Those marks are pretty much impossible to avoid on older sensors, I think. I used to work as a press photographer, and even with the high end Canon cameras (5d mark I and II, 1d mark II and III at the time) we would get those marks all the time. Of course we used the cameras a lot and changed lenses all day long, so sensor cleaning was part of the routine. And removing dots in Photoshop! I have the Leica ME (same as you, I think) and that has those dots too. The guy I bought it from worked in a camera store and did sensor cleaning for professional photographers, and he said there was no way of damaging the sensor in any way by cleaning it with a proper liquid. So that's what I do! Thankfully haven't had any problems with corrosion or anything like that. (Knock on wood). Hope there's still plenty of life left in you M8! It's a great little camera!

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks man

I had the M8 and M9. Cleaned them wet with sensor fluid all the time but I always had the correct sized swabs so that I can clean the whole sensor with one swipe from left to right and again right to left. Did this at least 4 times a year or whenever it was necessary. Never had a big dust problem. Before wet cleaning you should blow out the sensor (like you did) to miminze the amount of dust you move around with the swab. Never heard that the M8 had a sensor glass corrosion problem like the original M9 sensor. So wet cleaning the M8 should be no problem.

The M8 is a digital camera, as with all electronic devices components will shift values as they get older. The sensor of the M8 is based on the same Kodak KAF series as the M9. The M9 suffers from delamination, the M8 was spared from this issue (2019). Using several M bodies I still love the M8 to date, as I recently purchased a new monitor and did some calibration, I went through my photo archive and was very surprised of the output of this camera. Using the M8-M9-M10 I noticed I am using the M9 the most followed by the M8 and the M10. The M10 is an excellent camera but I miss something, I will call it "organic". Perhaps as I am getting older and more nostalgic... Greatings from Europe

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Regards and thanks

@mariogpx2990

4 жыл бұрын

You are right actually , M8 and M9 create more like film colors , very organic , i own a M10 and I love it , but I know what you mean , colors are just different.

You did the right thing- Try the dry swab first. If that does not do it, use a very small amount of cleaner fluid. Apply it to the swab of course. If that still does not do it, something has gotten under the glass screen/cover that protects the sensor. Note- you are not actually cleaning the sensor, which is a raw semi-conductor chip, but rather the sensor's protective shield. If something has gotten under that shield, it is a job for a professional. I had this happen with my Fuji X-T2 which was fortunately still under warranty. I had to send it off to their service center in New Jersey. They fixed it at no charge and sent it back to me. No dramas since then...This was about one year ago.

Why do you sound like you’re ready to cry lol. Great video. You’ve convinced me to buy my first M8. I’ve chosen one and I’m working to buy it. Thanks M8!

As a Sony mirrorless shooter I’m very familiar with dust specks and the need for frequent cleaning. Does not bother me much at all. Very happy for you that your good friend is still healthy.

I loved seeing how happy you were when you cleaned the sensor. Well done. When dry cleaning dont move it back and forth, only a swipe and use a new swap. With fluid you go once each way and change out. I have also had issues with some blowers, not sure if the rubber or what breaks down, but the blowers can put dust or particles onto the sensor so gotta watch that sometimes.

The lines look to me as though they may have been caused by the sensor cleaning swab? EDIT - ok, I should have watched the whole thing!

Absolutely love that you watch Ted and Eduardo. Love your videos as well.

I discovered your channel because of the M8, I have one and love, sensor issues will always be there in the digital realm :)

I'd wet clean it with the right-sized swab, and a single, gentle sweep (best not scrub back and forth, dust on the swab can scratch the sensor). Also, don't fall in love with a camera. Like a Vegas escort, it'll break your heart and your wallet.

@barrycohen311

5 жыл бұрын

Can't speak for Leica, but I would assume it is that same- There is a glass shield in front of the actual sensor chip, there to protect it. So that is what you would actually be scratching. Still bad news of course.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Well put

@maxxandlouie

5 жыл бұрын

Uh oh... I've fallen for my M10. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

@alozor13

5 жыл бұрын

That comment is an insult to cameras... Only an idiot would fall for a Vegas escort... They have it coming imo... I can't say that for a camera...

Thanks Paul , just got an M8 , will take note of your advice , I’ve had a Digilux 2 for 3yrs same problem with them but up to now fingers crossed no problems as of yet , keep up good work enjoy watching your channel.

Paul, never ever use the swab in the way you did, that is, pushing and pulling the swab up and down. If there is any dust, you could be scraping it up and down. Use good sensor cleaning fluid on the swab. One tiny drop on each side of the swab. Start with the swab at one side of the sensor, making sure that only one side of the swab is in contact with the sensor, i.e, keeping the swab at a 45 degree angle, not at a 90 degree angle. Pull the swab from one side of the sensor to the other in one continuous movement. STOP 🛑. Now repeat the same action from the other side of the sensor back to the side you first started the cleaning, BUT, use the other side of the swab which had no contact with the sensor, thus ensuring no contamination is applied back onto the sensor. Throw away this swab. Check your sensor by taking a photo. If you feel it may require another swipe with the swab, use a new swab.

@thoresiebrands461

5 жыл бұрын

Full accordance! Don't scratch like you did! Also don't get nervous or be impatient if you don't succeed in the first, second or third turn. Some dirt is pretty sticky and sometimes you first only move some dirt around. Cleaning the sensors of my cameras sometimes took me eight or ten turns to get a satisfying result. Cleaning fluid is basically high purity methanol which evaporates very quickly and completely without leaving any residue on the sensor. But it helps to remove some sticky dirt like pollen or grease based dirt like microscopic small oil drops. Sure, in macroscopic scale sticky dirt can be scratched off (think of a used frying pan) but it is extremely dangerous for the surface. Never use force. Use several cleaning passes. Constant dripping wears away the stone!

@paulmannone9310

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, this exactly!

Nice content Paul! I have a M8 as well. Love the color and B&W from it. Recently I got some issues with M8 similar as yours. Anyway, it’s good to catch up your video in the morning. Cheers

I've had really good results using the Altura sensor cleaning kits. Make sure you get the proper size for the sensor (full frame, aps-c, etc) and follow the directions precisely. I quickly took a filthy D610 sensor to spotless with two cleanings using the Altura kit. Also, if you want a good look at how clean your sensor is, take an outfocus shot of a well lit gray card. Say, 1/2 second or so. I keep the camera a few inches from the card. I also move the camera a bit during the exposure just to make sure I get a nice even gray shot. This gives you a great shot of how clean (or dirty) your sensor is. Once in Lightroom, a few adjustments will really highlight any spots.

I enjoy watching your blogs. Thank you for these wonderful stories, wisdom, guidance and advice.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

I have an M8 and really the results are incredible, a definition in the image that I have not had for example in the Sony A7r and in the same Leica M9. It is true that it has its problems but like any digital camera, I think I am in love with the M8 and I just want that with the care I give him every day I have shots for many more years. The sensor cleaning first applied a blow and then with a cleaning rod removed the waste with great care. Very good video, Regards.

Your vlogs are awesome, great to enjoy a vlog that is authentic, keep them coming you are inspiring me to view the world from a slightly different perspective.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Karl, glad you enjoy, really appreciate it!

When the M8 sensor dies, you get dead pixels and blue or magenta lines that get worse when you crank the iso (had that with my M8). New sensor is about the same price as a used M8. Theoretically it's worth it, since you get a brand new sensor, that will probably last another 10 years. Those lines are related to dead pixels, wich the software tries to overcorrect. Leica techs sometimes are able to map those pixels out, so you don't have to swap the sensor. There are also apps like pixel fixer to manually map the pixels out, but that didn't work for my M8.

That's really good news that your sensor can be/has been cleaned. I think the best way into digital Leica is M9 with replaced sensor (2nd Gen). Happy yours is not dying, keep on shooting.

When I first got my M8 (early 2014) I used a blower on the sensor, followed by a cleaning brush, followed by two wet cleanings with sensor swabs. The sensor went from quite dirty to very clean. There are still a pair of blobs that simply won’t clean off…they’ve likely become welded to the sensor’s cover glass over time. I haven’t wet cleaned it since, though I’ve blowed & brushed it a number of times. Similar story with my M9, though its sensor has some corrosion. This manifests in the form of tiny black dots, almost like dead pixels but somewhat larger. They’re rarely visible and can be cloned out or “healed” if necessary. This doesn’t seem to be getting any worse over time so I haven’t bothered getting the sensor replaced. I’ve only wet cleaned the M9’s sensor twice, having read that excess cleaning can make the corrosion issue worse. Dunno if that’s actually true, though.

The main problem with the M8 is the LCD at the back. If this stops working you cannot replace it, because Leica does not have any spare ones. So buy a Leica M8 only if you can afford to lose the money it costs. Otherwise go for a second hand M9 with the new sensor installed in the last 12 months or so, or a second hand M240 which are relatively cheap these days.

I agree with you on loving the M8. My first Leica and RF cam, back in Dec 2012. I'm currently selling an M8.2, but only because I have a recently acquired M9. Nothing gives as much satisfaction to me as shooting with these CCD Leicas. Don't be tempted to buy an M240. I did and it never gelled with me as much, hence the return path through M8.2 to M9. As for sensor cleaning, I've tried the swabs and fluid however I prefer to use an Arctic Butterfly.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Thankyou

When buying used digital, check it completely within return period. My M9 corroded and was replaced by M10R which is the best camera I ever owned for me. M8 is still going strong.

Excellent video as always

Glad you got it sorted. 😊

FUCKING AYE!!!! I was worried you were going to tell me my M8 was going to die. Thanks!

I felt relieved when the second cleaning helped. The lines looked like brush marks, but i decided to wait till the end oh the video and see the result. I love my xPro 1 like a leica and i've had cleaning marks like yours before - so i know the feeling. :) Cheers! :)

I have travelled the same journey with my M8 and have to regularly remove spots from my images, but there is no way I am parting with it. The joy that comes from using a superbly built but simple camera is like no other photographic experience. I have always used fluid on the swab when cleaning my sensor but I will now try your technique and see what happens. Thanks for another interesting video Paul.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter

Cameras are bought new and not repaired... especially when they are older. Your pictures are great and safe because you can judge your camera blindly. Photography is also a sensual experience and that gets lost in the depths of menus and submenus.

You inspired me to get the VSGO sensor cleaning kit. I got the full-frame kit where the swab is exactly the width of the sensor. Worked like a charm on my Leica M-P (240) which had recently been irritating me. I've had to clear up numerous spots in post processing. It did take three passes (3 wet, 3 dry) before it was all clean, but it only took a few minutes.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

4 жыл бұрын

Great news

I use fluid. There is a danger of scratching the sensor in my opinion, if you consistently use a dry swab (because it can drag the dust/dirt across, rather than lift it off with the lubrication).

@eagleeyephoto8715

5 жыл бұрын

You never gone reach sensor on any camera.What you cleaning is a peace of glass and low pass filter (IR) wich M8 lacking if I'm correct.Other than that Leica m8 is famous for sensor corrosion which turn out in to the spots.

I also had dust on the sensor of my M8 and got rid of most spots with a wet cleaning with the Photosol fluid and the Swabs. Just a normal procedure you have to do with a digital camera with interchangeable lenses if you don‘t want to clone the spots away with your editing software. By the way... film cameras need also some service from time to time.

I let mine get cleaned professionally once a year or so. Then the spots are gone again. They do use fluid. Very small apertures (F16 ) and wide angle lenses that protrude far into the camera make that you see the spots more. The lines you show us (banding?) are unfamiliar to me at iso 160. At high iso settings and underexposure banding does occur.

Sensor cleaning, there's a can or worms. Dustblower whilst holding it upside down, then a little wipe with a slightly (very slightly) damp swab, I just use tap water as I live in an area with very pure soft water. Don't use tap water if you get limescale in your kettle, use distilled water instead. Do this in on a mild day, not a hot one as the h2o can dry too quickly and leave a waterstain on the sensor. I avoid lens cleaning fluid if possible as it tends to smear if there's too much on the swab. (Squeeze bottle upside down until a little fluid appears, turn bottle right way up again and then rub the swab over the damp patch on top of the bottle. Don't squeeze the bottle on to the swab, you'll get far too much on) Never seemed to have this problem with film cameras, no matter how many times I changed film canisters.

Definitely lines from the cleaning. I have had this as well mate. I use the same sensor brush. Give it another go mate. Cheers from Canada.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Riley

I have had my M8 from Year 1, never a problem. I do clean my sensor with the wet method and have never had any problem with this method. I use Eclipse cleaning fluid, and Sensorswab Ultra, by Photosol, Inc. I also use a blower before wet cleaning. Works very well and never any problems with this method. I do not do dry cleaning as it could scratch the sensor depending on what is on the sensor. Also make sure you use the correct size swab.

Hi Paul, I´ve got an M8 and had a similar problem recently, dust spots and even worm-like shapes on some of my images. I did one cleaning run (with fluid!) and 99% of it is gone. Luckily this problem doesn´t show on my film cameras ;-)

Great video mate quick question would you buy a Leica film mp or the Leica M Monochrom with new sensor....

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

2 жыл бұрын

Film for sure

Your M8 is all gd Paul 👍 it's just sensor cleaning fluid streaks. You have to be super careful when cleaning. Only use the swap once on each side. It often takes several swabs to clean the sensor. I bought a m8 inspired by your videos! Such a nice 📷. Sometimes the focus patch stops working and it has a few hot pixels but still love it! 😸

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Travis

It's funny if you think about it, but a used M8 today still feels better in the hand than any new camera from other brand in the market. The build quality is superb.

I always use fluid and the correct size sensor swab. I clean my sensors constantly and never had a single problem...do keep in my your not actually touching the sensor for those who don't know, there is a glass covering the sensor.

If you are going to dry clean your sensor don't use the swab without fluid, as others have said you could end up scratching the sensor. The only Leica I own is an M6 so no problem however I shoot Sony A7's and these are dust magnets! That mirror was useful in more than one way. If you want to dry clean buy an Artic Butterfly, brilliant and works a treat on my Sony sensors.

My M-P (Type 240) has this same issue. Need to have the sensor cleaned one day.

I see a lot of comments and this video, but what most of people are missing is that they never touch any part of the sensor but the top peace of glass with IR filter on the back side.I would not go with M8 which has known issue with corrosion spots on the sensor.Other than that you can take cotton q tip and Iso propanol and magnification glass to check the spots and streaks. I cleaned many "sensors"or should I say top glass plate (there are usually 3 of them stacked on the sensor) through the years and never had any issue.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Well put your not cleaning the sensor your cleaning the sensor cover

I had a M8 too. It's for slow photography, cause the buffer can't catch up fast. That's worth to know before buying a M8. Leica will still clean the sensor, but not for free. I get the sensor clean by a professional and pay for it, aprox 20 GBP. If anything goes wrong, they have to repair it. The workshop has an insurance to cover mistakes. I agree with you: the M8 is a good and cheap way to get into Leica-M-photography and should it break, it still a beautiful piece of decoration to have on a shelf.

My favourite camera is my Zorki 4K, an amazing FSU camera which were at one time based on the Leica. If anything happened to it I would be heartbroken, but it only costed £50 with the lens and P&P. My wife bought it me as part of my birthday present a few years ago, but it’s more than that. It’s an underdog that has proved itself to be brilliant, and I'm British and we are all about the underdog. However much it costs I can understand the emotion you have invested your camera. Whenever I clean any sensor I do use the fluid but I only go in one direction with my swab, I’ve never done it like you do. I also like to send cameras for a CLA every so often, but that’s usually my film cameras. That can often cause massive anxiety and I'll usually ring up the company a couple of times whilst my camera is there, like some nervous expectant father. Because my digital photography is wildlife and landscapes a digital Leica doesn’t really appeal to me, but I'd love an analogue one one day. I don't know if it would take over from my Zorki 4K though, there the expectations were very low and it delivers something astounding. With a Leica the expectations are extremely high and I'd want perfection every time. I think you forgot one very important factor when you were showing your amazing images: You took those images with the Leica. The gorgeous compositions were down to you, not the camera. It is you who is the amazing photographer, that most of your subscribers admire and respect. I very much doubt that even one percent of your subscribers subscribed because of the camera you use. Yes Leica camera’s are cool, and yes like all digital cameras they render images in their own way, but they don’t have one microgram of talent. That is all Paul C Smith. Great video, thank you for posting.

@HoLeeChit11

5 жыл бұрын

Mark Harris wow, does your Zorki shoot video in 4K?

@markharris5771

5 жыл бұрын

Jas Mann Yep, but it’s always in super slow motion. In fact it’s so slow it looks like the subject isn’t moving at all. Who knew, 4K was invented in the Ukraine nearly 50 years ago. Mine was made in 1975, the year my wife was born. I knew a Jas Mann many years ago, you didn’t study engineering at UCLAN with Dr Ted by any chance?

@HoLeeChit11

5 жыл бұрын

Mark Harris that’s amazing, I’m going to get me one of those dang fangled slow mo camera thangs. And no, I’m not that Jas Mann.

I have cleaned dust from a Nikon D800 sensor I had previously owned with just a brush and a hand blower with successful results.

I bought a minging sony cam sensor looked liked a frying pan after an burnt omelette used a swab with fluid to scrub it clean then a clean swab with fluid to wipe any smudges looks immaculate

M9 sensor replacements done after September 2015 have the revised type which should have fixed the problem. There is a lot to be said for using a fresh sensor for each exposure.

My personal thought. It is residue/streaks from a previous cleaning from the previous owner. They probably used a cheap cleaning solution.

a lot of artists love it

Ouch, the way you rub the swab on the sensor. Simple rule, dont clean the sensor if you dont know how to.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gav

Dear Paul, I noticed that my M8 gets more dust on the sensor compared to other cameras I own. But It seems to be dust. People fears that the M8 can have sensor issues as the M9 has, but it's a different issue affecting only M9. I suggest to bring the camera to the Leica store for sensor cleaning. In my country and most of Europe is free for digital M owners. Maybe is the same in NZ.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

We have to get servicing done overseas here, its like a 2 - 3 month lead time

@LAUD88ITA

5 жыл бұрын

@@PaulCSmithPhotographer well, that might be a problem :(

I just ordered my book. And happy the M8 is better. 😅

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Thankyou

Could dust/debris be coming off the back end of the lens or even the mount? Just a thought, liked and subbed 👍

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Thats possible

i dont know much about leicas but looks pretty good to me - dont they have like dedicated services centers all around

I found the best way to clean the sensor in my M8/M9 is first use a blower, then wet clean with a swab and finish off with the eyelead sensor cleaning kit. Since doing this I have found my sensor to be spotless after cleaning and would recommend this process to other Leica users. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending the M8 to anyone as I have had amazing results from my M8.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Geoff

@markhadley

5 жыл бұрын

I have two Leica M8's Chrome and Black. I cleaned the sensor using a blower first, then use a damp swab, no chemicals. This works.

what swab did you use? and could you do a video on how to clean the sensor? I will never part with this camera.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

2 жыл бұрын

Cant remember thanks for watching

I own a leica m monochrome type 246 love it. And will use it until it dies or I die lol. I agree love the simplicity and high quality

Back in the day I had my Olympus C5050 dying, because of the fault sensor; the entire series was affected with the same problem. I mean that camera was nothing special nor expensive, but it was my first digital camera ever, so I was quite pissed...

Sold my M8 last year bc I was afraid to end up with a paper weight and I really miss it. I don't get the same inspiration with other cameras

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

2 жыл бұрын

Thats too bad

My leica m8 was giving me some weird lines. only 3 times out of hundreds of photos i’ve taken with it. Leica says the sensor is probably going bad. they offered to remap the pixels for $575. it happens so infrequently rn that i’m just gonna put it off

Looks like you got the sensor too wet when you were cleaning it if you do another wet cleaning you will probably get rid of them.

my leica m8 is saying all of my sd cards are full. I have tried a 64, 32, and 4GB card, all of them SDHC. The camera gets stuck formatting them. I've reformatted them on my pc and nothing changes.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

Жыл бұрын

Check your firmware and make sure your running the latest version. Do a search for it it will be available on Leicas webpage. Hope that helps

@kevinmarkham6385

Жыл бұрын

@@PaulCSmithPhotographer yeah but the instructions for updating software say to first format a memory card...

Did you shoot scenes of the black sands from this M8?

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 ай бұрын

A combination of the M8, Olympus EM5 & EM1

You have pretty weird sensor cleaning technique, I did it only once but according to instructions it was something like 2 moves: one with wet swab and one with dry. Your scrubbing moves makes me cringe a bit (pretend that some small hard particle just dropped from your hands to sensor). Anyway good to know that your camera is not dying

An M8 with its own quirks is a better world than no M8. I love mine, hold it lovingly, treat it like another child, and it sleeps in a bag more supportive than a glamping paradise. Love your channel Paul.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate

Oh dear, you have caused the lines on the sensor by the way you " cleaned " it. Nobody would do it the way you did it.

YMine has the hot pixel issue

The M8 is a very old camera now. It has many faults but if you like the quirks of film but don't want to develop negatives for any reason, the M8 is a great alternative. However, be prepared to be heart broken if it breaks coz it will cost as much as a new Sony camera to repair. If you're the kind who likes Japanese cars for their long life & low maintenance cost, stay far away from the M8 or M9. If you can live with it suddenly dieing on you & paying a handsome sum to repair, go for it. You will also have to put up with modern camera users constantly belittling you because you have a camera that has no fancy functions & has fewer megapixels than a cheap smartphone. Ignore them coz they don't yet see the magic that comes out of these cameras that Paul has time & again shown us.

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

5 жыл бұрын

Thankyou

Not the first digital my man,Leica digilux 2

@PaulCSmithPhotographer

4 жыл бұрын

I guess I meant first digital M

didn't you change a new sensor ,? did you. and the leica did change the sensor for free for a few years,.... but now it takes lots of money...

@xyzhou6207

5 жыл бұрын

It's for M9 with corrosion issues. It used to be free, now it is theoretically free but they charge you 1600 euros excluding shipping for a compulsory CLA even if you don't need it... This is how they designed a flawed product and charge customers for their mistakes.

You need to rewatch the sensor cleaning videos, you just shown everyone the wrong way to clean a sensor, I hope to god no copies you, good chance they will end up with a damaged sensor ! Do your home work before you upload a video

Initial Leica doesn't use that to clean the sensor. They use Gel Stick. Any Gel Stick will do the job. There was one video that saw the factory and one person cleaning one Leica M with the Gel Stick... but the video is not available anymore. petapixel.com/2019/01/10/this-is-leicas-official-sensor-cleaning-process/ BUT on they last video... A masterpiece in the making - your Leica M10. vimeo.com/232439739 On 03:08 you see that they use what you are using... lol After that, I can say they use both. I use Gel Stick.

Leica M8 not dying, we are

My M8 sits in a drawer, bricked with a failed shutter. I always had a love hate relationship with it. Nothing else gave that look.

@reyrey5250

2 жыл бұрын

Ahhhhh man, what was your shutter count?

@RotarySMP

2 жыл бұрын

@@reyrey5250 I dont know exactly, but about 30K.