***What are these spots on my photos?***

[mjcmt]

These spots are showing up more and more. I cleaned the Nikon D750 DSLR sensor many times as well as the rear lens element and it's getting worse in the last few weeks, from only a few to so many it's astounding. Is this lubricating oil from the shutter? Or damage to the sensor? Or something else?

I did a rough B/W edit w/ high contrast and high structure to highlight them and show them off.

 

[zulu42]

sensor spots. How did you clean your sensor?

 

[mjcmt]

microfiber cloth w/ touch of lens cleaner, then cleaned w/ dry microfiber

 

[Strodav]

It doesn't look like sensor dust to me as they are about the same size, just different intensity. If it were me, I'd take it to a local repair shop and see what they have to say. After that, probably to Nikon repair.

[I took a quick look at your flickr site. Nice work!]

 

[480sparky]

Dust on the sensor all day long.

 

[Photo Lady]

Did you try a different lens? My one lens is doing this..

 

[zulu42]

microfiber cloth w/ touch of lens cleaner, then cleaned w/ dry microfiber

I'd recommend a full frame sensor swab and cleaning solution. They do a better job IMO.

 

[Rickbb]

Yep, 2nd vote for a kit made for your sensor size.

 

[RAZKY]

microfiber cloth w/ touch of lens cleaner, then cleaned w/ dry microfiber

The user's manual explains how to clean the sensor.

 

[480sparky]

The user's manual explains how to clean the sensor.

Only to use the on-board vibration of the sensor and using a blower. Past that, the manual states to send the camera to Nikon-authorized service.

 

[smoke665]

@mjcmt Here's a good article on how to tell the differences How to Spot Dust on Your DSLR Sensor

First off the sensor is slightly charged and will attract and hold dust, do not use any type of cloth on your sensor as you'll likely introduce more dust. Follow the procedure above in the link to first determine the source of the spots, then follow these steps to remove sensor spots.

1. Starting from the least aggressive method. Remove the lens, hold the body pointed down and use a Rocket Blower to dislodge dust. Then use the onboard sensor cleaner. Now repeat the test in the link.

2. If you still have spots, use a sensor swab and cleaning fluid ( VisibleDust EZ Sensor Cleaning Kit Mini with 1.0x Green Vswabs and Sensor Clean ) put one or two drops of cleaning fluid on the swap. You can use a commercial product or 91% Isopropyl Alcohol, in either case DO NOT OVERSATURATE, IT WILL CAUSE STREAKS. Starting on one side of the sensor put enough pressure to slightly bend the swab. Pull it across in one fluid motion. Flip the swab over and repeat going the same direction. Throw the swab away...Do not use it again. Repeat the test in the link above. If you still have dust, repeat the cleaning with a new swab, and repeat test in link above.

3. If after cleaning twice you still have spots, then it's likely you have grease or oil contaminates. I would highly suggest you invest in a sensor scope to inspect the sensor. Delkin Devices Sensor Scope with Bag with the scope you can tell the difference between dust and oil/grease. If it's dust then repeat step 2. If it's oil or grease then go to step 4.

4. If you have oil or grease on the sensor replace your cleaning solution with ROR ROR Residual Oil Remover (2.0 oz) and repeat step 2.

It's not hard to do, and doesn't take that long. Just take your time and follow the steps above. It's important to remember to always go from the least aggressive to the most, if after following the above steps you still have spots, it's time to see a professional.

 

[RAZKY]

Only to use the on-board vibration of the sensor and using a blower. Past that, the manual states to send the camera to Nikon-authorized service.

Exactly - and for a reason.

 

[480sparky]

Exactly - and for a reason.

And that reason is they want you to send it to them so they can charge you money to do something you can easily do yourself... for a lot less money.

 

[smoke665]

And that reason is they want you to send it to them so they can charge you money to do something you can easily do yourself... for a lot less money.

Yup. However I did pay once on a really stubborn grease spot....that's when I learned about ROR. It took him less than 5mins. Cost me $35 but the lesson was priceless.

 

[PhotoHobbyist]

I picked up up a Canon XS for nothing that had those spots. I removed the lens and set the exposure for 30 seconds. After clicking the shutter I wiped the sensor clean with a Q-tip dipped in alcohol. If you keep the Q-tip in to long the shutter will be wrecked when it closes. The results for me were great. It is dangerous and you can destroy the camera, but it works.