devolution Loc: Dubuque. IA

I recently bought a used D700 with 4100 shutter clicks. When I was inspecting the body I noticed a mark on the mirror about a half inch long centered towards the bottom edge. The mirror functions fine and there is no affect on image quality. Has anyone ever encountered this or even heard of it? Is this normal after so many clicks? Should I replace the mirror? Thanks.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Probably nothing to worry about so long as the camera keeps functioning properly.

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

Mirror condition or quality has no effect on the picture quality, so why worry.....unless you are the anal retentive type! 8-)
If so try cleaning the mirror with an accepted method.

devolution Loc: Dubuque. IA

Cleaned it. Still there. I have been known to be anal about my stuff. I'm getting mellow with age. Thanks.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Are you referring to the small rectangular area that directs part of the image through to the second mirror and ultimately the autofocus sensors?

devolution Loc: Dubuque. IA

Hi,Gene51. I didn't know there were 2 mirrors! I used to have a D300s and never knew there were 2 mirrors. I assume it's the same set up. Are these mirrors on top of each other? Excuse my ignorance. That's why I'm back on this forum. You people are the best! When you take the lens off, there's the mirror. And right away you notice this mark. It's almost like a wear mark. Cleaned it with a Q-tip and lens cleaner. No affect. Cycled the shutter and locked it up. It looks ok. The person I bought it from never noticed it because he said he always had a lens on it. I'm baffled. Could this have come from the factory like this. When I informed the seller we he agreed to a $150 refund. So, I'm ok with it. I just want to know how it got there and if it is hitting something as it cycles up or what. Like I said, it's baffling. I called B&H and they never heard of it. Maybe I should call Nikon.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You got lucky - saved another $150 because you were both not aware.

Take a look at this:

http://www.sensorcleaning.com/whatisanslr.php

Never, never, never, never clean the mirror - you can very easily move something out of alignment, and you will end up spending that $150 you saved to get the camera fixed.

I would do that in any case - this is a camera is probably at least 3 years old, and could benefit from a CLA (clean lube adjust) service.

devolution Loc: Dubuque. IA

Thanks for the advice and your time. I appreciate it!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

My pleasure!