Camera repair?

[jdoria]

I have a Nikon D40 and I am noticing a small "shadow" in all of my pitctures which looks like there is some dust on my lens. I have cleaned all of the optics and I still see it in every photo.

Any advice on diagnosing or repairing myself?

Is this something I would go to a camera store and get "rapeaired", or should I just go buy a new one?

[Ray Schnoor]

It sounds as if you may have some dust/spot on the sensor, but since you don't show any examples, it is only a guess. Try blowing it off with a blower or cleaning the sensor.

A popular cleaning technique can be found here (http://www.copperhillimages.com/index.php?pr=tutorials).

A local camera shop should have the supplies you would need.

Ray.

[JLV]

It my be just dust in the air.

[jdoria]

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/door.jpg

This is in every shot. I cant see the dust or a smudge on the sensor.

[Ray Schnoor]

Do you have more than 1 lens. If not, go to a camera shop and try some other lenses.

If the spot is still there with other lenses, I would try cleaning the sensor. If it is not there with other lenses, there may be something on the internal optics of your lens.

Ray.

[jdoria]

I was about to go do that test today. I'd like another lens....

[jdoria]

Is my sensor this plastic or the part above or behind?

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/sensor.jpg

[Ray Schnoor]

You do not actually clean the sensor, but actually the filter covering the sensor. Do not try to remove the cover over the sensor.

Ray.

[jdoria]

Thanks. So ill just try to clean that cover and the part above.

So I shouldnt just clean everything and destroy my camera? ;>

[Ray Schnoor]

Is your mirror in the locked up position? It looks as if your photo is of the mirror.

Ray.

[jdoria]

There is a little mirror behind what you see there.

Its attached to the back and is on its own articulating, spring loaded, mechanism.

Behind that is the shutter.

Above that is a ribbed plastic screen.

[Ray Schnoor]

So was your camera in the mirror lock-up position as described in the owners manual page I attached to a previous post when you took the photo? It must be in this position for the cleaning, or to be able to see the sensor/filter assembly.

I ask this because your photo looks as if the mirror is not in this position.

Ray.

[jdoria]

Ray Schnoor - you the man! I locked the mirror up and I found dust! I blew it out with compressed air and I am now not buying a new D90!



Ray - if you need help managing a trading floor or correcting car paint. I'm here for you!

[Ray Schnoor]

Glad I could help, but you would have loved the D90.

Ray.

[jdoria]

I may still buy it, triplets on the way. Can have enough cameras for that!

[jdoria]

Is it safe to clean that mirror back there with something other than compressed air?

Its filthy!

[jdoria]

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/dirty-mirror.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/justindoria/dirty-mirror-2.jpg

[Ray Schnoor]

It may look dirty, but unless there are spots showing up during normal shooting, I wouldn't worry about it.

If there are spots, you can use a method described in the following location with a swab. http://www.copperhillimages.com/index.php?pr=tutorials

Ray.

[jdoria]

I went for it. Made it spotless using your suggestion.