Dirt inside body of D70 in prism...question.

Recently had the luck, well misfortune rather of having a spec of dirt, off center/centre to the top left inside the circle of the focus area.
I took it to Nikons head office and was told it would take 2 weeks and if I wanted the dirt removed I would risk getting more particles of dust or what not, because of what would be involved...
...essentially, removing the body to get to the prism to blow out the spec of dirt.

While I don't like taking a chance like that, the spec of dirt/dust is driving me absolutely insane when looking through my camera.
Has anyone had this issue before, where they took it in to be cleaned and had any problems or no problems for that matter, after the cleaning (repair).
Trying to decide if I can force myself to live with the situation of a spec of dirt being there or taking the chance, getting it cleaned and hoping nothing will get inside the camera during the cleaning process.
Thanks....Jacob...
footnote to all this is, im getting this offer to be a free service, normally it costs $135U.S. :shock:

Can you see the speck when you look directly at the prism with no lens attached?

If so, you should be able to blow it off with a plain blower bulb, like the ear bulbs you can buy at a pharmacy.

I would do some focus test and if my focusing is not affected I would leave it there.

I have the same problem on my D70. Mine has a huge speck on the upper left side of the circle, noticeable when you look into the view finder. I just left mine alone, didn't want to bother with shipping it off. You get used to it after a while. I don't even notice mine anymore. If it got worse, I'd do something about it though.

Can you see the speck when you look directly at the prism with no lens attached?

If so, you should be able to blow it off with a plain blower bulb, like the ear bulbs you can buy at a pharmacy.
Hi Doc :)...it can be viewed through the viewfinder w/out a lens, but when you look inside the body, can't see anything. I'm assuming it's inside the prism...like they said? I'm not familiar with inner workings too well to get overly technical but that's what I was told. It's inside the prism, which I thought contrary was the upper part above the reflex mirror.

I would do some focus test and if my focusing is not affected I would leave it there.

Good idea sinha, never thought of it, will do some now.
thanks :)

I have the same problem on my D70. Mine has a huge speck on the upper left side of the circle, noticeable when you look into the view finder. I just left mine alone, didn't want to bother with shipping it off. You get used to it after a while. I don't even notice mine anymore. If it got worse, I'd do something about it though.

Hopefully I'll have the same mindset as you and not think about it, although for those clear days where I shoot some sky or have it in the background...it'll be tough :shock: lol...I'm just tempted since Nikons head office is only 10minutes away from me...sooooooo tempting...but the thought of other stuff getting inside...is risky but I'm assuming they try to be as careful as possible when doing something as delicate as this. :(

I'm guessing them telling you the risks are just for them to CYA. If they DO get other stuff inside, it's still under warranty, so have them clean out the other stuff. Have them do a full cleaning of the sensor and all.
Nikon and Canon also warn and caution against the consumer cleaning the CCD or CMOS sensor themselves, however with the right equipment, it's pretty safe.

I've had this happen several times and listening to everyones bs and sending for clening apparatus. Upon following cameras intructions to raise mirror I held camera upside down and sprayed with canned air, worked like a charm and have done so twice.

Incidently, on the new Leica Digital Module, you just wipe the dust or dirt off with a damp cloth!

I'm guessing them telling you the risks are just for them to CYA. If they DO get other stuff inside, it's still under warranty, so have them clean out the other stuff. Have them do a full cleaning of the sensor and all.
Nikon and Canon also warn and caution against the consumer cleaning the CCD or CMOS sensor themselves, however with the right equipment, it's pretty safe.
I plan to absolutely...if it's there may as well right =)
I think they're reputable enough to know they should do a good job.

I've had this happen several times and listening to everyones bs and sending for clening apparatus. Upon following cameras intructions to raise mirror I held camera upside down and sprayed with canned air, worked like a charm and have done so twice.
I was thinking about doing that, flippin the mirror and poppin some air inside...it's in the manual? Never really looked but will now.
Any tips or suggestions would be great...thanks Pat.

Flipping the mirror up and putting canned air inside will not get rid of the speck in the prism. It could loosen particles on your sensor though, if in fact there even are any.

Canned air, or at least many, contain gases and chemicals that can harm the sensor. Not adviseable. Use a blower. I use a Giottos Rocket Blaster and it works greatly. If you do find canned air that is "safe" for sensors, the problem is the force of it could cause damage. The rocket blaster gives enough force, but not too much as where it may cause damage.
I'm sure there are tons of people that use canned air with no problems. There are also tons of people that have gotten water damage on their camera with no problems. I'm not going to risk it though, but that's just me personally.

Flipping up the mirror is in the manual. Look under mirror lock. They advise using the wall adapter plug in for doing so so you don't lose power and your mirror close down on your tools. The battery life itself is phenomenal. I think you'll be fine with a fully charged battery. Again, if you're seeing it on the prism, you're wasting time cleaning the sensor or anything under the mirror for that matter.