grahamfourth

I have some spots appearing on my images. They are there no matter which lens I use, so I presume that they are on the sensor (camera is a Nikon D7200). I have run the cleaning routine in the camera several times, and I have lifted the mirror and gently blown the sensor using a bulb and tube, but nothing has changed. So I have three questions:
1) Is there anything else I can do myself to clean the sensor?
2) If not then does anyone have any idea how much Nikon would charge to clean it?
3) Any estimate of how long it would take, particularly in this Covid situation?

I am grateful for your time and help.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

Amazon sells a good sensor kit and it is very easy to use.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

You can do it yourself with a sensor cleaning kit or just bring to a trusted camera store.

Don

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Did you use the mirror lock-up cleaning procedure for the bulb blower, page 324 of your D7200 manual? The blower may not be perfect, but can be effective if executed and inspected in the test images repeatedly, such as shown in these examples: An exercise in sensor cleaning

Do you have a local camera shop you might call and see if they can do a cleaning? Be sure to test / verify their work before departing with the camera afterward. The shop and / or Nikon will use much the same tools as you can order online and do yourself (wet cleaning). See if VisibleDust 'Vswabs' are still available online. Be sure to order the swap size that matches to your Nikon crop sensor size.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

You might also consider the Arctic Butterfly. It is a reusable sensor brush and does an admirable job. It is easier than wet cleaning.

https://www.adorama.com/cpvabsl707.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwrcH3BRApEiwAxjdPTb7lQCKruCdscgiznZ1snD7s9cByLC6Ig_SDRMGDPD_KJ8xVu2NThhoCX1UQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=nmpi-google-dsa

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Prepare to bing watch.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+clean+your+camera+sensor&qpvt=how+to+clean+your+camera+sensor&FORM=VDRE

agillot

i use a house vacuum cleaner hose end , remove lens , take 2 or 3 3 sec exposure with hose end 1 inch or so away from camera .dust gone .also do lens back end .

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

Tony Northrup has a good video on how to clean your sensor. He uses VSGO cleaner. I have tried this myself and am happy with the results.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAiTy3qGg2Y

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

I have the same camera in need of sensor cleaning - there appear to be spots, some stubborn dust and possibly oil/grease spots - a few. I bought a kit at B&H recently (finally spent my $100 holiday gift cert) so I will attempt the cleaning soon...I am taking some reference shots right now - so you can see the before and after. There are some useful videos that explain how to do it yourself on YT, but if you want Nikon to do it you may have to wait a bit...last time I checked their repair ops was closed but that may have changed recently.

If you attempt it yourself just keep in mind most importantly -

1. Make sure the battery is good and FULLY charged...you don't want the shutter/mirror to close on your cleaning swab which will cause damage.
2. Work in a very clean area.
3. Try to keep the camera vertical or facing downwards (especially when using the air blower) if possible when cleaning to avoid getting debris into the chamber.
4. Keep fingers off the sensor, shutter and mirror at all times. The shutter and mirror are most delicate. You can apply light pressure to the sensor with the swab it's more rugged than you think. Your fingers have oil on them so wearing nitrile gloves might be a good idea.
5. Also don't forget to keep the rear of all your lenses clean - that's a main source of dust and dirt in the chamber.

I think it's a good idea to learn how to do it yourself - you can save a bundle over time and there is some satisfaction to it I think.

yorkiebyte Loc: Scottsdale, AZ/Bandon by the Sea, OR

...What the....!?!? Oh, Hell no......

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I assume your camera is a couple years old and out of warranty. As such, forget about sending it to Nikon for a simple sensor cleaning. You can probably find someone local who will do it. The actual cleaning only takes around 10 or 15 minutes, tops... so if they aren't busy, might be able to do it while you wait. Cost varies by location, but usually between $25 and $50. (I think I read that Nikon has just re-opened their factory service facilities, after a couple months closed due to the coronavirus. As a result, they are probably waaaaayyyy backed up with repair jobs. Even in more normal times, it would probably be at least two weeks turnaround time... maybe more like three... including time for shipping. There's also cost of shipping & insurance both ways, in addition to the service fees. I don't know what Nikon charges for a cleaning.)

Or, you could learn to do it yourself... www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com

It is not a difficult job, but if done incorrectly you can cause damage that will be expensive to repair. It is VERY important to read everything at the above link (written and maintained by professional repair techs... NOT some yoyo on U-tube giving you incorrect advice). You already have me concerned when you say you "have lifted the mirror and gently blown the sensor using a bulb and tube"... I hope you didn't touch the mirror! If you manually lifted it, but didn't open the shutter as well, the "gentle blow" will have done nothing. There is a "sensor cleaning mode" that you put your camera into for this purpose... which lifts the mirror out of the way for you, as well as opening the shutter. It's VERY important to have a fully charged battery in the camera, and to do the work promptly, because if the power level drops too much the shutter can close and the mirror drop down... which you REALLY don't want to happen while you have a tool inside the camera cleaning the sensor!

You will need to buy a "kit" to do the cleaning yourself. At a minimum, expect to spend $100 to $125. But that can include enough supplies for MANY cleanings, as well as all the tools necessary.

Sensor cleaning is a multi-step process. There's a "flow chart" of the process at the above web site link.

If you are at all in doubt about doing it yourself, spend a little to have it done. But it also can be good to know how to do it yourself, should you ever need to do so.