Nikon SLR Cameras

Will Nikon clean my viewfinder?

Tensi
25.05.2016
Tensi

Will Nikon (or reputable third party) clean dust that has gotten into my viewfinder? I see a dot in the finder above a grid line and I've tried blowing and the bunch, but it won't come out. Also, I can't see it on the fresnel when I peer in. Will Nikon or whomever take the focusing screen out to clean it if I give it to them? Will I have to specify? Anyways, thanks.

Added (1). Just to clarify, the dust doesn't affect my image obviously. But, it does show up completely black. I do not think it is a scratch in the focusing screen. It has the same kind of black color as the frame lines and focus selection.

Added (2). also, will they take a look at it when I send it in just for a general cleaning once in a good while?

fhotoace
25.05.2016
fhotoace

Sure, you can send it into Nikon for a cleaning, lubrication and calibration, but really since the image on the focusing screen does NOT affect the image file, if you can just put up with it and protect your camera for dusty conditions, you can save a whole lot of money.

This condition can happen on ANY digital SLR camera, so protection from dust, moisture and other debris is one of the important ways to protect your camera and lenses

Monitor
25.05.2016
Monitor

No. Tha6t's dangerous

keerok
25.05.2016
keerok

You can take to the Nikon service center for cleaning.

Johnny Martyr
25.05.2016
Johnny Martyr

1--It's difficult to get perspective on technical questions regarding cameras when the camera model is not provided. Nikon makes and has made many types of cameras. It sounds like you are talking about 35mm SLR or DSLR but I don't like to speculate and spend a lot of time talking about the wrong thing!

2--If you are talking about a 35mm SLR, Nikon doesn't accept any 35mm camera repairs older than I believe the F5. You'd have to go to their website and check on this. Again, speculation.

3--Yes if it's a newer model, Nikon will completely disassemble your camera and reassemble it again if you want them too! It comes down to how much you want to pay and how critical the issue is though. If you go through Nikon, I think their basic DSLR cleaning service is like $125, again, don't quote me, you'd have to check their site which I'm not going to do because I don't know for sure what model you're talking about. The same service may only cost $30-$60 at a local camera repair shop. For something like dust on either the Viewscreen (the fresnel lens you're talking about) or the Flipping Mirror or Prism, this is easily serviced by a non-Nikon repair facility.

4--Anyone who actually uses their camera with any frequency is going to accumulate dust/debris inside it. You can clean it off but it will just come back. I'm currently awaiting the return of a D600 from Nikon for the lubricant issue that they are so famous for. That service was free but they kept finding stupid little things that don't affect operation that amateurs care about such as a cracked SD card cover, torn grip material and even what they called "liquid damage" inside the camera that they would not specify further and only said that it CAN affect functionality down the road. The one thing they didn't try to fix was all the missing paint around the buttons on the camera from use. This is all stuff that happens to a well-used camera. You can address it but it will all happen again if you are actually using the camera. If you have a collectible camera, maybe it's worth babying it but if your camera is a tool that you are going to use to take great, sellable photos with until it stops working or you crave a different model, then babying it is a waste of time and money in my opinion. Particularly if you are paying Nikon prices for things that you or a local repair shop can do.

All that being said, I used to have a tiny bit of fiber in the viewfinder of one of my Leica's and it bugged me endlessly until I had some other work done on it and this was cleared out during that service. I waited until I had another reason to send out the camera. But I can understand that some viewfinder obstructions are just somewhat unbearable. It's up to you to decide.

These are my thoughts anyway, I hope you find a good solution and also that you choose a Best Answer! Happy shooting!

Guest
25.05.2016
Guest

No problem to clean it. Just send it off and request that the dust in the viewfinder be removed. While you're at it, ask for a general clean and check. Should cost somewhere between $75-$100.

This is one of the reasons why I like cameras that have removable focusing screens.

The dust is annoying, but can in no way appear in your images or affect the image quality in any way.