How to access the sensor on my Nikon D40 camera for cleaning?
I have a dark spot on my photos, which I'm assuming it's a piece of dust on my Nikon D40. I have the materials to clean it, but I'm having trouble accessing the sensor.
I see YouTube videos and online instructions, but I still can't manage to get the sensor screen exposed. I do the "mirror lock up" thing, and open it up, but I still only see the mirror inside. Any tips would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks so much!
Added (1). Unfortunately the closest place to where I live that does any camera repairs is nearly 2 hours away. I'm hoping to avoid mailing out my camera if possible.
Don't! Stop! There's a very good chance, in fact better than good, that you'll damage the very sensitive sensor. Have a professional do it.
It is better take the camera to a nearby electronic shop because the sensors are very sensitive and it can be damaged easily.
Best way is to set the shutter to "B", take the lens off and fire the shutter. Canon's have a menu option to hold the shutter open and mirror up while you do it. That prevents the shutter closing part way through if you lose contact with the shutter button.
Ignore the scraredy-cats who tell you not to do it - I have had to clean my sensor twice in 3 years - no problems. Canon even give you instructions in the USER manual.
Don't touch the sensor with anything, don't use any fluid, don't use canned compressed air blowers.
Use a hand squeezed rocket blower like this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/...00017LSPI/
Do not allow the nozzle to inside the body - keep it outside. If the shutter closes while you have it inside - goodbye shutter and goodbye mirror.
Direct the air at an angle across the sensor. In a few hard squeezes of the bulb.
If that doesn't clean it then take it to the repair shop because I repeat:
Don't touch the sensor with anything, don't use any fluid, don't use canned compressed air blowers.
Did I say?
Don't touch the sensor with anything, don't use any fluid, don't use canned compressed air blowers.
Got it?
See pages 86 and 105 in your manual.
Minimize the amount of time critical parts are exposed to prevent getting dust on critical parts. The back of the lens should be cleaned first with the Rocket Blower and capped before you do the insides of the camera. This gets rid of dust particles which will dislodge and end up on your sensor.
0. Find a relatively dust free area. Wipe down the work surface with a damp cloth to remove dust. Working on a damp towel will reduce dust problems.
Be sure your battery is fully charged.
1. Remove lens.
2. Turn on camera.
3. As described in your manual, perform a Mirror Lock-up.
4. Using a good blower, blow the dust off the sensor. This is usually good enough to get rid of dust. Stubborn bits require a wet cleaning which requires Pec Pads, Eclipse cleaning solution, and a proper mini squeegee.
A good blower is something like the Giottos Rocket Blower in medium or large size. I hold the nozzle firmly in one hand which is firmly resting on a solid surface, and use the other hand to squeeze the bulb vigorously. You need to use a fairly high velocity stream of air to dislodge dust bunnies. Be sure you don't hit innards of the camera with the nozzle. Practice using the blower before doing the actual deed.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...yes&sts=ma
5. Once you are done blowing out the innards, turn the camera power switch to the off position. The mirror will return. Mount the lens as soon as possible to prevent dust from settling in the camera innards.
6.To check for dust, mount lens, and take a shot of the blue sky with your focus set on manual. Check for dust bunnies on your image.