Dirt or Dust in my Camera

[Happy Snapper]

Hi all,

I noticed some marks appearing on my digital images, I changed lenses and but the problem persisted, the marks seem to be more very obvious on smaller apertures less so on larger ones.

I deduce the issue is within my camera body itself.

Any advise on tools needed and process for cleaning my camera appreciated.

P.S. I have a Nikon D80

[Frog]

Sounds like sensor dust.
I had it on my D80 and paid to have it cleaned.
There are lots of sensor cleaning kits and methods but it always seems a bit scary to me.
If you google/bing sensor cleaning, you'll get lots of articles.

[Singletracklovr]

The highpass filter over the D80's sensor is a real dust magnet. I was plagued with dust spots in my photos constantly. It got to the point where I would not change lenses outside.

I mostly shoot outdoors in very windy/dusty environments. Not a good place to be changing lenses.

You could try a blower to see if they will leave the surface. but I would not recommend cleaning the highpass filter yourself with any liquid solution. I tried this with eclipes2 solution ( the only solution recommended for that sensor) once and it was a nightmare.
The dust just kept moving around and would not lift of into my sensor swab.

[Happy Snapper]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your replies.

Sounds like I need to get my sensor cleaned the only question is whether I do it or send to a service provider.

[catnip]

To pro, or not to pro, that is indeed a question.

FMO, I'd go with a professional cleaning. It costs about $40 at camera stores in our nearby city.
The do-it-yourself alternative could be very damaging to both camera and pocketbook

Hope all goes well for you.

[Anbesol]

The blower is a worthwhile investment, and I never had problems getting dust off with it. Just put it up on a tripod and point the mount downwards so the dust falls out when blown. A professional cleaning may be a good idea, but I'd at least try the blower first - couldn't hurt.

[Happy Snapper]

Hi all,

having done a little research on tinternet , I am going to try the blower myself having ordered some kit I probably should have had , the blower a lens pen and micro cloth.

I'll see if that cures the problem and take it from there, after that I am never changing a lens outdoors.

[Happy Snapper]

Hello Again,

I am trying to use my rocket blower on the sensor.

Can anyone offer advise on how to get the "Mirror lock-up" to activate , it is not editable on my menu , I get the message "This option is not available with current settings".

thanks.

[Frog]

I think you have to be in manual mode.
Set the camera to 'bulb' and depress the shutter release.
That way the mirror and shutter will stay open.

[Anbesol]

There is also a spot in the menu system that says 'clean sensor', which differs from bulb by shutting off the sensor rather than charging the sensor. If you do it on bulb, there will be more 'cling' to the sensor, particularly it being CCD as the D80 is.

[Happy Snapper]

Thanks Again,

There is a quirkie problem apparently the battery needs to be fully charged, after I did this I could unlock the mirror and blow out the sensor.