Reference Manual

444 Technical Notes
Cleaning the Image Sensor
Dirt or dust entering the camera when lenses are exchanged or
the body cap is removed may adhere to the image sensor and
affect your photographs. The image sensor can be cleaned as
described below. Note, however, that the sensor is extremely
delicate and easily damaged; we recommend that manual
cleaning be performed only by a Nikon-authorized service
representative.
1 Remove the lens.
Turn the camera off and remove the lens or body cap.
2 Examine the image sensor.
Holding the camera so that light falls
on the image sensor, examine the
sensor for dust or lint. If no foreign
objects are present, proceed to Step 4.
3 Clean the sensor.
Remove any dust and lint from the
sensor with a blower. Do not use a
blower-brush, as the bristles could
damage the sensor. Dirt that cannot
be removed with a blower can only be
removed by Nikon-authorized service
personnel. Under no circumstances should you touch or wipe
the sensor.
4 Replace the lens or body cap.