Cost for Scratched CCD/Filter Repair?

[Celeste Painter]

The sensor (or is it a filter in front of the sensor? I can't find a parts diagram for my camera) is scratched on my Canon 5dm2. Has anyone had this part repaired by Canon Authorized Repair and would let me know about how much it cost? My camera is out of warranty so I'm expecting to pay full repair price.

I'm planning to send to the repair shop in California--the closest of the three repair options on Canon's website. I tried the local dealership with Canon Authorized Repair, but they wouldn't even take a stab at cost range and told me that I would need to leave my camera at their store and it would take 3 weeks just for them to get back to me with an estimate. They didn't want to guess at how quickly it could be repaired after that. By using Canon's website, the entire repair should only take a week.

very bummed :(

[David Stephens]

Since you're in doubt, are you sure it's not the mirror in front of the sensor? If it's the mirror, then it will not show up in your images. Do you see the scratch in your images?

[David Burren]

The sensor itself isn't exposed in that camera, so yes it's a filter in front of it which might be scratched (if as DavidS mentions the scratches show up in the images).
However I think the filter is part of the sensor assembly, and not listed as a separate spare part. If the repairer "follows the book" (and I presume Canon would) then I think it will involve replacing the whole sensor, which is usually a significant cost. But how much? I think you'll need to send it in to Canon to get a quote.

[Don Lacy]

Call a Canon repair rep they should be able to give you an estimate you might also want to consider joining CPS if you have enough equipment to qualify. My friend is having trouble with oil on the sensor of his 1DX and the rep told him if they cannot get it clean they will have to replace the senor assembly not just the AA filter which does not sound cheap lucky for him his camera is still under warranty.

[Celeste Painter]

It was definitely the sensor--but isn't there a filter in front of the actual ccd? Regardless, turns out it wasn't a scratch--just looked like a scratch, but it only needed cleaning. Best part was that they charged less than half of what the local shop charges (price including 2-day shipping), and it was fast. I'm going to use them from now on for cleaning.

[David Burren]

It was definitely the sensor--but isn't there a filter in front of the actual ccd?
"CCD" is a different tech: these are "CMOS" sensors. Whatever. Yes there is a filter in front of the actual sensor, but it's common for people to refer to the entire assembly as "the sensor".
The filter is not floating in front of the sensor: the gap behind it is sealed at the sides at the factory and it's probably not unreasonable for those people to be lazy with the terminology (however much it offends us pedants).


Regardless, turns out it wasn't a scratch--just looked like a scratch, but it only needed cleaning.
When you stated it was scratched, I guess most of us assumed that you'd already tried cleaning it. What level of cleaning had you tried? For me cleaning progresses through phases/levels until the dirt is gone:


Phase 1 of cleaning is the built-in shaker.
Phase 2 is to blow out the exposed sensor (with a clean blower!). This will get rid of most debris, and many people stop here and pass it off to specialists for cleaning if it's still dirty.
Phase 3 for me is cleaning with an Arctic Butterfly (static-charged brush).
If that doesn't budge it my Phase 4 is a "wet clean" with Eclipse.


Many people don't feel confident with taking on too much of the cleaning themselves, but when working in the field it helps to be a little self-sufficient and at least be able to do Phase 2.

[Celeste Painter]

ah. Thanks for the correction. I used to be into CCD cameras for astrophotography back when I was still using film for everything else. Didn't realize DSLRs used a different sensor--although, never paid attention really.