...still don't know where this goes after all this time...

my brother has a canon 20d, we've just noticed many dust specs inside the camera body. we've tried blowing it, but nothing works...any one here encounter the same problems?

also, my old nikon 5700 seems to be acting up. the viewfinder would flicker here and there but the shots come out fine, any suggestions?

thanks in advance for your help.

the dust you're seeing is most likely on the mirror - it won't effect the image quality because the mirror swings up to expose the CCD when you click the shutter button.

to clean the dust off the mirror you'll need a blower brush, which looks like this:

http://aka.fotovista.com/dev/1/7/430...g_43050071.jpg

be VERY gentle and don't press hard at ALL. Just lightly lift the dust away from the mirror with the dust.

as for the viewfinder on your nikon, it's most likely an electrical connection problem that you're probably best off letting a pro handle.

SE, I think this is an inherent problem with the 20D's, because I have had the problem many times. Shoot off a few shots towards a light background with a small aperture like f22. Pull the photos up and see if you can see any dust spots. If you can, the dust is on your sensor.

Check out the link below from Visible Dust.

www.visibledust.com

I recommend the following item they sell from B & H Photo (I use it all the time and my dust problems have stopped with my 20D.

B & H Photo

It'll cost you about $60.00 and it's a good investment, even tho I feel it is way over priced for what you get. It does solve all dust issues.

Can't help you with the CoolPix 5700. I know I sure miss mine for sunsets and sunrise photos.

If its stubborn dust, copper hill method. The manufacturer tells you never touch the CCD, its delicate, that sort of thing... but its not as delicate as they claim. After a year of use I had to clean my D70 sensor. Got the cleaning kit, and after a few swipes no more dust. There a chance of messing up the sensor, but its pretty small.

thank you all...and tropic...how you been? i still need to visit your site again to see new pictures...been a fan for a while now...