Marks on on photos (dirt on sensor)

[mchaps]

Hi all, I just got my first SLR on ebay, a Nikon D40x second hand. I've just got around to uploading all the images I have taken so far onto my computer and in doing so I have noticed that there are black marks all over the images, always in the same spot.

This isn't the lens as I have two lenses and I have looked at images taken with both and the marks appear regards of when lens I use. So this is obviously something up with the camera, I would assume dirt/ something else on the sensor (I am new to all this, so just guess work). The marks appear clearest and most defined on shots taken with larger f/stops and then blurred the smaller the f/stop.

Any ideas on how to solve this? Cleaning the sensor, if so, how and what with? Also could this be something other than dirt, something more serious?

Any help would be really appreciated!

[sk66]

hate to see you waiting so long...
Introduction - Cleaning Digital Cameras - D-SLR Sensor Cleaning.

[OsmosisStudios]

If it's a blurry dark smudge, it's dust. That's easy stuff. If it's a distinct black mark, it could pixels.

Post an example and we'll let you know for sure.

[mchaps]

Thanks for the help. This one is the worst example of the problem. On most of the others it is only the large mark on the right hand corner which is visible, but always less defined, more of a translucent blur.

[ressalg]

Definately looks like dust to me. I had the same problem with my the used 20Da I bought. When I called a local camera store they recommended the guy they use. He was a bit out of the way but he did the cleaning for free... and I didn't have to worry about wreckin' my camera.

[photog1107]

You can certainly try a good old bulb blower first. I did that about a week ago--my spots looked exactly the same--and now it's good as new. You do have to make sure to do it in B mode though, with the shutter plane down, so you can reach the sensor.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by photog1107

You can certainly try a good old bulb blower first. I did that about a week ago--my spots looked exactly the same--and now it's good as new. You do have to make sure to do it in B mode though, with the shutter plane down, so you can reach the sensor.

I would sincerely recommend the Mirror Lock-up, if available. With BULB, the camera is ON and the sensor is charged, which attracts dust. With Mirror Lock-up, the camera is ON but the sensor ISNT charged, so it doesnt attract dust. Most cameras have this feature.

What youre seeing is particularly nasty dust. Depending on how long it's been there, it may be harder to remove. Try a blower first, but if that doesnt work then you may have to have it done professionally by someone with the right equipment and know-how.

[mchaps]

Thanks for the help everyone, I think I'm going to go with the blower option and see if that helps if not look at some other, more advanced options. Thanks again.