The Nikon D600 Has Sensor Dust Issues

PETAPIXEL ^ | Oct.23, 2012 | Roger Cicala

[SWAMPSNIPER]

We tend not to get too excited about sensor dust problems at LensRentals; we clean sensors on every camera after every rental, so it’s just routine. When we started carrying the Nikon D600, they all arrived with a fair amount of dust, but that’s pretty routine, too. Manufacturing and shipping can be a dusty experience.

When our techs started complaining that D600s were all coming back from their first rental with a lot more dust (despite being freshly cleaned before leaving) we didn’t pay much attention to that either. We all remember the oil/dust issues the D3x and D3s had. Those mostly cleared up after a few cleanings.

But the dust kept reappearing with every rental, and, more impressively, it was generally in the same location (in the upper-left 1/3 of the image). That did get our attention, so we started looking into the matter a bit. We kept dust pictures for 20 consecutive D600s returning from rental and saw that the problem was very real.

Graphics at site. these cameras seem to be self contaminating.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

Post some pics which show the noise. Don't do anything to strip the EXIF data. If it's not high ISO it could be the sensor overheating but if you aren't shooting continuously I can't see why it would.

[golux]

I am still shooting with a D40 - my first DSLR. Prior to this I was an OM4/4T (Olympus) geek until moving over to Nikon, basically for the sake of one lens. My favorite body of all time is the FE, followed by the F3 variants.

In any case I mention this because I would appreciate any recommendations. I would like to buy a USED camera and spend less than a grand. I tend to shoot in very low light conditions, and can't stand flashes.

As always SNIPER thanks for your regular dose of inspiration.

[Bellflower]

Can lenses be cleaned inside if dust or something gets inside one of them?

[moonhawk]

You should be able to find a good used D7000 for under a grand easy.

16 megapixels and handles like a dream. One of my favorites. I just sold mine. It’s DX too, so it will use all the lenses your D40 does. You’ll have a hard time stepping up to FX in that price range, but you could get lucky.

My first Nikon was an F3 HP. I miss it it, but not messing with film. there are still some hold outs that prefer film, though.

A good site for camera reviews and general photo advice is Ken Rockwell.com

Good luck.

[Erasmus]

Yes, but only by a tech. Where the lens owner sends the lens (to a factory or independent service center) is a judgement call that the lens owner must make, and good luck to him.

[golux]

I am looking up the D7000 - this thing shoots MOVIES? Does the mirror stay up when it is shooting? Gee whiz I got old quick. Okay... Just inside my range. Thanks.

[moonhawk]

Pretty much all the new DSLRs do video. I would prefer a modern camera that did not. I could also do without built in flash and a lot of other nonsense that make cameras bulkier, heavier and more complex.