Author: Andrew

A Father, Photographer and Computer Geek living in Chester County (PA).

My Photo Journal of images taken in Chester and Lancaster Counties, including Covered Bridges, Barns, Nature, Fine Art and Events. Images can also be found on VisitPA.com and ExplorePATrails.com.

Cleaning My Sensor

Post author By Andrew
Post date December 31, 2012

I have had my Canon XTi since 2007, and all during this time, I have used numerous tools to dust out the sensor chamber, including my old spray paint brush and compressor.

But lately, the dust monsters have really taken a toil on my productivity, only increasing my touch-up skills, and it was during my processing of some foggy morning pictures, that I knew, something had to be done.

Turning to my online connections on Facebook and Google+, I asked the question if anyone had done their own sensor cleaning, and if they had any tips, suggestions.

While waiting for responses, I started my own research, with a reference page, as well as reading various reviews on Amazon, Adorama and B&H Photo.

A great place to start, is CleaningDigitalCameras.com, which has a lot of comprehensive information on various tools and techniques.

After reading various pages, I knew that I needed 1) a very careful “Dry” cleaning; and if that did not work, 2) a “Wet” cleaning with swabs, and the two main vendors to look at were VisibleDust and Photographic Solutions.

What am I looking for?

I searched the internet for what it would cost me to get my camera Professionally cleaned, and although prices varied, be prepared to spend $60+ per cleaning, and being without your camera for a period of time, and in some cases, not as clean as you hoped (or paid for).

So, I am looking for a “Beginner” kit that can offer me both a Dry and Wet sensor cleaning option that does not cost a great deal.

As my daughter says, I’m cheap…

I like to think frugal…

VisibleDust

The VisibleDust systems are very cool looking and many different options to suit your needs, and I almost purchased their Christmas Special, but after reading some of the reviews on Amazon, I became very hesitant.

Photographic Solutions

According to Photographic Solutions, they actually worked with NASA to develop the BrushOff system, and is endorsed by most of the major camera manufacturers.

They offer two different “Digital Survival Kits“: Basic and Professional.

The Basic offers the same basics as the VisibleDust Christmas Special, but one still needed a brush, and with that additional cost, the price for the two systems is about equal.

The Professional version offers a Brush, Magnifying Glass and Air Blower, all in a nice nylon pouch for around $125.00 USD.

Adorama

I recently upgrade my Adorama account to a VIP status (what ever that means), and was eager to see if this might affect my order in any way.

On Wednesday, December 26th, I placed my order for the “Photographic Solutions Pro Digital Survival Eclipse Kit #2” and opted for the 3-5 Business Day shipping for an added $3.95, and figured I would see my package early next week, just in time for the new year!

Saturday (30th), the snow is still falling, and my son and I, are finally finishing the plowing of the driveway by hand, and in checking the mailbox, I was very pleased to see a package from Adorama!

I know what I get to play with tonight!

Preparations

Finally, around 11PM Saturday night, the house is quiet, and I am able to unpack and examine my new toys.

Knowing that I wanted to start with a dry cleaning, I once again reviewed the BrushOff video provided on the Photographic Solutions website.

Note 01 – In the video, the instructor mentions an ECLIPSE packet that comes with each brush. This is NOT true for this Kit. Instead you have to create your own using a “PEC*PAD with ECLIPSE Optic Cleaner” –

“Be sure your fingers do not touch any of the PAD that will come in contact with the unique and patented fiber materials. If the brush should become contaminated, simple saturate a PEC*PAD with ECLIPSE Optic Cleaner and gently wipe the bristles. Air dry for a few seconds and replace protective cap being sure cap itself has not become contaminated. To further protect the BRUSHOFF fibers, they are fully retractable into the handle when not in use and a protective cap is also supplied.” – BRUSHOFF Information

Note 02 – The video suggests placing a PEC*PAD on clean area, so I placed mine on top of the Sensor Swab box, and then added a couple of drops of ECLIPSE Optic Cleaner.

Almost immediately, the ink from the box began to leach through the pad.

I should have known better.

I ended up using folded over white paper, and will seek a better setup.

Into the Chamber

I used the included magnifying glass to first look at what I was getting into.

I was pleasantly surprised to see, that it included a working LED light, and a magnification that was useful!

Using the magnifying glass, I could easily see some dust, and first used the included small Giotto Rocket Blower, and checked again.

I could still see some dust, so I decided to take the more dramatic measure of using the BrushOff.

I very carefully whipped the sensor a couple of times, blew with the Rocket, and then checked with the magnifying glass again, again.

The dust appeared to be moving, but not off the sensor.

Attaching the provided grounding wire, I ‘charged’ the brush, while tapping it firmly, and returned to cleaning the sensor.

This time, there did seem to be a difference.

Preliminary Testing

After the sensor cleaning, I took a couple of test shoots in my office, but the lighting at midnight is not really a good test.

What I could see, gave me encouragement.

I really need to get out, shoot some landscapes at f22, and then see the results.

Updates to follow…

Conclusion

It is still to early to make a definitive conclusion, but I have learned, it is not as hard as one might think, as long as you are very careful.

I also learned several new ways to clean my camera’s sensors, which should also carry forward into future cameras. There alone saving on time and money associated with Professional cleanings, and my costs moving forward should be relatively low since I now have some base equipment, which should last for years.

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Tags Adorama, Amazon, B&H Photo, BrushOff, Canon XTi, Cleaning, CleaningDigitalCameras.com, Digital Survival Kits, Dry Cleaning, ECLIPSE Optic Cleaner, Giotto Rocket Blower, PEC*PADs, Photographic Solutions, Review, Sensor, Sensor Swabs, VisibleDust, Wet Cleaning

Black & White Chester County Downingtown Drawdown HDR Lakes Long Exposure Marsh Creek State Park Nature Photo Essay Photo Journal Tone Mapping Water Weather

South of the Boat Ramp (Day 5)

Post author By Andrew
Post date December 20, 2012

I parked in nearly in the same spot as I did some ten days ago, when I was exploring the northern side of the boating launch on that foggy morning.

Today, there is more activity and the temperature is finally starting to reflect that it is late December…

While gathering my gear, I saw several people walking, some dogs running, and once I was ready, I headed toward south-east, along the shoreline.

As I walk in the sand, I know, just to my right, there is a very well-worn path that I have walked countless times before, but today, it is difficult to even recognize the “beach” where I have been many times before.

It was one of my easier walks to the end of the blunted point, that almost points due south, where I was once again greeted with more wood pilings (Woodhenge) sticking out of the lake’s bed.

From there, I started into the cove, and I knew from previous walks along the dirt path, off to might right, that I was entering a heavy vegetation area, but once again, walking the shoreline made it look so different, and I did not expect it to drop off so quickly.

Finally, I reached the end of the cove, or at least as I was far as I was willing to go.

I was not having to have another mud adventure!

Walking back, I took this final capture, knowing I had to get back to the real world, and do some holiday shopping.

Tech Notes

Canon XTi ISO100 f16-f22 with a ND 3.0 filter
HDR Capture with 3-4 captures between 15-120 seconds (raw)
HDR Processing – Lightroom 4.3 > Photoshop CS5 > HDR Efex Pro 2 > Viveza 2
B&W Processing – Photoshop CS5 > Lightroom 4.3

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Tags Black & White, Chester County, Downingtown, Drawdown, Marsh Creek Lake, Marsh Creek State Park, Post Clusters, Woodhenge

Blogging Chester County Downingtown Drawdown Fog HDR Marsh Creek State Park Photo Essay Photo Journal Photography Tone Mapping Water Weather

Foggy Morning at the Boat Launch (Day 4)

Post author By Andrew
Post date December 10, 2012

We woke up to a very foggy morning that had engulfed our area during the night.

With nothing pressing on my agenda, I got my kids off to school, packed my car with my photo gear, and headed off to try to capture some of this elusive weather.

Not knowing how long the fog would last, time was of the essence, but I also knew that I had to be careful on a day like today.

In the back of my head, I heard my inner voice, my wife and a recent conversation with Joe all going off, so I drove down to the mega-sporting goods store in Downingtown, looking for orange apparel, only to find a very limited inventory, and in only youth sizes.

Do I drive over to Exton? Or just head on out, being extremely careful?

Personally, I think I looked more like a bear, carrying a tripod, but that is another conversation…

I left the store, I jumped into my car, and headed north on Creek Rd, towards the boat launch area of Marsh Creek State Park.

As I drove along road, I could see areas of fog along the Brandywine that were beginning to thin out, and I begun to wonder if this day was going to be a bust of a trip, but I continued on.

When I turned on to N. Reeds Rd., and was looking over the horse pasture, and on to the lake, there was nothing but grey-white fog, and I knew I was going to have some fun!

I parked at the main lot at the bottom of the hill, where normally, the bumper of your car to the water is may be 40 feet, but now because of the drawdown and gradual slope to the ‘underwater’ terrain, the nearest lake water is easily over 100 feet away!

As I get out of the car, and I am packing my photography vest, getting ready for my walk, I can easily overhear three guys yelling between themselves about what to do about a boat.

I could not make it all out, but what I could, sounded was rather comical, and they where definitely making the best of it.

It is hard not to be amazed at this new landscape the 8 foot drawdown has revealed, and with the shallow slope of the southern launch area, the water seemed miles away.

The fog had receded a little bit, and condensed a little into a light mist, which would accumulate into water droplets when it hits such things as your lens.

Note – I just read a story earlier in the week how harmful acids in your breath can actually damage your camera lens.

It was not until I rounded the corner of the barbecuing point, did I realized why those three gentlemen had been so excited in their earlier conversations.

The launch ramp where normally one would back their boat down into the water, was now a mixture of sand, mud and rocks, and the water was well over 100 feet away.

No easy task, and the risk of getting your vehicle stuck was rather high.

The three gentlemen had used their truck to move their boat to the grassy area next to the launch.

From there, they dragged their boat over firmer sand and mud, and finally into the water!

Talk about dedicated fishers!

I continued north of the launch area, and rounded another small little point, where I saw a series of beautiful old tree stumps that had weathered over many years of being underwater, and now the roots look more like the tentacles of an squid.

As I continued to walk along the shoreline, I was greeted with forrest present-day fossils of shapes that were once living trees.

After some time of collecting more images, I finally reached the Chalfant Rd entrance to the park and proceeded along the coastline a little bit more, until I reached a very peculiar outcropping of rocks, that just made me stop.

It was very apparent that there was a layer structure to the rocks, but there also seems to be indication that the rock has bent. How?

This does not make sense, but it will be a good conversation with my wife later on tonight.

I turned around, and started back to the car, knowing that I had allot of image processing that I needed to start on…

Update

2012-Dec-17 – In doing my normal daily reading, I ran across these following links of interest at they relate to the Marsh Creek Lake/State Park water drawdown:

Fishing Fever #40 … Marsh Creek Lake Draw Down
Fish Habitat Improvement Plan Map – Marsh Creek Lake, Chester County

This Gordon’s Supply Company page, that shows the 2010 drawdown, as well as some historic images from the 1970s!

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Tags Boat Launch, Chester County, Downingtown, Drawdown, Fog, Marsh Creek Lake, Marsh Creek State Park

Chester County Christmas Downingtown Downingtown Christmas Parade Events Flickr Holidays Photo Essay Photo Journal Photography

2012 Downingtown Christmas Parade

Post author By Andrew
Post date December 8, 2012

Some images taken during the 2012 Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Parade in Chester County PA.

The weather was overcast, but the temperatures were in the 50s and the start of the parade, not nearly as cold as last year.

Downingtown PA High School Band (East & West)

Did not seem as there were as many people as there had been in the past, but that could have been because of the potential bad weather.

More images of this years parade can be found on my Flickr photostream.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

– Andrew

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Tags Chester County, Christmas, Downingtown, Downingtown Christmas Parade, Downingtown Christmas Parade Pictures, Event, Flickr, Good Neighbor Parade, Parade, Pictures

Chester County Downingtown Drawdown HDR Lakes Long Exposure Marsh Creek State Park Nature Photo Journal Photography Tone Mapping Water

Missing water – Day 3 (Milford Rd point)

Post author By Andrew
Post date December 4, 2012

I have never been to the Milford Road side of Marsh Creek before, so this is going to be very interesting.

As I entered the circle at the end of Milford Road, I saw a man standing at the trail-head dressed in orange and a gun on his shoulder.

I parked and as I got out the car, I asked the man if he had seen a lot of other people in the area, to which he said no, and then we started to chitchat.

After some time we introduced ourselves to one another, and as I read his card, I noticed that Joe Isaacs, was a drumming instructor, to which I said to him, that I had just posted earlier a video of some taiko drummers!

The two of us chatted for a little bit more than said our goodbyes, and I headed down the path to the rest of Milford Road.

Woodhenge/Pilings - South West — Woodhenge/Pilings – South West

Crossing over a pile of rocks, I started to walk along the new shoreline, which was sandy at first, then turned darker the closer I got to the water.

One could definitely see several levels at which the water had receded.

My tripod and camera were still hanging from my neck as I walked along the beach, and slowly moved into a slightly muddier area looking at a potential shot.

In fine tuning my position, I took a half a step back and was soon sinking in mud!

Within a fraction of a second, I was thigh deep in mud, and stuck.

This was not good.

I twisted myself so that I was facing where I had just come from, and I threw my tripod about 10 feet.

Somehow I had managed to keep my camera clean so far, as I tried to figure out a way to get back to safer ‘ground’.

Leaning forward, and on to my elbows, I started to slither back along my footsteps.

When I felt confident enough, I tried to stand up, which was easy enough to do, thankfully.

As I was standing there, re-assessing my situation, my cell phone began to ring.

I do not know why I answered the phone, but I did.

It was a customer wanting to schedule a meeting to drop off some photography that I had done for her.

I explained to her that I was not in front of my computer, but I could give her a call back at another time which she easily agreed to.

Wonder if my heavy breathing had something to do with her reaction.

Then it began to hit me.

The unique scent of fresh swamp mud…

Was I going to continue the day…

I was definitely having second thoughts, but decided to trudge along for as far as I could.

If there still were any bugs that were thinking of me as a snack, I definitely had the ultimate repellent for the day, and each time I tried to find some place to wash off, I still feared sinking in again.

After several hundred feet, I reached a series of more piling clumps and captured some images, and at one point snapping an image showing the boat rental facility where I had been a couple of days before.

I walked along the various shallow inlets, and as I got further along the western coast line, it became dramatically steeper, and eventually came to a place where a newly fallen tree prevented me from going any further, so I turned around and headed back.

Returning to where I had started, I decided to continue on, heading east an into the small cove.

As I approached this end of the lake, on the other side I could see more pillars sticking out of the mud, along with several big rocks that dotted the mud flats in front of me.

Finally in the corner of the cove, coming out of the woods, was a small stream of clear water, which I happily stepped in to trying to clean my legs and shoes, but there was just not enough.

Looking at my watch, it is time to head back home and greet the kids, as they got off the bus and start the rest of the afternoon activities, including some good cleaning!

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Tags Chester County, Downingtown, Drawdown, Marsh Creek Lake, Marsh Creek State Park, Milford Rd, Woodhenge