Caring for the camera

Storage

When the camera will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery. Before removing the battery, confirm that the camera is off. Do not store the camera in locations that:

  • are poorly ventilated or subject to humidities of over 60%
  • are next to equipment that produces strong electromagnetic fields, such as televisions or radios
  • are exposed to temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) or below −10 °C (14 °F)

Cleaning

The procedure varies with the part that requires cleaning. The procedures are detailed below.

  • Do not use alcohol, thinner, or other volatile chemicals.

Camera body

Use a blower to remove dust and lint, then wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. After using the camera at the beach or seaside, wipe off sand or salt with a cloth lightly dampened in distilled water and dry the camera thoroughly.
Important: The following are not covered under warranty:

  • damage caused by the entry of dust, sand, or other foreign matter into the camera, and
  • damage caused by using an aerosol blower too close to the camera.

Lens

This glass element is easily damaged: remove dust and lint with a blower. If using an aerosol blower, keep the can vertical to prevent the discharge of liquid that could damage glass elements. To remove fingerprints and other stains, apply a small amount of lens cleaner to a soft cloth and clean with care.

Monitor

Remove dust and lint with a blower. When removing fingerprints and other stains, wipe the surface lightly with a soft cloth or chamois leather. Do not apply pressure, as this could result in damage or malfunction.

Manual cleaning

Dirt or dust entering the camera when lenses are exchanged or the body cap is removed may adhere to the surface of the image sensor and affect your photographs. The sensor can be cleaned manually as described below. Note, however, that the sensor is extremely delicate and easily damaged; we recommend that manual cleaning be performed only by a Nikon-authorized service representative.

  1. Turn the camera off and remove the lens.
  2. Holding the camera so that light can enter the camera, examine the image sensor for dust or lint.

    If no foreign objects are present, proceed to Step 4.
  3. Remove any dust and lint from the sensor with a blower.
    • Do not use a blower-brush. The bristles could damage the sensor.
    • Dirt that cannot be removed with a blower can only be removed by Nikon-authorized service personnel. Under no circumstances should you touch or wipe the sensor.
  4. Replace the lens or supplied body cap.

Foreign matter on the image sensor

Foreign matter entering the camera when lenses or body caps are removed or exchanged (or in rare circumstances lubricant or fine particles from the camera itself) may adhere to the image sensor, where it may appear in photographs taken under certain conditions. To prevent entry of foreign matter when attaching the body cap or exchanging lenses, avoid dusty environments and be sure to remove all dust and other foreign matter that may be adhering to the camera mount, lens mount, or body cap. To protect the camera when no lens is in place, be sure to replace the supplied body cap. For foreign matter adhering to the image sensor, clean the image sensor as described in “Manual cleaning” (Manual cleaning), or have the sensor cleaned by authorized Nikon service personnel. Photographs affected by the presence of foreign matter on the sensor can be retouched using the clean image options available in some imaging applications.

Servicing the camera and accessories

The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing; Nikon recommends that the camera be inspected once every one to two years, and that it be serviced once every three to five years (note that fees apply to these services).

  • Frequent inspection and servicing are particularly recommended if the camera is used professionally.
  • Any accessories regularly used with the camera, such as lenses or optional flash units, should be included when the camera is inspected or serviced.