Should I repair or remove the scratched low-pass filter on a Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II?
Asked 1/25/2013
1 views
2 answers
0
Our Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II still works, but its optical low-pass filter (OLPF/AA filter) is scratched. At wider apertures it’s usable, but from around f/7.1 and smaller, a vertical black line appears in bright areas near the center of the frame.
A local Canon dealer quoted about €600 for replacing the filter and warned that any filter replacement carries some risk of dust getting trapped between the sensor and the new filter.
Given the camera’s age and limited use, is it better to:
- leave it as-is and keep using it only when the defect won’t matter,
- pay for the repair,
- or have the low-pass filter removed/modified by a specialist instead?
I’m mainly looking for practical guidance on whether repairing or modifying an older 1Ds Mark II makes sense.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
4
I have personal experience with camera conversions from a "lab" in the United States their link is http://www.maxmax.com/
The web site takes a little getting use to as it seams a little less user friendly but there is a ton of information and examples.
For me "if" the camera actuation's are within 1/2 of its life expectancy I would have it "modified"
LDP or MaxMax.com have a service where they "Hot Rod" the sensor by removing the Low Pass Filter, this is done under strict "clean room" conditions.
By doing this the images become sharper and actually increases resolution not much but noticeable, however you don't get something for nothing and by removing this filter the camera is prone to moire'.
Newer cameras from Nikon and Canon are now producing high end cameras without this filter, don't quote me on this but I believe the Nikon 7100 and Canon's 1Dx are amount those.
SO to sum it up I'd get it modified and enjoy a full frame camera that can work with the "BIG" boys at a fraction of the cost.
Robert from Canada
Originally by user19529. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user19529
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
It mainly comes down to economics and how you use the camera. Based on the answers, replacing the OLPF is possible, and while dust contamination is a real risk, it’s generally considered a relatively small one if done by an experienced specialist.
A second option is to have the low-pass filter removed rather than replaced. This can improve sharpness slightly, but it also increases the risk of moiré. Specialist conversion services were mentioned as doing this under controlled conditions.
So the practical choice is:
- Keep using it as-is if you rarely stop down and the defect doesn’t affect your paid work.
- Repair it if the camera’s value and usefulness to you justify the cost.
- Consider OLPF removal/modification only if you understand the moiré tradeoff and are comfortable altering the camera.
For an older 1Ds Mark II that you don’t use much, leaving it as-is is often the most sensible option unless you specifically need it fully functional again.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI13y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Can you clean dust from a camera sensor if the sensor cover glass is scratched?
Can you add an optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter with a lens filter?
What are the main drawbacks of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, and when would another Canon full-frame body be a better choice?
Why does the Canon 5DS R use a low-pass filter cancellation design instead of having no AA filter at all?
Why is the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III more expensive than the EOS-1D Mark IV?