Few updates on the Nikon D600 oil spots issue. The good news is that no new oil spots get accumulated over time as reported today by LensRentals:
“Things are definitely better. Where 20 of 20 cameras required cleaning 6 weeks ago, only 11 of 20 did this time (our average for all SLRs would be about 5 of 20).
Like we did in the first article, I took all 20 images, stacked them in Photoshop using “darken if” to give you a summary of all the dust on all 20 cameras. Again, 20 cameras, not one single sensor.”
Kyle Clements reported that the magic number seems to be around 3000 shots after which the sensor doesn’t get any dirtier:
“3000 was the magic number posted throughout many of the comments. After 3000 shots, the problem more-or-less goes away.”
Nikon USA did issue this statement to Imaging Resource regarding the D600 oil spots:
“Measures to reduce effects of dust or foreign matter are optimized for each model. Therefore, the dust reduction system’s internal mechanism varies with each model,” the Nikon statement reads. “If the effects of dust or foreign matter on photographs become bothersome, customers are encouraged to consult their local Nikon service center.”
One of the possible theories posted by PetaPixel is that the sensor spots are caused by scratches in the mirror box.
According to this dpreview post, Nikon already has a solution for this issue:
- Nikon Tokyo have a solution in the works which will involve fitting new parts into the camera to solve the issue
- The fix will be coming ‘soon’ but I was told I should still send my camera in to be cleaned in the meantime for a quick turnaround of just several days
- They are not oil spots we are seeing but lubricant/debris coming off the mirror box
- The interim cleaning will involve not just the sensor but also the source of the lubricant
- Nikon are paying for the postage by sending me out a barcode to put on the box so I can send it in for the cleaning
- A high proportion of d600’s are experiencing this problem
If you own a D600 and have taken over 3000 shots, please share your experiences in the comments section below.
