Woodie Rick

Well, after nine months, the dreaded sensor spots have returned to my Nikon D600. Yes, Nikon did give me a whole new camera when the first one was drenched in spots, thank you, then they also cleaned the second D600 camera for free when it too, and immediately, delivered its own spots to my images, but what a disappointment to discover this week that the spots are back after nine months of use. Now the camera is out of warranty, so I will be paying for Nikon to 'fix' the current spot problem. Nice job Nikon! Thank you.

chase4 Loc: Punta Corona, California

Affected Products:
Nikon D600 Digital SLR Cameras

Some users of Nikon’s D600 D-SLR camera have reported the appearance of tiny spots on certain of their images. Not all users have experienced this issue. Nikon has thoroughly evaluated these reports and has determined that these spots are caused by dust particles which may become visible when the camera is used in certain circumstances and/or with certain settings. It is a well-known fact that the presence of dust particles cannot be completely avoided when using a D-SLR camera even after normal sensor cleaning procedures, because of a number of factors including components moving at high speeds when images are taken, the use of interchangeable lenses, and the different environments in which a D-SLR camera may be used. As part of its customer-service commitment, Nikon is providing a customer-service measure to reduce the potential impact of dust particles on images taken by its D600 D-SLR cameras.

The solution: Nikon is making available to all owners of D600 cameras (even if Nikon’s product warranty has expired) this customer-service measure, which includes the inspection, cleaning and replacement of the shutter assembly and related parts of your camera, FREE OF CHARGE as well as the cost of shipping D600 cameras to Nikon and their return to customers. In the event that after this customer service measure has been performed, dust particle spots are still visible in your images, please contact Nikon Customer Relations by phone at the number indicated below to discuss your concern. If appropriate, Nikon will either replace your camera with a new D600 camera or its equivalent model.

Once again, please understand that regardless of this service, your D600 camera (and all D-SLR cameras) will continue to require normal, periodic sensor cleanings.
To have your D600 camera serviced free of charge please follow the steps below:
Click on the Schedule Free Service link below.
On the following pages, you will need to provide the serial number of your D600 camera and your contact information.
Then, you will be prompted to create and print your Pre-paid UPS Return label and packing slip.
In shipping, please secure the D600 camera in a plastic bag inside the shipping box with several inches of quality packing material on all sides of the D600 camera. Please send your D600 camera and packing slip only. Do not include any lenses, batteries, memory cards or other accessories. Please do not ship in the original display box (It will not be returned)
Drop the shipping box off at any UPS facility. (Visit https://www.ups.com/dropoff for hours and locations.) You may also arrange to have your shipment collected by a UPS driver.
Request Free Repair Service

Woodie Rick

Thanks for the update on the Nikon services available for the now ongoing spot problem. I'll be getting in touch with them in the next few days.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I bought my D600 refurbished and have had no problems. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

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

I have had DSLRs for 9 years. All get spots. The key is to not change lenses in the field, and to keep your rear lens caps surgically clean - I regularly wash mine with dishwashing liqud and air dry them. The other critical thing is to learn how to clean a sensor yourself, or be prepared to either accept some dust, or if it really bothers you, set aside a budget for scheduled camera cleaning.

Jcmarino

Have you talked with Nikon? I know some photogs have had the oil spots return after Nikon replaced the shutter mech. and Nikon replaced the 600 with a 610. If its just dust and dirt, you will have to have it cleaned professionally or try doing it yourself. If its oil, Nikon may take care of it even if its out of warranty.

sinderone

I am now having the same problem with my 7100. I just sent Nikon some F22 blue sky photos to have the spots evaluated. My camera is 9 months old and had only been heavily used during a 3week trip to China this month. I hope this will not be a chronic problem. I never had it with my 5100.

FollowingHerDreams Loc: Chicago/Los Angeles, Atl

Wow! And I'm looking at getting a Nikon D610

CharlesA Loc: New Jersey

Don't be put off by all of this. I have a D610 and it is an amazing camera. I bypassed the D600 and saved myself a lot of angst, but nothing should stop you from moving up to a D610.

If you are amongst the "I don't want anything to do with wiping my sensor", there are several dry tools that are easy-peasey. You've got the rocket blower, sensorklear pen, sensor brush, and, if you're just a little daring, this:

http://www.copperhillimages.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=147

Or you could enjoy the heck out of the D610 and send it to Nikon for cleaning every couple of months or so. All D-SLRs are going to get sensor dust; it should not and must not cramp your love of photography, you can either find ways to ignore/handle it or you can clean it yourself. It's all good.

Charles

FollowingHerDreams Loc: Chicago/Los Angeles, Atl

Thank you Mr. Charles SOLD! I've research and researched between that and Canon think I'm going with the Nikon 😉

FollowingHerDreams Loc: Chicago/Los Angeles, Atl

Great minds think alike #TeamAries April 1 😉

CharlesA Loc: New Jersey

You will NOT be disappointed FHD. Best of luck to you!

Charles

FollowingHerDreams Loc: Chicago/Los Angeles, Atl

Thanks much!

Woodie Rick

Gene,

I do like the camera, the image quality is superb---and I am still learning to use many of the functions, the bells and whistles. I have owned Nikon film cameras for decades---still do. Lots of lenses, etc. It has been 'my brand of choice' since 1983.

Okay, I'll go after cleaning the sensor myself, see what I can accomplish. That's why I posted the problem on this forum, always good advice available. I hate to send to Nikon, that leaves me with no digital camera for weeks, and I really can't afford a second D600 or D610 right now for backup---maybe someday.

I see Nikon has a new D810 with 36+ MPs, and it appears to be smaller than the D800, don't know for sure? When the time comes, maybe I'll move up a notch!