diff --git a/bottle.py b/bottle.py
index 23fff762c..57f0e3920 100755
--- a/bottle.py
+++ b/bottle.py
@@ -2883,7 +2883,7 @@ def static_file(filename, root,
 
     if not filename.startswith(root):
         return HTTPError(403, "Access denied.")
-    if not os.path.exists(filename) or not os.path.isfile(filename):
+    if not os.path.isfile(filename):
         return HTTPError(404, "File does not exist.")
     if not os.access(filename, os.R_OK):
         return HTTPError(403, "You do not have permission to access this file.")