Reasonable cost for sensor cleaning and checkup of D2x?

[TheMadScot]

I've spoken to Nikon UK about getting my D2x's sensor cleaned and general inspection of the camera, which I'll have had for just under a year now.

They've quoted £21.95 ($38.34 US) for the sensor clean and £4.95 ($8.65 US) to have it couriered back to me. Turn around time is around 1 day so, if I ship it to them today, I should have it back on Wednesday or Thursday.

For me to send it to them will cost £8.30 to have it couriered for pre-noon delivery tomorrow, so that puts the total cost at £35.20 ($61.48 US). I was just wondering how this stacked up against the cost of servicing in other countries??

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http://www.vikingphotography.co.uk

 

[CheersUK]

Luckily for me, I took my camera in a couple of months ago to Fixation in London and they done it for me while I waited, for just short of £30. The prices you have been quoted seem very fair to me...although the while u wait option is great if you need the service on the off chance...and there is a place local.

Cheers

 

[Slough]

You could always learn to do it yourself. It's not hard, though a little care is required.

Leif

 

[Jumbuck]

For what its worth I think you've done the right thing, getting it professionally cleaned.

Call me a whimp but I just have too much to lose if I stuff it up myself and my eye sight is not what it use to be. A professional job gives you the guarantee it will be done right, and if not then you are protected.

 

[Opticalstar]

All cleaning is at the owner's owo risk, no matter who does the cleaning
--
D200

 

[Opticalstar]

Web site re cleaning sensor

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/prophoto/sensorcleaning.mspx
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http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/

http://www.visibledust.com/

 

[TheMadScot]

As much as I'd like to have dropped the camera off locally, that's not an option where I live. The £20 fee seemed reasonable enough for a sensor clean, considering that it'll be done by Nikon's own techs and a before / after check will be performed to ensure that it's been done properly

Nikon did announce just last month that they would be in Glasgow for a series of seminars, during which NPS members could leave their equipment to be cleaned and have minor repairs effected. At the time, I didn't qualify for NPS membership (I do now!) so I couldn't take advantage of that.

I'm attending Nikon training day in Glasgow on Thursday and will suggest that folks that aren't NPS members should - for a fee - be able to drop in equipent to have it services professionally at future seminars.

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http://www.vikingphotography.co.uk

 

[TheMadScot]

Yeah, I just need to invest in the right kit - I'll order the relevant VisibleDust brush, some compressed CO2 and some swabs, pec pads and cleaning fluid.

That said, now that I qualify for NPS membership (as opposed to NPU, which is automatic here in the UK for pro body owners) there'll be enough opportunities for me to meet Nikon staff and have my kit cleaned FOC in the future.

Still, it pays for me to know how to do it myself all the same

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http://www.vikingphotography.co.uk

 

[TheMadScot]

I've seen many articles on the web similar to this, and it's a great primer on what you need to do the job. Shame that it seems to be tucked away on a Microsoft website - the last place I would have looked for it

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http://www.vikingphotography.co.uk

 

[bob elkind]

I've been using this for my D70 for the last year and a half, and I've never had to resort to pecpads + eclipse (which I have on hand, just in case).

roughly US $16.50, incl shipping. I have no financial interest in this outfit.

see http://cgi.ebay.com/CleanSkies-SENSOR-CLEANING-Brush-Kit-For-Digital-SLRs_W0QQitemZ7604395925QQcategoryZ15215QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

-- Bob Elkind

 

[ewencameron]

Hi Martin

I'd definitely recommend the DIY route. Our pair of D100's have had 42 cleans over the last three years (lots of lens swaps in the dusty and often windy field). I know the precise number as we are on our fourth pack of Sensor Swabs! The new D2Hs hasn't needed a clean yet but it's only done a few engagements so far.

Our (also pro) daughter takes hers to Fixation (she lives in South London) but due to the cost has to live with dust flecks and cloning much of the time. And the cost.

All you really need (if you are going to go for wet cleaning, which strikes me as the safest route) is a bottle of Eclipse and some Sensor Swabs. Under good lighting, with a well charged battery, set to bulb, and with the camera facing you depress the shutter button to reveal the sensor. With two drops of fliud on the swab (no more or you'll go skating) wipe across the sensor one way, reverse the swab and wipe back the other way (the reversal is to avoid re-applying removed cludge). Job done.

A UK source for the swabs and fluid is here.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/index.cfm?photo/cleaning/crownb.html?cd=10511111

Some folk make their own swabs at much lower cost, but it's still a lot cheaper than having it done by Nikon - and more convenient.

You don't need Pec Pads unless you aim to make your own swabs. Brushes I've not tried but it occurs to me they won't get greasy film off - which does seem to form over time, and I've been perfectly happy with wet cleaning. Quick, easy and effective.

I hope this helps

Regards

Ewen Cameron
Kent, UK