Dark lines at f/22 on every lens — dirty sensor smear or scratched sensor?
Asked 1/29/2021
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2 answers
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I’m seeing the same dark line marks in photos no matter which lens I use, so I don’t think the problem is lens-related. The example was shot at ISO 100, f/22, 1/8s, and I increased Dehaze in Lightroom to make the marks easier to see. Ignore the sun flare on the left.
I haven’t cleaned the sensor yet because I’m waiting for a sensor cleaning kit. Do these marks look more like dust/smears on the sensor, or possible scratches/damage? What’s the best way to check safely?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
1
Please refer to your camera's manual on how to set your cam into sensor cleaning mode. This will open the shutter and flip the mirror up (if there is one). You should now see the exposed sensor. Use a strong flashlight and shine it onto the sensor from the side. You should now see, if there is any damage on the sensor.
For me, this looks like smear on the sensor, but it might also be scratches. If there is just traces of a botched cleaning attempt, you can remove it with the cleaning kit you ordered. If these are scratches, then you are in for a costly repair.
Originally by user88965. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user88965
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Because the marks appear with every lens and are most visible at f/22, the problem is very likely on the sensor/filter stack rather than the lens.
From the description, it could be either:
- a smear/residue from contamination or a bad cleaning attempt, or
- actual scratches/damage.
A safe first check is to use your camera’s sensor-cleaning/manual-cleaning mode so the shutter opens and the mirror lifts (if your camera has one). Then inspect the exposed sensor area with a strong light from the side. That can help reveal whether you’re seeing surface smear or physical damage.
If it’s just residue, a proper sensor cleaning kit may remove it. If the marks are scratches, cleaning will not fix them and the camera may need professional repair, which can be expensive.
So: inspect first, then try proper sensor cleaning only if it looks like contamination rather than damage.
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