D700 Sensor Cleaning

Ruidoso Bill

Senior Member
First, your D700 has a built in cleaner/vibrator to dislodge dust. Make sure you have it set to work when you shut down your camera.

Here is a good tutorial I bookmarked a while back: Cleaning sensors by Thom Hogan

A blower is the first line of defense. You can check for dust/contaminants by taking a picture of a white piece of paper. A sensor scope or loupe is also suggested for seeing what you're doing.

I also read a good tutorial from a place called Copperhill, I think, if you google sensor cleaning there is quite a bit. The effective cleaning methods all include a sensor swab and usually a solution like eclipse. A quick wipe is what is required.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

fotojack

Senior Member
If you mount and dismount your lenses carefully, you shouldn't have to clean your sensor more than once a year. Seriously.

When unmounting a lens, have the other lens ready beforehand! Tilt the camera face towards the ground, dismount the lens. Keeping the camera tilted toward the ground still, mount the other lens. The less dust you allow to fall into the camera opening the better. Using common sense goes a long way in keeping your gear in top shape. Treat your camera roughly, and it won't last long.
 

Ruidoso Bill

Senior Member
If you mount and dismount your lenses carefully, you shouldn't have to clean your sensor more than once a year. Seriously.

When unmounting a lens, have the other lens ready beforehand! Tilt the camera face towards the ground, dismount the lens. Keeping the camera tilted toward the ground still, mount the other lens. The less dust you allow to fall into the camera opening the better. Using common sense goes a long way in keeping your gear in top shape. Treat your camera roughly, and it won't last long.

Good advice from Jack, I think in addition your climate/conditions will change that frequency. If you live in or travel in the southwest and change lenses a lot you will be cleaning the sensor more frequently.
 

gqtuazon

Gear Head
We sensor cleaning is the best method to get rid of those stubborn dirt or lint inside your sensor. Youtube is a good resource to get you started.


I got my cleaning kit from B and H photo. I normally clean my sensor twice a year since I got my cleaning kit. I used to change lenses out on the field more frequently before since I use to have a lot of prime lenses. Changing lenses just like what Jack have suggested is the better way and it is what Nikon recommends.

Here are some old shots before. I hope this helps and good luck.

gw_169.jpg



gw_169a.jpg
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
One thing that hasn't been mentioned so far is that there is a setting where the camera will do it's self-cleaning when you turn it on or shut it off. I have my setting (self-cleaning) turned on at startup and off. One thing my camera shop frined told me is that this self-cleaning thing is more efficient if the camera is set on a solid surface and leveled.
Hope this helps.
 

chowchow

New member
Thanks all, I have been watching youtube videos on how to clean the sensor and I have have mislead all of you guys. I actually have two specks on the mirror that you immediately see when you take of the lens. Now that is not the sensor or is it?

Sorry if this is confusing! I am still learning a lot about the mechanial of cameras. Definitely a good learning experience.

Thanks all.
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
Thanks all, I have been watching youtube videos on how to clean the sensor and I have have mislead all of you guys. I actually have two specks on the mirror that you immediately see when you take of the lens. Now that is not the sensor or is it?

Sorry if this is confusing! I am still learning a lot about the mechanial of cameras. Definitely a good learning experience.

Thanks all.

Good, but make sure you get rid of these speck BEFORE they get on the sensor where they'll be harder to remove.
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
Just a brush or blower with the camera facing down so the dust doesn't get pushed on the shutter curtain.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
So Marcel, that is not the sensor right? and what is the best way to get the specks off?
Thanks

No, that is not the sensor. The sensor is behind the mirror. Remove specks off the mirror VERY CAREFULLY, using a Rocket bulb blower first, or, using a Q-Tip or a lens cleaning solution and swab (sold in any good camera store). Do NOT press hard on this mirror! It's very delicate! Use a gentle cleaning touch, or have a camera store tech do it for you. Try the bulb blower first. That usually clears off any dust particles on the mirror.
 
Top