Out, damn spot!

[Lockwood]

Since using my camera while skiing I have noticed a spot - in the same place - on every image I have taken. Could there be dust somewhere?
Condensation? Anyone else ever have this problem? Am using a D60 with 35-135 Canon Ultrasonic lens. Thanks!

[vvizard]

Dust is common. Remove lens, blow it clean with mouth or preferable a blower (with _NON_-compressed air). I always use a blower, but I know a photog who just blow into the house each time he change lens. And if he can do that several times a day without problems, it probably is good enough. But I won't guarantee it, as I don't blow with the mouth myself, as I tend to be carefull with $2000 equipment :-P

[robertwgross]

If you have a spot in the same place on each image, then likely it is on the sensor and not on the lens.

It takes less than one minute to clean the sensor. First, study the images so that you know where to look for the spot. Remember that the sensor is upside down with respect to reality. For example, if you see the spot on the upper right corner of the images, then start your cleaning on the sensor at the lower left. I find it easier to simply hold my camera upside down when I clean the sensor.

---Bob Gross---

[Lockwood]

Your replies sent me back to my instruction manual where I finally found the section on cleaning the sensor - and sent me to a camera store to buy a blower brush! (I have canned air, but know how risky this is to use inside a camera.) Lockwood.

[ron chappel]

Yes it's risky to use canned air with all it's potential high pressure and liquid problems

[Lockwood]

I have been meaning to thank you all for your advice. After going through the mirror lock-up and a careful cleaning process, all is back to wonderful!

What a great forum!

Woody