The oil spatter problems with my 1DX II seem to be diminishing over time … I did use it for a full morning session and will check it when I get home. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I had similar problems when I tried to clean my 1DX II sensor … Whatever the truth about the oil spatter the 1DX II certainly has taken a step back as far as sensor dust is concerned. Thanks for your kind words and let us know what happens down the road. With love, artie

I noticed that you decided to take your 1DX Mark II on this trip. I read from a previous blog entry that you were having trouble with oil splatter and were considering selling the camera if replaced; I am just wondering if you ever got it sorted out with Canon or B&H?

If you’re interested, here’s my story with my camera:

My original 1DX Mark II had some strange ‘brush-like’ marks appearing on my images at narrow apertures (f/10+). I had never touched or cleaned the sensor, so these marks were from the factory. Long story short, Canon replaced the sensor because these marks were from a defect in the sensor stack. I have actually seen two other early production 1DX Mark II’s with similar issues, which leads me to theorize that there was a production issue (maybe caused by the earthquake in Japan last year?).

The camera arrived back to me with a brand new sensor, but started flinging oil everywhere too after I spent an afternoon photographing some Great Blue Heron at my local bird sanctuary. I contacted Canon about this phenomenon and they simply said to send it in. As I had a job the next day, I opted for the fast route and had a local shop attempt to clean the sensor. My mistake. The cleaning produced a long horizontal scratch across the middle of the sensor, and it was as if even more debris/oil was covering the sensor afterwards. All in all, the repair cost a whopping $1700. However, the good news that came out of it was Canon replaced my camera for the cost of the sensor repair, saying that they were unable to repair my other unit.

I’ve been lightly using this new 1DX Mark II for about five months now, and I do mean lightly. I don’t know what the oil situation is, as I haven’t had the stomach to look extensively, but I do have what I believe are a fair amount of dust spots showing up at f/10 or so. Needless to say from my past experience, I’ll be sending it to Canon for my sensor cleanings now on.

Anyways, thank you in advance for reading this and for answering my question. I love your work, and your photos are always an inspiration for me to get out there and photograph some birds when I have a chance.