So Ive noticed on some photos, regardless of what lens I was using, that there was a black smudge on the top right of my photos.
It took me a while to notice because it didn't show up all the time.
This morning I was trying to take a photo of a tow hook and it came back. Cleaned the lens. Rocket. Nothing. Switched lenses. Same thing.

Noticed a patten:

50mm f22 there was the spot
50mm f1.8 no spot
18-200 f22 spot
18-200 f3.5. Barely a spot. Almost like it faded.
So with that, it ruled out the lenses. But now I'm stuck. How do I get the smudge off the camera. It's a D200 btw.

Any help would be great

 

Most probably a dirty sensor, common.

Take your 50mm outside on a nice, sunny, clear day. Select Aperture mode, and ƒ22. Focus on the furthest object you can, re-compose with nothing but blue sky in the viewer, and take a shot. make sure to face AWAY from the sun. You're trying to get a normal exposure of pure blue sky to see against. Like this...

http://crispierry.typepad.com/applepie/Dirty%20CCD.png

Post it here for all to see.

 

I agree with VisualEchos that it sounds like a dirty sensor. The image above is a good example of a dirty sensor. However, I disagree about focusing on something far away aiming at the sky. The sky is far away and you want it as OOF as possible. I've found that if you focus really close (macro lenses work best), you get a better picture of the dust. You don't need to use sky. Any somewhat uniformly lit surface can do. A ceiling or a monitor works.

You can try using a rocket blower on the sensor. If that doesn't work, you need to do wet cleaning. I've had good luck with Photographic Solutions' products such as their cleaning kit. It seems like they now have pre-moistened swabs which are easier to ship. If you're doing wet cleaning, make sure you read up on how to do it and order the proper sized swap for your sensor size and use a cleaning solution which is compatible with the coating on your sensor.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/P...-Cleaning.aspx

 

Interesting, I didn't realize it was better to focus on something close, I'll have to try that, seeing as how I clean cameras on the side lol .

I also agree with the cleaning link you provided, though I use the Copperhill kit myself.

 

I never quite understood the popularity of the Copperhill.

 

Well, I have to thank everyone for the tips... I tested out the scenarios that everyone mentioned and sure enough, there it was....

I used the mirror lockup, used the rocket blower and I'm good to go.. tested it on 50mm, 70-200, and 18-200... it's gone..


Thanks everyone!!

 

It's a simple, inexpensive kit that works.

 

Glad to hear. 9/10 times, a rocket blower does the job.

Given how infrequently I do wet cleanings, sensor swabs aren't much more expensive for me to mind paying a little more. According to Photographic Solutions Pec Pads aren't supposed to be used for sensor cleaning.

 

I don't use pec pads, I use the small strips...and they work.