2. D850 Online Manual
  3. Technical Notes
  4. Caring for the Camera

Caring for the Camera

Storage

When the camera will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry area with the terminal cover in place. To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area. Do not store your camera with naphtha or camphor moth balls or 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

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 thoroughly.

Important: Dust or other foreign matter inside the camera may cause damage not covered under warranty.

Lens, mirror, and viewfinder
These glass elements are easily damaged. Remove dust and lint with a blower. If using an aerosol blower, keep the can vertical to prevent the discharge of liquid. 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.

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

Image Sensor Cleaning

If you suspect that dirt or dust on the image sensor is appearing in photographs, you can clean the sensor using the Clean image sensor option in the setup menu. The sensor can be cleaned at any time using the Clean now option, or cleaning can be performed automatically when the camera is turned on or off.

“Clean Now”

Holding the camera base down, select Clean image sensor in the setup menu, then highlight Clean now and press J. The camera will check the image sensor and then begin cleaning. 1 flashes in the control panel and other operations cannot be performed while cleaning is in progress. Do not remove or disconnect the power source until cleaning ends and the setup menu is displayed.

“Clean at Startup/Shutdown”

Choose from the following options:

5Clean at startup
The image sensor is automatically cleaned each time the camera is turned on.
6Clean at shutdown
The image sensor is automatically cleaned during shutdown each time the camera is turned off.
7Clean at startup & shutdown
The image sensor is cleaned automatically at startup and at shutdown.
Cleaning off
Automatic image sensor cleaning off.

  1. Select Clean at startup/shutdown.

    Display the Clean image sensor menu as described in “Clean Now” (0 “Clean Now”). Highlight Clean at startup/shutdown and press 2.

  2. Select an option.

    Highlight an option and press J.

Image Sensor Cleaning

Using camera controls during startup interrupts image sensor cleaning.

If dust cannot be fully removed using the options in the Clean image sensor menu, clean the image sensor manually (0 Manual Cleaning) or consult a Nikon-authorized service representative.

If image sensor cleaning is performed several times in succession, image sensor cleaning may be temporarily disabled to protect the camera’s internal circuitry. Cleaning can be performed again after a short wait.

Manual Cleaning

If foreign matter cannot be removed from the image sensor using the Clean image sensor (0 Image Sensor Cleaning) option in the setup menu, 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. Charge the battery or connect an AC adapter.

    A reliable power source is required when inspecting or cleaning the image sensor. Turn the camera off and insert a fully-charged battery or connect an optional AC adapter and power connector. The Lock mirror up for cleaning option is only available in the setup menu if the battery level is over J and the camera is not connected to a smart device via Bluetooth or other devices via USB.

  2. Remove the lens.

    Turn the camera off and remove the lens.

  3. Select Lock mirror up for cleaning.

    Turn the camera on and highlight Lock mirror up for cleaning in the setup menu and press 2.

  4. Press J.

    A message will be displayed in the monitor and a row of dashes will appear in the control panel and viewfinder. To restore normal operation without inspecting the image sensor, turn the camera off.

  5. Raise the mirror.

    Press the shutter-release button all the way down. The mirror will be raised and the shutter curtain will open, revealing the image sensor. The display in the viewfinder will turn off and the row of dashes in the control panel will flash.

  6. Examine the image sensor.

    Holding the camera so that light falls on the image sensor, examine the sensor for dust or lint. If no foreign objects are present, proceed to Step 8.

  7. Clean the sensor.

    Remove any dust and lint from the sensor with a blower. Do not use a blower-brush, as 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.

  8. Turn the camera off.

    The mirror will return to the down position and the shutter curtain will close. Replace the lens or body cap.

Use a Reliable Power Source

The shutter curtain is delicate and easily damaged. If the camera powers off while the mirror is raised, the curtain will close automatically. To prevent damage to the curtain, observe the following precautions:

  • Do not turn the camera off or remove or disconnect the power source while the mirror is raised.
  • If the battery runs low while the mirror is raised, a beep will sound and the self-timer lamp will flash to warn that the shutter curtain will close and the mirror will be lowered after about two minutes. End cleaning or inspection immediately.

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 protect the camera when no lens is in place, be sure to replace the body cap provided with the camera, being careful to first remove all dust and other foreign matter that may be adhering to the camera mount, lens mount, and body cap. Avoid attaching the body cap or exchanging lenses in dusty environments.

Should foreign matter find its way onto the image sensor, use the image sensor cleaning option as described in “Image Sensor Cleaning” (0 Image Sensor Cleaning). If the problem persists, clean the sensor manually (0 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 by the original retailer or a Nikon-authorized service representative 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.