After a few years, I've noticed a few specks of dust on my RX1R II sensor. They're noticeable even at f/5.6 and become quite obvious by f/8. Interestingly, my original RX1R has never been serviced and still shows no dust.
I'm trying to figure out the best way to clean the RX1R II sensor. From what I understand, Sony no longer services this model...though I could be wrong. I reached out to KEH, and they said they can handle it, but I'm unsure how experienced they are with this camera. Removing the sensor requires careful use of calibration shims, which really needs a skilled tech. Their quote was $350+tax+shipping, up from around $180 in the past.
I considered doing it myself since I'd be careful to return the shims exactly where they belong. But I hesitated once I saw how many delicate ribbon cables would need to be disconnected. On top of that, my RX1R II internals don't match the RX1 photos I’ve found online. They differ slightly from the RX1 and RX1R design so it requires exploration.
Has anyone successfully cleaned the RX1R II sensor themselves? I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience.
Came across the same problem for my markii here in Canada. Keh couldn’t help me. Reached out to Sony dedicated service provider here Gentec. Cost was much higher. Ended up replacing the front assembly for 1200 Cad. Quite the difference. But the work is like new. However, If I had to do it again, I would have put the money toward the newer version.
Repairs worked like a charm. I’ve recently sold the camera on the forum here.
Latouf wrote:
Came across the same problem for my markii here in Canada. Keh couldn’t help me. Reached out to Sony dedicated service provider here Gentec. Cost was much higher. Ended up replacing the front assembly for 1200 Cad. Quite the difference. But the work is like new. However, If I had to do it again, I would have put the money toward the newer version.
Repairs worked like a charm. I’ve recently sold the camera on the forum here.
Have the markiii now and couldn’t be happier.
Thank you for sharing this. Would you mind explaining why KEH wasn't able to help you? And just to clarify, was the front assembly really replaced only to clean the dust off the sensor?
The RX1R III is newer and may be dust-free for now, but I think it's inevitable that dust will get in eventually since these cameras aren't weather sealed.
I did it on the MkI and it's easy compared to other brands, i found the service manuals online; i don't know if they are available for your model.
As you noticed, you must be very careful on disconneting the ribbon cables but with the right tool for "unclipping" is doable with time and patience.
KEH, at the time and maybe still now, does do repairs for people outside of the US.
The quote from Gentec mentionned replacing part LSV-1601A. that part is the lens assembly. That part was 900 cad dollars. Price was high but at the time cheaper than getting a new unit. I really love the camera.
We will for the markiii how long before this is an issue again. By that time a markiv might have been relased. 🤪
Fred Miranda wrote:
Thank you for sharing this. Would you mind explaining why KEH wasn't able to help you? And just to clarify, was the front assembly really replaced only to clean the dust off the sensor?
The RX1R III is newer and may be dust-free for now, but I think it's inevitable that dust will get in eventually since these cameras aren't weather sealed.
Latouf wrote:
Possible that the dust was in the lens and not on the sensor?
I finally worked up the courage to do a full disassembly of my Sony RX1R II. The whole process took me about 40 minutes to get inside far enough to reach the sensor for cleaning, along with the lens.
A couple of important lessons stood out:
1) Ribbon cables. Some are extremely small and fragile, including the flip-lock (ZIF) flaps that hold them in place. Taking it slow is the key. I didn't have any issues, but you really need patience here. There is only one slide-lock type connector, and that one is for the small ribbon linking the back LCD to the other side of the camera. It works differently since there is no flap which means, the cable just goes straight in/out.
2) Calibration shims. These must go back exactly where they came from. Mine measured 0.24 (bottom), 0.52 (top right) and 0.46 (top left) in thickness, and I was careful to return them to their original spots.
When I reached the sensor, I found 4 dust specks: one large, three small. Unfortunately, I also noticed a large speck behind the cover glass. The RX1R II's design does not allow you to reach the rear element for cleaning. The cover glass sits on the lens itself and is sealed as part of a closed system. I couldn't find any way to remove it as the lens is sealed with the coverglass, so that dust will remain.
Because the glass sits so close to the sensor, I expected the spot to be visible even at very small apertures. (UPDATE: I was wrong -- this dust doesn't appear in images even at f/22.) Even if I had sent the camera to a service shop like KEH, they could only have removed the sensor dust, not the speck inside the lens assembly, which I've learned is a common complaint.
I plan to start a thread with photos and step-by-step notes of the disassembly. I took plenty of pictures along the way. This first attempt took me 41 minutes to take apart and another 45 minutes to reassemble while figuring things out. Now that I know the process, I could probably do the whole job in about 45 minutes total.I think it's safe if you take your time and have patience, but it can feel a bit advanced if you're not comfortable working with small and fragile electronics.
Now, I also figure out how to replace the internal battery (for the date/time) when it dies.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Unfortunately, I also noticed a large speck behind the cover glass. The RX1R II's design does not allow you to reach the rear element for cleaning. The cover glass sits on the lens itself and is sealed as part of a closed system. I couldn't find any way to remove it as the lens is sealed with the coverglass, so that dust will remain.
This exactly what Gentec explained was the problem and why they had to change the lense.
Good to know you will post a step by step. Let see what it will be like on the markiii when dust gets in…
I just shot at f/22 and there isn't a single dust spot on the image. Turns out the only issue was sensor dust...nothing from the lens shows up at all.
Everything else on the camera works perfectly, so I'd say the effort was worth it. I'll be posting a tutorial soon. I could've sent it to KEH but it would cost me $350 + tax + shipping and I'm not sure the tech would be as careful as I was, especially in regards to the calibration shims.
Here's my sensor at f/22. Before, there were four or 5 noticeable dust spots, and now I don't see any.
DSC-RX1RM235.0 mm f/2.0 lens35mmf/22.01/60s400 ISO+0.3 EV
Latouf wrote:
It would be fun to get the service manual of the markiii. Start to see how different it is from the mki and mkii.
The sensor cleaning process should be very similar since both cameras (R2 and R3) use the same lens and attachment method. The ribbon cables and flexible boards will likely differ, but the main assembly in the middle with the sensor on its opposite side should be very similar.
I am also trying to locate a replacement for the internal battery in the RX1R and RX1R II. According to the service manual, the battery is a rechargeable lithium called "BT2950" soldered onto the FC1004 board. After 10 to 15 years, it no longer holds a charge for the date and time, so it needs to be replaced. However, I have not been able to find a replacement anywhere. If anyone has any info, let me know. It's likely the same battery for the RX1 and RX1R but I'm not sure.
BTW, here is one image showing the RX1R II without the back cover and left heatsink/brackets.
I just found out that the battery is actually rechargeable coin shaped and goes on the 1004 flexible board (Info on RX1R II Service Manual Level 3). Sony does not provide a replacement but it's available under different brands.
You can use any of the followings:
• Seiko MS614SE: Direct equivalent; widely available from electronics suppliers like Digi-Key, Mouser, or Amazon. Cost: ~$2-5.
• Panasonic ML614 or ML614S: Same specs and fit; reliable for clock backups in cameras. Available on eBay, Amazon, or battery specialty sites. Cost: ~$3-6.
• Sanyo ML614 (now under Panasonic branding): Equivalent and often cheaper in bulk.
So, the internal battery on the RX1R II is different than the one on the RX1 and RX1R cameras.
PS: Shooting with old electronics comes with one requirement...you have to be a tech expert
I've been evaluating where dust can easily enter this camera, and I see three main points. The first is the pop-up EVF, which has gaps around it that allow dust inside. That's likely why Sony added the black tape on the top left side of the board that holds the sensor on the opposite side (see image marked in red). The tape doesn't seem to serve much purpose other than shielding that area from dust entry. I added more tape around the edges to give the sensor extra protection.
The second weak point is the speaker at the bottom of the camera, which can be sealed from the inside with tape. The third is the pair of microphone holes on the top plate. Covering them will block stereo audio recording, but you can always use an external shotgun mic on the hot shoe. After cleaning the sensor, I recommend making these modifications to help prevent new dust from getting inside.
Delicate work, Fred, and a testament to Sony's prowess in miniature electronics! I am wondering, is your Mk2 an earlier or latter production batch? I read that there are some serial numbers that indicate the version is latter (presumably after they fixed the light leak issue), and some of the latter versions have better protection for dust and modified focus gear to alleviate the E61 error. Since you and some others have owned multiple versions of this camera, I was wondering if these claims are true.
james2441139 wrote:
Delicate work, Fred, and a testament to Sony's prowess in miniature electronics! I am wondering, is your Mk2 an earlier or latter production batch? I read that there are some serial numbers that indicate the version is latter (presumably after they fixed the light leak issue), and some of the latter versions have better protection for dust and modified focus gear to alleviate the E61 error. Since you and some others have owned multiple versions of this camera, I was wondering if these claims are true.
I don't think these are true claims, just aknedotal comments from users. My version is not the first batch but rather the middle life, likely from 2018 but I'm not sure just by looking at the serial number. Is there a way to find out?
What I can say for certain is that the exterior finish of the RX1R II changed over its production run, specifically the texture. The earlier versions had a smooth glossy anodized metal finish, while the later ones, produced before the model was discontinued, had a textured flat surface similar to other Sony cameras, including the RX1R III. The difference is quite noticeable compared to my version and the ones most people own.
I know this because I recently purchased an old stock RX1R II that was still new, and it had the newer textured finish. Unfortunately, the EVF did not work and I had to return it. To make matters worse, the sensor had quite a bit of dust even though the camera was technically new. That experience shows that many of the claims you read online are anecdotal at best.
For comparison, my 2013 RX1R has never been serviced and still works perfectly with no dust inside. I have also never encountered the 1:61 error on any RX1 series camera.
Very interesting. I've heard that the ones with Zeiss vs Carl Zeiss on the lens are newer, but not sure that's confirmed. They might have been pulling them both at the same time. Do you have a photo of the rough texture RX1R II? I don't think I've ever seen one of those. My RX1R II has the Zeiss lens, but it's the same smooth finish as my RX1R.
ivancook wrote:
Very interesting. I've heard that the ones with Zeiss vs Carl Zeiss on the lens are newer, but not sure that's confirmed. They might have been pulling them both at the same time. Do you have a photo of the rough texture RX1R II? I don't think I've ever seen one of those. My RX1R II has the Zeiss lens, but it's the same smooth finish as my RX1R.
They only changed the name....the lens itself is identical with the same motors and optical design.
I should have taken close-up shots to show the texture in more detail, because it's very obvious when both cameras are side by side. Here's one from my phone. You can see the surface has a textured, flat finish instead of the earlier glossy look.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I've been evaluating where dust can easily enter this camera, and I see three main points. The first is the pop-up EVF, which has gaps around it that allow dust inside. That's likely why Sony added the black tape on the top left side of the board that holds the sensor on the opposite side (see image marked in red). The tape doesn't seem to serve much purpose other than shielding that area from dust entry. I added more tape around the edges to give the sensor extra protection.
The second weak point is the speaker at the bottom of the camera, which can be sealed from the inside with tape. The third is the pair of microphone holes on the top plate. Covering them will block stereo audio recording, but you can always use an external shotgun mic on the hot shoe. After cleaning the sensor, I recommend making these modifications to help prevent new dust from getting inside....Show more →
Thinking about it more, that black tape might actually be the “fix” Sony used for the well-known light leak issue. They recalled the initial RX1R II cameras, and it is possible that the only step they took to stop the leak was adding that tape. It may not have been intended to prevent dust from reaching the sensor at all. In which case, once that black tape is removed during sensor cleaning, it's a good idea to replace it with a new one. (I used this one)
