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Hi, I'm just wondering if anyone might live in my area and know where I could take my camera to get the sensor cleaned, I am in Matlock, Derbyshire.
I have brought a number of kits to try to do it myself but know matter what I use I seem to make matters worse or at least no better than they were to begin with.
V
First I brought a LensPen and Loupe kit, then an Artic Butterfly brush but no joy with the cleaning. More recently on recommendation I brought a Dust Aid kit. I even had a go at doing it under the supervision of the guy recommending it and I seemed to do okay. Then today about six months later having noticed quite a few dust spots on my images I decided to bite the bullet and try it on my own - big mistake!
Well in all honesty a lot of the smaller marks did go but some bigger ones stayed, so I gave it another go. At which point a new mark arrived and the stubbon ones that had stayed before stayed again!
I think I need to stop trying to do this myself before I do any damage, assuming I haven't already!!! But I brought the camera on the Internet from a company way down south so I need to find somewhere local to go.
Any suggestions would be great fully received.
Jude
In the directories area is this list of retailer with a postcode search
http://www.ephotozine.com/directories/category/photographic-retailers-39
I'd love to live in Matlock, great childhood memories. but sorry don't so cant recommend anyone local.
If your sensor is getting lots of dust spots could there be a reason you can mitigate?
Many thanks for the suggestions. I've had a look around and think I will get in contact with Harrison Cameras in Sheffield to see if they offer a sensor cleaning service. They aren't too far from me if they do.
I don't think there is any particular reason for the dust Jack. I did have a problem when I first got the camera. In the end it went back to Sony as the supplier wasn't really being much help. Sony found a problem with the low pass filter and changed it and the sensor. I do change lens from time to time, but not very often and never if the circumstances aren't good.
I had the A100 before getting the A580 and I didnt seem to as much dust as I do now though. 
Jude
Hi Jude Harrisons in Sheffield do clean sensors but charge around 50 or 60 quid a cheaper option is the University of Sheffield photo society costs £10. 
but only when they meet which is once a month info on University web pages, it is while you wait though.
cheers
Roy
Do it yourself. I clean mine when required and it scares you sh1&l*ss first time but after that it becomes easy - just make sure you camera batteries are fully charged. Buy a good quality cleaning kit which will last several cleans.
Eeeeeeezzzzyyy Peeeeeeezzzzyyyy
As I said the first time is scary and sometimes I have had to do it several times to ensure all blemishes are gone.
How do I check if its clean?
I take a photo of a pure white unblemished card, load the image into photoshop and check Levels so it is pure white. Enlarge the image and then you can scroll around the area to check if all blemishes have been removed. If not repeat the process until all blemishes are gone.
You tend not to notice marks on the sensor (image) until you shoot a white subject (white wedding dress is the classical example) or perhaps a clear sky
PS: Up your way later this year and will be eating in the Ashford Arms at Ashford on the Water, great food, great pub.
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