sbroock
10-10-2007, 03:20 PM
During the test shoots in Central Park, we noticed tiny grey blurry dots in several shots -- signs that there was dust on the sensor. To be more accurate, dust on the glass plate that covers the RED sensor.
The RED is such a marvel of 4K goodness, that the more mundane aspects of care and maintenace haven't been really discussed. This is likely something you are going to have to deal with soon after you get your camera.
Here, the solution once again can be attributed to my friends at Off Hollywood.
I dropped by their office and we tested out two extremely valuable pieces of equipment:
The Visibledust LED Magnifying Loupe
http://www.visibledust.com/products3.php?pid=600
The Visibledust Arctic Butterfly Sensor Cleaner (Model 724 I believe)
http://www.visibledust.com/products3.php?pid=701
[ED: On the above linked product page there is a video demonstration button that will show you the entire process]
First off, the Loupe is just great. It works extremely well with the RED, fully lighting the barrel. The resulting magnification and visibility of the glass covering the sensor is exceptional. Plain as could be, I could easily see the offending culprits. Stupid dust.
The Arctic Butterfly is a dry approach to dust removal. A battery powered motor spins the brush head at a high speed, flattening it out and creating an electrostatic charge (also flinging off debris). After a couple of on and off spins, you gently pass it accross the sensor covering glass.
After two passes, we pulled out the Loupe to examine the result -- dust was gone. And I mean GONE. The electrostatic charge picks up the dust like a magnet.
I admit this process made me nervous at first, but as this is going to become a routine matter, I feel comfortable that it will serve well in the field.
I'd love it if other owners (and soon to be owners -- hello 50-100) could add to this thread with their tips and techniques.
-Scott
The RED is such a marvel of 4K goodness, that the more mundane aspects of care and maintenace haven't been really discussed. This is likely something you are going to have to deal with soon after you get your camera.
Here, the solution once again can be attributed to my friends at Off Hollywood.
I dropped by their office and we tested out two extremely valuable pieces of equipment:
The Visibledust LED Magnifying Loupe
http://www.visibledust.com/products3.php?pid=600
The Visibledust Arctic Butterfly Sensor Cleaner (Model 724 I believe)
http://www.visibledust.com/products3.php?pid=701
[ED: On the above linked product page there is a video demonstration button that will show you the entire process]
First off, the Loupe is just great. It works extremely well with the RED, fully lighting the barrel. The resulting magnification and visibility of the glass covering the sensor is exceptional. Plain as could be, I could easily see the offending culprits. Stupid dust.
The Arctic Butterfly is a dry approach to dust removal. A battery powered motor spins the brush head at a high speed, flattening it out and creating an electrostatic charge (also flinging off debris). After a couple of on and off spins, you gently pass it accross the sensor covering glass.
After two passes, we pulled out the Loupe to examine the result -- dust was gone. And I mean GONE. The electrostatic charge picks up the dust like a magnet.
I admit this process made me nervous at first, but as this is going to become a routine matter, I feel comfortable that it will serve well in the field.
I'd love it if other owners (and soon to be owners -- hello 50-100) could add to this thread with their tips and techniques.
-Scott