Image issues with my Nikon D300...HELP, please!

[BlueChiaro]

Over the last month, or two, I've noticed a spot showing up on images I've taken. I end up having to photoshop it out. Today, I decided to analyze a bit. Originally, I thought it was strobe related, but while I noticed it with my SB600 speedlight, I now see it on daylight shots, as well. I do 95% of my shooting with the 14-24mm f2.8, and the spot is in the same position on each image. I just swapped out to my 70-210 lens, and took this shot...spot is still there. So, the good news is...it's not my 14-24 baby...bad news, it's the body. You'll see the spot in this image...any ideas/suggestions from the peanut gallery? Although I've been wanting an FX body, I don't want to abandon this one...I'm guessing that it's a dust particle on the chip/sensor/whatever it's called, but figured I'd reach out for thoughts. Thanks, in advance...Robert

[Masterlu]

Very strange, I'm gonna have to think about this one...

[Puma Cat]

That's easy; that's just a speck of dust or particle of dirt on your sensor. It looks blurry because you are shooting at f2.8; if the photo was taken at the smallest f stop e.g. f/16, it would look sharp. Get a bulb blower, like the Rocket blower bulb. Put your camera in sensor cleaning mode, take off the lens and press the shutter, and the refex mirror will pop up and you can blow the particle off. Do not use canned air! Canned air contains oils and other aerosols that could contaminate the sensor. If that does not work, get an Arctic Butterfly brush from Visible Dust and follow their instructions for brushing the particle off. If blowing or brushing does not work, you can get a swab and cleaning solution from Visible Dust that fits your sensor width, and you can wet the swab and swab it off.

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

That's easy; that's just a speck of dust or particle of dirt on your sensor. It looks blurry because you are shooting at f2.8; if the photo was taken at the smallest f stop e.g. f/16, it would look sharp. Get a bulb blower, like the Rocket blower bulb. Put your camera in sensor cleaning mode, take off the lens and press the shutter, and the refex mirror will pop up and you can blow the particle off. Do not use canned air! Canned air contains oils and other aerosols that could contaminate the sensor. If that does not get an Arctic Butterfly brush from Visible Dust and follow their instructions for brushing the particle off. If blowing or brushing does not work, you can get a swab and cleaning solution from Visible Dust that fits your sensor width, and you can wet the swab and swab it off.

+1

I've had them on my D50 and D300. Usually a blow or brush will take care of them. I have only had to use a swab once.

[AudioNut]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

That's easy; that's just a speck of dust or particle of dirt on your sensor. It looks blurry because you are shooting at f2.8; if the photo was taken at the smallest f stop e.g. f/16, it would look sharp. Get a bulb blower, like the Rocket blower bulb. Put your camera in sensor cleaning mode, take off the lens and press the shutter, and the refex mirror will pop up and you can blow the particle off. Do not use canned air! Canned air contains oils and other aerosols that could contaminate the sensor. If that does not work, get an Arctic Butterfly brush from Visible Dust and follow their instructions for brushing the particle off. If blowing or brushing does not work, you can get a swab and cleaning solution from Visible Dust that fits your sensor width, and you can wet the swab and swab it off.

+2 - Of course Stephen is right, and naturally, B&H and others have kits designed to clean sensors - but easiest is best - if easiest works.

I use a Dust-Aid, DSLR Sensor Cleaning kit with great success on my D300. This kit uses adhesive low-tack foam cleaning strips to pick up the dust or dirt off of the sensor.

[BearCubinNY]

Hey Robert,
The cleaning process is scary as hell the first couple of times you do it (if you have grime that requires swabbing). You'll get the hang of it and be just fine. Hopefully a blower will fix you right up without further hassle.

Anytime you remove your lenses from the body, it's susceptible to attracting small airborne dust particles. The more care you show then, the less the hastle later. Best of luck!

Reg

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Hammie

+1

I've had them on my D50 and D300. Usually a blow or brush will take care of them. I have only had to use a swab once.

Agreed, in 90% of cases, a blow with a blower bulb will work.

On occasion, the use of a cleaning fluid and swab is required.

[BlueChiaro]

Thanks, guys...I appreciate your help. I'll get to it over the weekend. I had a feeling I'd hear from Stephen on this one! Good to see you, Reg...haven't seen you, lately, but I've been a bit scarce, too.

Enjoying AA on my DROIDX

[BlueChiaro]

It looks like I was able top resolve this issue by selecting the "clean image sensor" option in the settings menu. I didn't even have to resort to locking the mirror open...thanks for all your help.

Enjoying AA on my DROIDX

[BearCubinNY]

Originally Posted by BlueChiaro

It looks like I was able top resolve this issue by selecting the "clean image sensor" option in the settings menu. I didn't even have to resort to locking the mirror open...thanks for all your help.

Enjoying AA on my DROIDX

That's great Robert. Happy shooting!

Reg