Caring for the Camera
Learn how to store, clean, and care for your 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, or
- are exposed to temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) or below –10 °C (14 °F)
Cleaning
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 thoroughly. Important: Dust or other foreign matter inside the camera may cause damage not covered under warranty.
- Lenses, viewfinder: Glass surfaces 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.
Cleaning the Image Sensor
Dirt or dust entering the camera when lenses are exchanged or the body cap is removed may adhere to the image sensor and affect your photographs. The image sensor can be cleaned 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.
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Remove the lens.
Turn the camera off and remove the lens or body cap.
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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 4.
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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.
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Replace the lens or 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 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, clean the sensor manually (0 Cleaning the Image Sensor) 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.