Mission Accomplished -- A100 de-blotched

[regnaD kciN]

As I mentioned earlier, I picked up an open-box Sony A100 a month or so ago. Unfortunately, on reviewing the results of my first shoot, it became obvious the camera had a flaw on the sensor, leaving a very noticeable blotch in the lower left-hand corner of each image. So, off it went to the Sony service center in Laredo for warranty repair. The camera was just returned, and I'm happy to say that the folks in Laredo proved far more adept than another Texan I could mention at accomplishing their mission, as the replacement sensor/IR filter works great.



On the Edge of Spring -- a simple test shot taken a few steps outside our garage. I must say that I'm getting very impressed with the Sigma 10-22mm, even if it does vignette with the Cokin P filter system at its widest end.

[ConsAreLiars]

1. Good news on Sony support, but

how the hell did you get that clouds and blue sky background to move into position when the lighting on the trees was still stunning. OK, a secret, or luck, or just being talented and aware. I suspect the latter.

[regnaD kciN]

5. Actually, this one really WAS pure luck...

After I got my camera back, I did the usual "shoot a blank sheet of white paper and look for spots" test, then put the camera bag in my car in case I found a photo-op while out driving. A few hours later, I went out through the garage to pick up the mail. As I was returning to the house, I happened to look up, and found the exact image I posted. All I needed to do was get the bag from the trunk, attach a polarizer, and grab a couple of hand-held shots. No skill in this one at all, I'm ashamed to admit.

[ConsAreLiars]

8. Well, luck, as as being at that place at that time was one component,.

"I happened to look up" describes that one part. But what you then did is what makes you such a talented photographer. Both the impulse to "grab a couple of hand-held shots" plus the skill to know that that to "get the bag from the trunk, attach a polarizer" would make the image a bit more compelling are the additional factors that made the photo what we see as exceptional.

[regnaD kciN]

9. Well, maybe I get a bit of credit for the polarizer, but...

Both the impulse to "grab a couple of hand-held shots"...

...one thing I have found is that, when I get the sense that something might make a good photo, I need to take it; if I don't, for some reason I can't explain, my next day or two of shooting always come out poorly. I don't know if it's karma or something subconscious on my part, but, if I neglect to take advantage of a decent photo-op, I seem to lose my ability to see shots for a little while.

:shrug:

[Eurobabe]

2. Gorgeous, explain to me, re: blotches

I have them on my Canon 20D, they are inside. Cleaning has not helped (manual) what is the best next step? Send into Canon?

How many clams? Any idea?

[ET Awful]

3. You can do it yourself. Do a google search for Copper Hill method and sensor cleaning

I've done it on my Nikons (D70 and D200, no need to yet on the new D300).

It's very easy to do and simply requires care and patience.

[regnaD kciN]

6. What you're talking about are dust spots...

They can easily (but with care!) be removed using either a Giottos "Rocket-AIR" blower or the Copper Hill kit.

The blotch I had was different -- there was some sort of larger (1mm diameter or so) deposit on the IR filter. It may have been paint or glue, or maybe it was an actual ding in the filter itself. But, in any event, it produced a good-sized "splatter" effect in the lower-left corner. The best way I can think of to describe it is as if a large raindrop hits a windshield while the car is moving. It was clearly something much more severe than a usual dust spot, and nothing that could be cleaned at home.

[Maestro]

4. Gorgeous and stunning!

Glad to hear it was fixed!

BTW, Shrub ain't Texan! ;)

[regnaD kciN]

7. Good point -- was he originally from Connecticut...?

I suspect that every state would be in a hurry to disown him as a "native son" by now.