• Article ID 000044695
  • Date Published 21/12/2016
  • Date Last Updated 21/12/2016

Cleaning the CCD of a 'D' series camera

Cleaning the CCD of a 'D' series camera

The CCD is covered by a low-pass filter to help prevent moiré, it also prevents dirt from adhering directly to the CCD. In some cases, this dirt or dust, may appear in photographs and the filter will then require cleaning. The following methods are for checking whether the filter requires cleaning and includes the procedures that are required to be taken to perform this action.

  1. To ensure that the shutter is not damaged, this procedure requires that the camera be powered by an EH-4 AC adapter (available separately) for the D1/D1X and D1H or the EH-5 AC adaptor for the D100 (available separately). Turn the camera off and connect to the AC adapter.
  2. Remove the lens and turn on the camera.
  3. Press the MENU button and press the menu selector up or down to select the custom settings menu.
  4. After pressing the multi-selector to the right to enter the custom settings menu, press the multi-selector up or down to to highlight Custom Setting 8 on the D1 series or Setup Menu D100 (Mirror Lock-up) and then press the multi selector to the right to display the menu of options shown.
  5. Highlight CCD cleaning and press the multi selector to the right. The mirror will be raised to the cleaning position and the shutter curtain will open, revealing the low-pass filter. Note, on the D100 when doing this the camera's viewfinder and top LCD will display a row of dotted lines this is normal.
  6. Holding the camera so that light falls on the low-pass filter, it is possible to examine the filter for dirt and dust (Image 1). Should a foreign object be found on the filter, it should be cleaned as described below. If there is no dirt on the filter, display the Mirror Lock-up for CCD Cleaning sub-menu as described in steps 3 and 4 and select the "Off" option. The mirror will return to the down position and the shutter curtain will close.

 

 Image 1. Holding the camera for filter inspection.

The low-pass filter is extremely delicate and easily damaged. It is recommended that the filter is cleaned by a Nikon-authorized service facility. The following steps have been provided if users ignore this warning.

  1. Raise the mirror as described in the first five steps above. Note: a Nikon AC adapter (available separately) is required for this operation; if no adapter is available, the camera will have to be cleaned by a Nikon-authorized service centre.
  2. Remove dirt and dust from the filter with a blower (Image 2). The use of a blower-brush is not recommended as the bristles may damage the filter. Dirt that can not be removed with a blower can only be removed by a Nikon-authorised service centre. Under no circumstances should the filter be touched or wiped. If attempting to use an aerosol/compressed air please take great care to hold the can upright to prevent liquid proplent from falling on the CCD.
  3. Display the Mirror Lock-up for CCD Cleaning sub-menu as described above under steps 3 and 4, and select the Off option. The mirror will return to the down position and the shutter curtain will close.
  4. Turn the camera off and replace the lens or body cover, then unplug the AC adapter.

 

 Image 2. Using a blower to remove dust.

Cleaning the Filter with CCD cleaning liquid.

There are various types of CCD cleaning products available that may include a liquid cleaner together with CCD wipes. It is possible that these liquids can be used, but as stated above the low-pass filter is extremely delicate and easily damaged. Any damage that maybe caused by the use of these products, by the user, may result in a chargeable repair for replacement of the Filter/CCD unit. Nikon does not recommend cleaning the CCD with other then gentle air.

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