Darn D600! Why do you have to be a duster?

[HPS3]

This D600 dust problem is just driving me crazy. I'm not sure what to do. I know that all interchangeable lens cameras collect dust but how many do it without changing lenses. Nikon definitely made a ****oo with this one. There is definitely a problem with something internal spitting dust or oil all over the top left of the sensor. I am not a stranger to cleaning a sensor and have already cleaned this one once with Eclipse and sensor swabs. After about 200 clicks without changing the lens there is all kinds of junk on the sensor.

I shot mirrorrless for the past year and never cleaned those sensors once. I don't know why but the open sensor just doesn't collect dust like the DSLRs. I don't what to do with the D600. Should I return it or fight the dust issue and hope that Nikon admits to the problem and fixes it?

Even Lensrental.com has posted their findings on all of their D600s. Has anyone else experienced this before?

I don't mind cleaning the sensor when needed but I don't want to clean the sensor and right after have to try to spot remove spots as soon as I upload my images. I have a trip to WDW planned in a few weeks and shoot lots of landscapes in Disney and I think these are going to show up in my skies quite often.

This is @ F20

_DSC0944 by Harry Shields, on Flickr

@ F8

D600 Dust Problem @ F8 by Harry Shields, on Flickr

 

[photo_chick]

Wow... I don't follow Nikon problems since I'm a Canon user. But that is a serious issue. Are you still under warranty?

Some cameras definitely have more issues than others with dust. And some lenses seem to be vacuums and that dust gets gets deposited into the camera.

For whatever it's worth, I've never had to clean my sensors. I've had one since 2005, the other since 2010. No dust on either. I'm not particularly careful and I live in a very dusty climate. But I do keep my camera very clean on the outside and I keep my lenses clean as well.

 

[HPS3]

Danielle, the dust issue with the D600 is being posted all over the net. Its all over the DPReview Nikon FF forums. Some people say its no big deal and to just live with it but tgere are people with over 10000 shutter clicks with the problem continuing. There are even time lapse videos on Youtube showing the dust is coming from inside the camera.

My camera is less than a month old and still under warranty. The problem is that Nikon is cleaning the sensor under warranty but the shipping is on the owner. I just dont feel like Nikon should blow off the problem. It might not be expensive to some but $2000 for the D600 wasn't chump change for me.

 

[WDWFigment]

Nikon will email you a 2-day shipping label for this issue. Just call them and request it.

 

[HPS3]

Tom, just the person I was looking for. I was searching your blogs all over because I thought you mentioned that your D600 was having the same problem. Do you find it going away after a number of shots. I have about 2000 shutter actuations. I really love this camera and never really paid attention to the spots until I shot a photo and the sky had those imfamous blobs in the top left corner.

Anyway I ordered some extra swabs to bring to WDW in February. I would hate to take lots of landscapes with the 14mm Samyang and have to edit 500 photos with spot healing.

 

[photo_chick]

Danielle, the dust issue with the D600 is being posted all over the net. Its all over the DPReview Nikon FF forums. Some people say its no big deal and to just live with it but tgere are people with over 10000 shutter clicks with the problem continuing. There are even time lapse videos on Youtube showing the dust is coming from inside the camera.

My camera is less than a month old and still under warranty. The problem is that Nikon is cleaning the sensor under warranty but the shipping is on the owner. I just dont feel like Nikon should blow off the problem. It might not be expensive to some but $2000 for the D600 wasn't chump change for me.

Like I said, I don't follow the Nikon boards.

Sounds like something Nikon needs to address then. I agree, $2000 is a lot to spend and I'd expect to have a camera that wasn't a dust magnet. I also wouldn't want to have to pay for shipping either. Not only that, but you won't have use of your camera for that time. For some that means lost income. Will they continue to service the camera for this problem when it's out of warranty? Are they looking for a solution to the problem? This is something that could be a lot of additional expense in upkeep for those who own the camera.

 

[WDWFigment]

Tom, just the person I was looking for. I was searching your blogs all over because I thought you mentioned that your D600 was having the same problem. Do you find it going away after a number of shots. I have about 2000 shutter actuations. I really love this camera and never really paid attention to the spots until I shot a photo and the sky had those imfamous blobs in the top left corner.

Anyway I ordered some extra swabs to bring to WDW in February. I would hate to take lots of landscapes with the 14mm Samyang and have to edit 500 photos with spot healing.

Yeah, I had this problem, but it didn't appear for me until I shot about 2,000 frames or so.

Supposedly new dust/oil has stopped appearing for some folks after 10k frames, but I wouldn't count on that. I've heard that Nikon's fix is a mechanical one--they aren't simply cleaning the sensor for you.

 

[SplashMo]

There are some threads here about the issue:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/1021

 

[Pixel Dust]

I had bought my D600 right before my trip back in October. I didn't notice the dust until I got home and started going through the pictures. It wasn't too bad, as most of my shots were wide open (playing with my new 50 1.4). But it definitely showed up with smaller apertures. Basically, it started showing up immediately for me. I had less than 300 clicks before my trip, and I noticed the dust on the first night's images. Almost 600 clicks at that point.

I went through the trip with 3,000+ clicks. I cleaned the sensor when I got home. Just with an air blower. It appeared that mine was only dust, no oil, as the blower took care of everything. Since then I've been dust free. 6,000 clicks now. And I change my lenses a lot.

I have also notice scratch marks on the shutter. As if the shutter blades are rubbing together. Maybe that caused some of my dust, and after several clicks it has broken in and stopped rubbing. That's one theory out there that my camera mimics. So many advances in photography and we can't have a shutter that doesn't cause dust?

Tom, I'm still using your Tokina 11-16 on the D600. It's still fantastic!

 

[HPS3]

Pixel Dust, I'm glad to hear the D600 might clear up. Mine is not just dust. I wet cleaned the sensor last night 3 times and in between cleaning would run about 15 shots in continuous shutter and the spots would come back. It takes 2 swabs to get the hard spots off. I use a blower all of the time and that gets some off. I just wonder if mine will stop or not.

 

[rossb]

My old D7000 developed that issue after about 5000 shots. I cleaned it a few times and eventually gave up because the spots kept returning. I sent it in for warranty service. Nikon tried to fix it once and the oil spots came right back after they 'cleaned' it even though I specifically asked them to fix the source and not just clean it. My D7000 was stolen when I sent it back for a second repair attempt, but Nikon replaced it and the replacement seemed ok up until the day I sold it. I had to pay shipping for the first repair attempt and they paid for the second (stolen) attempt.

I never saw this issue with my D50 and D90. My D800 showed signs of oil once, I cleaned it and it has been ok since then. I use Eclipse fluid, Pec Pads, and sticks from my used Sensor Swabs.

 

[handicap18]

This is what pretty much keeping me from buying this camera body. The issue is an internal issue. I haven't read anything about what Nikon is doing about future new D600 bodies being shipped.

I may wait for the D600s (or what ever else might be next).

Very disappointing especially since my D300 has had not ONE issue with dust and I'm at over 25,000 shutter clicks. It also has a self cleaning mode that has worked as advertised. Why can't the D600 be like this.

Grrrrr

 

[HPS3]

Its definitely an internal problem. I watched the dirt build up after shooting continuous shots then inspecting the shot on the lcd without removing the lens after I wet cleaned it. Would you return the camera or wait it out and hope it wears off?

 

[JediMasterMatt]

There's nothing to worry about. It's oil from the shutter and it's been a part of every full frame sensor Nikon camera from the D3/D700 on up. The "consumer" models have more reports of it because they sell more and they are also in the hands of people that are more apt to post online.

The top left of the image will pick up spray and you should anticipate a wet cleaning from time to time. It's a by product of the proxmity of the edges of the sensor to the shutter. On a crop sensor, the edges are further away.

If you are purchasing a full frame DSLR, it's the price you pay for admission. A few quick clicks with the healing brush will take care of it in post.

The trick is to know when to clean and when not to get out the sensor swab or not. For just a few spots, it's usually not worth it as oil in the corners is much harder to get off than dust.

Suprisingly, the dust removal in the camera does a decent job - it just can't do anything with oil. My rule of thumb is to get the rocket blower out turn the camera upside down and see if the spot moves. If so, it's dust. If it doesn't, it's oil and needs a wet cleaning. Also, if you are just seeing it in the corner - chances are it's oil.

I wouldn't let any of this put anyone off Nikon's full frame offerings. The bodies are worth it and most certainly the lenses are.

 

[photo_chick]

There's nothing to worry about. It's oil from the shutter and it's been a part of every full frame sensor Nikon camera from the D3/D700 on up. The "consumer" models have more reports of it because they sell more and they are also in the hands of people that are more apt to post online.

The top left of the image will pick up spray and you should anticipate a wet cleaning from time to time. It's a by product of the proxmity of the edges of the sensor to the shutter. On a crop sensor, the edges are further away.

If you are purchasing a full frame DSLR, it's the price you pay for admission. A few quick clicks with the healing brush will take care of it in post.

The trick is to know when to clean and when not to get out the sensor swab or not. For just a few spots, it's usually not worth it as oil in the corners is much harder to get off than dust.

Suprisingly, the dust removal in the camera does a decent job - it just can't do anything with oil. My rule of thumb is to get the rocket blower out turn the camera upside down and see if the spot moves. If so, it's dust. If it doesn't, it's oil and needs a wet cleaning. Also, if you are just seeing it in the corner - chances are it's oil.

I wouldn't let any of this put anyone off Nikon's full frame offerings. The bodies are worth it and most certainly the lenses are.

If that's the price of full frame on a Nikon then I'm glad I'm a Canon shooter. If a problem like this pops up on a professional shoot it can cause serious issues. I really can't see the pros I know who use full frame Nikons putting their trust into the brand if this is to be expected from the line. It's one thing if it's a known problem that Nikon is addressing. It's something else entirely if plagues every camera in their line.

 

[WDWFigment]

There's nothing to worry about. It's oil from the shutter and it's been a part of every full frame sensor Nikon camera from the D3/D700 on up. The "consumer" models have more reports of it because they sell more and they are also in the hands of people that are more apt to post online.

The top left of the image will pick up spray and you should anticipate a wet cleaning from time to time. It's a by product of the proxmity of the edges of the sensor to the shutter. On a crop sensor, the edges are further away.

If you are purchasing a full frame DSLR, it's the price you pay for admission. A few quick clicks with the healing brush will take care of it in post.

The trick is to know when to clean and when not to get out the sensor swab or not. For just a few spots, it's usually not worth it as oil in the corners is much harder to get off than dust.

Suprisingly, the dust removal in the camera does a decent job - it just can't do anything with oil. My rule of thumb is to get the rocket blower out turn the camera upside down and see if the spot moves. If so, it's dust. If it doesn't, it's oil and needs a wet cleaning. Also, if you are just seeing it in the corner - chances are it's oil.

I wouldn't let any of this put anyone off Nikon's full frame offerings. The bodies are worth it and most certainly the lenses are.

I'd be curious to see links to reports of other full frame Nikon cameras that have had this issue. To my knowledge, only the DX Nikon D7000 has had a similar issue.

As for it being more reported because it's happening in consumer models, which are owned by more people, the leading "reporter" of this problem was LensRentals.com, with follow-ups by NikonRumors.com. Neither of those outlets are handling exclusively "consumer" gear.

Since Nikon has made a design fix to address this issue, I can't say that I agree with your ultimate "price of admission" conclusion. Clearly, Nikon recognizes this as a problem and is actively addressing it.

 

[SplashMo]

Another link on the issue: http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/10/d600-sensor-dust-issues

 

[JediMasterMatt]

All of the full frame Nikon models have had reports of oil on the sensor. Using a search engine of choice, search for the camera model and "oil on sensor" and you will get results. The first full frame (FX) out of the box, D3, was where it first got reported in earnest. Thom Hogan even pointed out in his D3s review that it will sprayed.

I've used each of the models (D3, D3x, D3s, D700, D800e - I haven't played with a D600 yet) at one point or another and they all have had some issue with oil. The only variable is how much oil and how often. My trusty D700 just had its original shutter replaced and even with the new shutter, I get some oil on the sensor. I do think it's less than the original shutter; but, it still happens.

Here's the catch though - all cameras get oil thrown around inside. Even film. With a film camera, the issue only impacted one frame at a time. With digital, the sensor stays in place and will accumulate dust and oil over time.

Canon bodies aren't immune to this either. Do a search for any of their 5D family and oil on the sensor and you will get hits as well.

A full frame sensor is simply going to pick up more junk than a crop sensor because there is so much more footprint for debris to land on and the edges of sensor are much closer to the edges of the mirror box.

Obviously, the D600 has many reports of this problem. Is this due to a "defect", is this due to the large number of D600s sold verus other models, or is it due those with D600 are passionate enthusiasts that perhaps are posting online more than say, a D3x owner? My guess is that it's likely a bit of all the above. Nikon is stepping in and offering a "solution" to the issue; but, I think the false expectation is being set if anyone thinks that the oil problem will ever be resolved in total. A device that can move mass around at 1/8000 of a second will always be suspect to throw debris around inside the chassis. Larger sensors will always be more prone to have the debris land on them than crop sensors. The corner will always be ground zero for this problem as it is closest to the source.

I wouldn't let the prospect of the D600's oil deter anyone from purchasing it. It seems to be a fantastic body and is an incredible value for the price. I would consider picking up one myself; but, I have already decided that my D700 is going to be replaced by two bodies: a D3s and a D800e. My friends will be much happier when I stop mooching their bodies off them. Ironically, the D3s will be my "everyday" camera and the D800e will be what I pull out for critical work.

Of course when using a high megapixel camera like the D800, the irony is that I'd be less likely than ever to have issues with oil and dust as you have to keep a large apature due to diffraction. C'est la vie.

 

[traylorc]

All of the full frame Nikon models have had reports of oil on the sensor. Using a search engine of choice, search for the camera model and "oil on sensor" and you will get results. The first full frame (FX) out of the box, D3, was where it first got reported in earnest. Thom Hogan even pointed out in his D3s review that it will sprayed.

I've used each of the models (D3, D3x, D3s, D700, D800e - I haven't played with a D600 yet) at one point or another and they all have had some issue with oil. The only variable is how much oil and how often. My trusty D700 just had its original shutter replaced and even with the new shutter, I get some oil on the sensor. I do think it's less than the original shutter; but, it still happens.

Here's the catch though - all cameras get oil thrown around inside. Even film. With a film camera, the issue only impacted one frame at a time. With digital, the sensor stays in place and will accumulate dust and oil over time.

Canon bodies aren't immune to this either. Do a search for any of their 5D family and oil on the sensor and you will get hits as well.

A full frame sensor is simply going to pick up more junk than a crop sensor because there is so much more footprint for debris to land on and the edges of sensor are much closer to the edges of the mirror box.

Obviously, the D600 has many reports of this problem. Is this due to a "defect", is this due to the large number of D600s sold verus other models, or is it due those with D600 are passionate enthusiasts that perhaps are posting online more than say, a D3x owner? My guess is that it's likely a bit of all the above. Nikon is stepping in and offering a "solution" to the issue; but, I think the false expectation is being set if anyone thinks that the oil problem will ever be resolved in total. A device that can move mass around at 1/8000 of a second will always be suspect to throw debris around inside the chassis. Larger sensors will always be more prone to have the debris land on them than crop sensors. The corner will always be ground zero for this problem as it is closest to the source.

I wouldn't let the prospect of the D600's oil deter anyone from purchasing it. It seems to be a fantastic body and is an incredible value for the price. I would consider picking up one myself; but, I have already decided that my D700 is going to be replaced by two bodies: a D3s and a D800e. My friends will be much happier when I stop mooching their bodies off them. Ironically, the D3s will be my "everyday" camera and the D800e will be what I pull out for critical work.

Of course when using a high megapixel camera like the D800, the irony is that I'd be less likely than ever to have issues with oil and dust as you have to keep a large apature due to diffraction. C'est la vie.

Nice post Matt...

 

[handicap18]

All of the full frame Nikon models have had reports of oil on the sensor. Using a search engine of choice, search for the camera model and "oil on sensor" and you will get results. The first full frame (FX) out of the box, D3, was where it first got reported in earnest. Thom Hogan even pointed out in his D3s review that it will sprayed.

I've used each of the models (D3, D3x, D3s, D700, D800e - I haven't played with a D600 yet) at one point or another and they all have had some issue with oil. The only variable is how much oil and how often. My trusty D700 just had its original shutter replaced and even with the new shutter, I get some oil on the sensor. I do think it's less than the original shutter; but, it still happens.

Here's the catch though - all cameras get oil thrown around inside. Even film. With a film camera, the issue only impacted one frame at a time. With digital, the sensor stays in place and will accumulate dust and oil over time.

Canon bodies aren't immune to this either. Do a search for any of their 5D family and oil on the sensor and you will get hits as well.

A full frame sensor is simply going to pick up more junk than a crop sensor because there is so much more footprint for debris to land on and the edges of sensor are much closer to the edges of the mirror box.

Obviously, the D600 has many reports of this problem. Is this due to a "defect", is this due to the large number of D600s sold verus other models, or is it due those with D600 are passionate enthusiasts that perhaps are posting online more than say, a D3x owner? My guess is that it's likely a bit of all the above. Nikon is stepping in and offering a "solution" to the issue; but, I think the false expectation is being set if anyone thinks that the oil problem will ever be resolved in total. A device that can move mass around at 1/8000 of a second will always be suspect to throw debris around inside the chassis. Larger sensors will always be more prone to have the debris land on them than crop sensors. The corner will always be ground zero for this problem as it is closest to the source.

I wouldn't let the prospect of the D600's oil deter anyone from purchasing it. It seems to be a fantastic body and is an incredible value for the price. I would consider picking up one myself; but, I have already decided that my D700 is going to be replaced by two bodies: a D3s and a D800e. My friends will be much happier when I stop mooching their bodies off them. Ironically, the D3s will be my "everyday" camera and the D800e will be what I pull out for critical work.

Of course when using a high megapixel camera like the D800, the irony is that I'd be less likely than ever to have issues with oil and dust as you have to keep a large apature due to diffraction. C'est la vie.

Even on the Nikon boards where a lot of full frame users go, there has never been this kind of issue that has gotten this much attention. I don't ever recall seeing this issue pop up anywhere after the D700 was released and that camera had a lot of non pros jump to it from the D300, D200, D90 and D80.

There are other users out there tracking serial numbers of the D600 and it is crazy how many from different lots have the same issue. This goes way beyond any issue the other FF bodies have had combined.