GA shooter Loc: Rising Fawn, GA

With all the discussion of late about the problems with spots on the sensor of the Nikon D600 I would like to see opinions regarding routine or regular factory cleaning and maintainance. Someone on one of the threads mentioned that they regularly sent their camera body in yearly for this. Am I missing doing something I should be doing or should I take the attitude " if it ain't broke leave it alone" ?

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

If you are not seeing sensor issues, I would leave it alone. Most issues result after changing lenses, and one can change lenses many times in a single hour. If you have one lens and never take it off, no worries.

I use Photoshop and inside Photoshop is an application called Adobe Camera Raw (ACR). ACR, in particular version CC has a utility called spot removal. It does an extraordinary job in revealing spots, including sensor dust/spot issues. If I see too many, I will bring out my kit and clean. I do it myself. It is not as scary as many would have you believe. If you mention the words sensor cleaning, just about everybody cringes.

You can use a number of cleaning tools (on Amazon), wipes, brushes and do this your self, have a local camera shop do it or send it to the manufacturer, who will not only clean it but check for other issues, calibrate and make sure firmware is updated if needed.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

Absolutely! Even a couple of small spots on the sensor can be fixed in post processing. Wait until this becomes annoying and then try to carefully clean it yourself. Only send it in once it gets too hard to clean.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Pretty good advice. On the other hand, at least one member here sends his cameras to Nikon every year for cleaning and adjusting, but does a lot of shooting.

If I check my sensor with a small aperture shot of the sky, and I see lots of spots, or if there are spots showing up in images, I'll clean it. Otherwise, I leave it alone.

Pine1 Loc: Midland & Lakeway

Sounds like good advise. I read on the internet about a gel stick that makes cleaning the sensor quite simple but, it is backordered due to production. I checked with a company called Precision Camera in Austin and they have a 4 day turn-around for $70.00.

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

If your going to send it out for $70 check with your manufacturer. Likely cheaper. Here is one reason you should buy a Nikon or Canon camera. They have dedicated service department and know your camera and also do a 1 week turn around. I always see them at conferences an large workshops and will do camera sensor cleaning for free!

GA shooter Loc: Rising Fawn, GA

Mark-Thanks for the advice. I started with a Canon Rebel XT ( the first in this series) years ago and just recently started seeing sensor dust on open sky. Current regular camera, a Canon 5D/III, has the sensor cleaner but not sure how effective it is. Might try cleaning the older Canon to keep as a cropped sensor for landscape shooting.

GA shooter Loc: Rising Fawn, GA

Jerry-thanks for your input. I'll try to look closely at those inadvertant sky photos for spots before I delete them. I seem to somehow get a fair share of photos of either my shoes or forehead against the sky!

GA shooter Loc: Rising Fawn, GA

Scotty-Good advise but I worry I might damage the sensor or make things worse trying my own cleaning.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That's where the manufacture comes in handy. They do that all day, every day. If you want to try it yourself, the gel system looks good.

http://fstoppers.com/how-to-clean-dust-off-your-dslr-sensor-sensor-gel-stick

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

Good point. I have a Nikon D800E and I routinely clean it myself. There are many YouTube videos on this matter and some specific to your camera. Just Google.

The horror stories out there are likely from those who did not use reasonable care, excessive cleaning fluids or the force of a large ball-pinned hammer!

There is no special trick, just technique, no special tools or electronics other than a good light. Good luck