Nope, both probably employ mere humans. But, Nikon company-serviced cameras come with 180 day warranties from Nikon. Based upon what a customer service rep. at one authorized repair shop told me, their warranty is store-based and not from Nikon (The rep. possibly could have been mistaken, but I didn't see a need to spend time researching it further).

I'd rather have a Nikon warranty. I've sent 3 cameras back to Nikon and never had any trouble exercising my warranty rights. Who knows if I'd receive push-back from the authorized center and, if so, how much push-back.

So, while the possibility of a dirty sensor upon return might be the same, I am also considering the chance of damage to the sensor during repair and how much finger-pointing (if any) I might experience after I get the camera back.

Further, I was getting some additional repairs done to the camera, along with my cleaning. I'd like to know that someone who works, day-in day--out on Nikons was doing the repairs.

Finally, Nikon has a very hard-earned reputation to protect that shoddy service could cripple. They have millions and millions of dollars at stake and will probably invest in very good training, maintain quality hiring practices, and invest in the latest equipment and maintenance of that equipment.

Sure, a third-party repair facility may have a reputation to protect--or maybe not. I really don't know much about, nor do I care to spend hours researching, that facility and the training they provide and equipment they maintain. Nikon I know.

I used wet-cleaning. Same method I've been using since 2007 (E2...well, now Eclipse and #2 Sensor Swabs). That dirt must really have been fused to the sensor!

LOL anjz, do you really thing that the local authorized repairshop employes mere humans and Nikon only angels? The possibility that you will get back a dirty sensor from Nikon or a local shop is the same.

BTW, did you use wet or dry cleaning?

Cleaned my sensor 2 weeks ago with sensor swabs and eclipse. Use every swab in the $30something box and it still wasn't clean. ended up sending it back to Nikon in Melville, NY (I chickened out of using a local authorized repair dealer on my way driving there). Still waiting for it back.

i own several brushes, as i was a student of chinese calligraphy

those brushes are made with wool, and worked well with my D40 in sensor cleaning.

If you don't see the particles at least moving around the sensor with the blown air, in all likelihood, a brush alone probably won't completely remove all the particles. Cut to the chase and use a sensor cleaning solution and swab. If you should decide to make the investment, make sure the swab is the right size for your sensor. It looks like you have some significant particles on your sensor and if you've made the investment in your D70 for quality images, an additional $30 - $40 investment in solution and swabs is pretty small. Even if you use a program to clean up your images after the fact, the time saved is worth it.

One last suggestion if you view this as a one time only situation...In a pinch, when I've been out of town and had a similar situation with my cameras, I've called around to some local photo studios and ask if they can help me out. I've done this on two occasions (one for cleaning my sensor and one for some minor calibrations issue) and found a photographer that was willing to help me out. (swab, solutions and magnifier for inspection of the sensor). A local camera store is always going to charge (and rightfully so since it's their business) but another photographer might be more willing to help out a fellow professional. I don't consider myself a true professional since this is not my main primary job and source of income, but I do enough commercial and editorial work to make the contacts and offer referrals to those that have helped me out in a pinch. It might be worth a try.

What do you think is the best deal? If it's very expensive then I think I'll hold off on any purchase for now...

I don't use my D70 often enough for the dust to be a problem, only an annoyance. I don't appreciate having to clean up the dust during PP, but it's not like I do it for hundreds of photos.

Get a brush designed specifically for a sensor. the LensPen brush is too big and the hairs might be too coarse. You need a very fine, flat brush designed for sensors. They are usually white so you can see any particles easier. After several passes with a brush, there's a tendency to create some static electricity that makes it difficult to remove the particles completely off the sensor. You end up just moving them around from one end of the sensor to the other. That's why the Arctic Butterfly mentioned by NSXType-R is so effective. The high speed spinning of the brush after each pass across the sensor discharges the static electricity from the brush so it's not transferred to the sensor. I've also taken a standard sensor brush and blown it with canned air for s second or two after each pass across the sensor and it works in a similar manner to reduce the static electricity.

Some of the cleaning products for sensors are pricey, including brushes, but your sensor is the eyes of your camera. Using something not designed with the sensor in mind and you run the risk of damaging the sensor. There goes your $$$$ investment in your camera.

Thanks for all the feedback. So many choices! I want the cheapest but longest lasting solution. After all, my primary camera is a D300 and I don't want to spend an insane amount of money on cleaning my D70 sensor.

Can I use any brush? I already have a Nikon LensPen. Or are the other brushes specially designed for sensor cleaning?

NSXType-R, I use the Arctic Butterfly. It does a great job for that extra cleaning that a blower won't remove, but something you're still going to have to wet clean the sensor. I use VisibleDust products and their Vswabs and solutions are my personal preference, but I understand that most of the current swabs and cleaners that are available work just as well.

All three types of cleaning methods are needed for different situation. When I do shoot on the coast on very windy days, I have no choice but to wet clean given the fine particles that mix with the salt air that stick on the sensor and can be a bit stubborn to remove. I always go up the ladder of cleaning methods, from blown air first, to brushes if air alone doesn't work, and finally to wet cleaning with a swab and specialize sensor cleaning solutions as a last resort. The less you have physical contact with the sensor, the better.

One last thing about the Arctic Butterfly or any other brush...be careful that the brush does not come into contact with any lubricants in and around the mirror or shutter mechanisms. It's easily absorbed by the hairs on the brush and will add streaking to the dirt and grime on your sensor. You will have no choice but to wet clean to remove the streaks from the lubricants you just applied to the sensor from your contaminated brush, or in the worst case, you will now need to have the sensor professionally cleaned if lubricant is stubborn. If this happens, use a specialized senor brush cleaning solution and rinse with distilled water and air dry to remove the lubricant from the brush for future use.

Anyone try Arctic Butterfly before? I've been recommended it by a photographer, but I never bought or tried it. Heard it works well.

True mb. You might also try calling a local camera repair shop as well. Mine offers cleanings for a reasonable rate.

As for sensor cleaning by Nikon it depends, in some countries you have a couple of free cleanings during warranty service period. Usually you have to register (free) for extended warranty option though.

Try Photosol Brushoff before wet cleaning... Not dangerous & very useful...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/399869-REG/Photographic_Solutions_BOFF_BRUSHOFF_Sensor_Cleaning_Brush.html

Brushes work but not on dirt that is "fused" to the sensor. For really stuck dust your going to have to do a wet cleaning. Yes $20 bucks for 4 swabs is expensive but the link is for the kit which includes the liquid, the swabs, and that nifty carry case ;^)

I usually only use one swab (front and back) for my cleanings. The trick is getting the right amount of Eclipse liquid on the tip of the swab. Too much and you'll leave some smudgy streaks along (they come off with another pass of the swab). Not enough and you won't get all of the stuck particles.

You can also untie the cloth from the swab and use the backside of the material. Just flip it and tape it back on to the swab stick. So each swab is actually capable of four "passes" on the sensor, but that's really stretching your $20 dollars.

Crap.

Those eclipse swabs are not reusable, right? Twenty dollars seems a bit steep for only 4 swabs. Besides, it's not in stock.

How about a brush like this: https://www.micro-tools.com/store/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=D-SLR-16 . Would that damage the sensor?

They have to be current or "recent" pro bodies :^(

I know, but I do have an F2. Does that count?

Nope only if your a member of NPS (Nikon Professional Services). I never used it though. Regular consumer warranty doesn't cover it. Unfortunately one D300 isn't enough to qualify you for NPS membership :^(

Oh, by the way, do you know if Nikon covers "clean-up" under warranty? It would be great if I could get my D300 cleaned and touched up for free before the warranty expires.

Thanks NikoDoby! I'll look into that...

This is where I buy it online and the particular kit that includes everything you'll need for cleaning the D70, D90 and D300.

https://www.micro-tools.com/store/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=PSI-5K-E2-F

I buy a lot from micro-tools and I've never had a problem with them.

If you've tried a blower and the dust is not moving at all then the only thing to do is a wet cleaning using sensor cleaning tools. I use Eclipse E2 to clean my D70 sensor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67vLGotCFd0

You'll have to do more than one past with that dirty sensor! Just be sure to use a new swab after each pass. Use both sides of 1 swab and then use a totally new swab. Don't go back over the sensor with the same side of the swab!

Here's the mess on my D70:

I've already attempted using air to clean the dust, and that has not worked.

Should I attempt physical contact with the sensor?