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CLEANING THE EOS 5D MKII VIEWFINDERAugust 24, 2009 by Jan Shim 47 Comments

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Continuing from my Focus Screen and Sensor Cleaning article which I had written when I had my EOS 5D, I saw an opportunityto follow it up with a more thorough post when a friend noticed a spot in the viewfinder. Having risked it all before on my EOS20D, 5D and the 5D MkII I said I would take a look the next time he’s in town. So the day came and I knowing that he’s hands-on enough when it comes to small PC-related tasks such as handling screw drivers, I threw the ball right back at him and hadhim tackle the problem himself. It was a great learning experience for him and at the same time allowed me to document the stepswe took to complete the job. I’ve divided this post into two practical phases.

Phase 1: Removing (or changing) the Focusing Screen

This step guides you to quickly examine if the dust or grime is merely on the Focusing Screen. After removal of the focusingscreen and blowing both sides, reinstall the screen to check if dust disappears. If satisfied then Phase 2 isn’t necessary. Follow thesame steps if you want to swap out the original focusing screen with a new one such as the Canon EG-D (Grid) Focusing Screen.

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Place the camera on a flat surface with the lens mount facing up to avoid dropping the focusing screen. I take theextra step of removing the eyecup too for reason you'll understand when you are at this stage.

You can actually use your fingernail or a small tool to lift the attachment hoot to release the focusing screen. If youpreviously bought a replacement focusing screen from Canon, a "Special Tool" is provided (see 2 pictures down).Yep, Canon doesn't even know what to name it but calls it "Special Tool"

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I replaced my 5D Mk II's focusing screen with an optional Grid screen. In case anyone isinterested, the Canon part number is SCREEN-EGD CZ6-C218 3356B001AA as printedon the box. Focusing Screens on the 5D Mk II are slightly larger than that of the 5D somake sure you order the right item.

Gently pull the attachment hook to release the focusing screen holder from the hook. When done right, the screenslightly "pops" out for easy removal.

Using the Canon special tool or tweezer, removing the focusing screen is a no-brainer task. If you've bought a kitfrom Canon the box is where you can temporarily keep the screen should you require to proceed to more advancedstages of cleaning. The focusing screen is extremely sensitive to touch and will smudge very easily.

Instructions on Canon Focusing Screen kit reads … “Never touch the screen with your fingers or hold the screen in your hand. Ifthe screen becomes smudged with a fingerprint or a foreign substance, the smudge will be very difficult to remove. Also becareful not to smudge the mirror or other parts of the camera when changing the focusing screen.”

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For the small price you pay for an optional Canon focusing screen the "Special Tool" has its use long after you'veinstalled a new screen. The tool clamps the mounting tab of the focusing screen firmly and is ready to be inspectionof dust or grime. Warning: DO NOT (I repeat) DO NOT at this stage use a blower on the screen just because there'sdust on it. This clamp is NOT STRONG enough to hold it against "Hurricane Katrina". You've been warned. I willnot be held responsible for any stupidity on your part.

Ignore the manufacturer's instructions for a moment and use some common sense. If you spot dust on the focusingscreen, blow it off with a blower (I use a Giottos Rocket). I do not suggest using air from your lungs for thisassignment. You do not want to get any moisture onto the delicate screen. Believe me when I say it's delicate. Ihave screwed one up before and pretty much lived with my mistake until the camera was sent in for shutterreplacement only then I asked for a new screen replacement.

Phase 2: Removing the Metal Shims and Superimposed Display ScreenIf however after completion of Phase 1 and you still see spots on the viewfinder, proceed as follows:

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If the dust spot isn't removed using the above methods, chances are the spots are on the Superimposed Display ie theclear plastic screen with AF rectangles overlay. You'll need a set of these mini screwdrivers and you'll wantmagnetized ones too for obvious reasons (if you don't know why, you'll know soon enough—when you're missingsome screws and you happen to hear some rattling noises afterwards)

Using the smallest Philips screwdriver, remove the two micro screws that secure the metal plate. Remember to use amagnetized screwdriver here.

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There are no cool looking tools here except the obvious one. I used a tweezer to grab the metal plate firmly andslowly disloge it from the fitting making sure I don't accidentally drop it onto the highly sensitive mirror underneathit. You don't want to add a scratched mirror to your list of pain.

Next comes the three-piece copper shims. These are sandwiched between the focusing screen and superimposeddisplay each has a attachment hook that prevents them from dropping down during camera operation. The idea hereis to carefully undo them starting with focusing screen, then the metal shims then finally the superimposed displayscreen.

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The metal shims come off rather easily. The final bit in the triathlon of viewfinder cleaning is the removal of eachof these components. Note that you should always remember how they come off because you need to put them backin the order they were removed. The focusing screen for instance cannot be fitted the wrong way. Doing so willleave you with a blurred viewfinder.

Of the three tasks, I find the attachment hook that holds the superimposed display a little difficult to remove. Theidea here is to use something flat so that you can lift the catch to release the superimposed display.

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Using a tweezer, gently remove the superimposed display ("SD") to inspect for dust or in this case, I discoveredsomething more stubborn—an oil spot. How it got in there I think that's open to a multitude of guesses.

Isn't this cool? I just placed the SD under my flourescent table lamp, tilt it a bit and suddenly the cheap plasticscreen looks like expensive jewellery. Here, you can see the stubborn spot. The spot refused to budge even aftergiven it a dozen blows. It's decision time—wet clean or leave it be. The owner of this camera (being new andsomewhat clueless and inexperienced) was :O by one lil black dot in his viewfinder and asked me for help. I tookthis opportunity to proceed with a tried and tested wet clean method with a purpose of documenting this procedure.

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Applying Eclipse methanol fluid on a new Sensor Swab (two drops). Soaking the swab with too much fluids willleave unsightly streaks on the SD. You've come this far, don't let streaks (should they appear) freak you out. Youcan fairly easily remove the streaks with a newly prepared swab and sweep the SD a few more times. It takespractice to get things right. The point here is that the Eclipse is safe to use and does not attack the plastic.

Here is a picture of me applying a second sensor swab on the SD. Although the oily spot had disappeared, Iinadvertently left some streaks which needed a second application. — Photo by Gavin

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. No representations or warrantiesof any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect my cleaningmethod or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained herein are made for any purpose. Any reliance youplace on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

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IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY BREAK GLASSAugust 27, 2009 by Jan Shim 7 Comments

I wonder how many of you shoppers in Brunei who regularly visit Supa Save Supermarket have noticed a world renowneddesigner brand sitting on the shelf completely unassuming next an everyday item? Yes, I’m referring to the Limited EditionEvian Prêt-à-Porter version by Jean Paul Gaultier. I came across several rather dusty boxes at the Panaga outlet about a monthago and it took me several Should I or Should I Not moments of indecision before I took the plunge and brought the bottle homewhere it does absolutely nothing but look pretty next to my PC!

But consider this–a regular 0.75L bottle normally costs B$2.70. This JPG designed bottle which is also 0.75L costs B$16.80—Iknow, we all just love to petty ourselves with our mathematical genius, don’t we? Anyhow, I just thought I would give this amention (killing time while trying desperately to find inspiration to kick start my weekly Brunei Times columns) so anyone wholikes JPG stuff can go grab theirs while stocks last! And please, don’t think and drive!

I’m so NOT breaking this !!

Jean Paul Gaultier EVIAN Limited Edition

The JPG Evian bottle adds to my collection of Absolut Vodka bottles incl. the Limited Edition Disco.

With giant crystals revealing a shimmering gown, oversized letters generously enveloping the bottle, and a play ontransparency and optical illusions…this special edition Evian bottle offers an extravagant celebration of thesimplicity of pure beauty. Magnified by a unique colour so very much his own, the majestic blue that offers asubtle reminder of a famous mariniere, the Evian Prêt-à-Porter version by Jean Paul Gaultier is already widelycoveted and will soon be gracing every table.To be appreciated alone or as a pair, these playful and lively objectsemphasize the clearness of the meeting between the designer and his source of inspiration, Evian natural springwater. Individual 750ml glass bottle.

Discover more about Evian by Jean Paul Gaultier at Evian Jean Paul Gaultier

About Evian Natural Spring WaterBottled since 1826, Evian Natural Spring Water is the world’s #1 brand of premium natural spring water. Every drop of Eviantakes over 15 years to filter through mineral rich glacial sands in the pristine French Alps. Bottled at the source in a state of the artfacility, Evian comes from the Cachat Spring located on the Southern shore of Lake Geneva, in the town of Evian-les-Bains.Evian provides a uniquely balanced mineral composition and subtle flavor as a product of its unhurried journey.

Today, Evian is a brand of the Danone Group, a leader in the food industry and number one by volume in the world for packagedwater and dairy products. Evian first entered the U.S. market in 1978, where it was served in the finest bars and restaurants indistinctive glass bottles, and is now accepted as the most premium natural spring water for those, including many of Hollywood’selite, who like to treat themselves to the very best.

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About Jan ShimInternational freelance assignment/magazine photographer and independent photojournalist. Follow me @janshim

47 Responses to CLEANING THE EOS 5D MKII VIEWFINDER

1. Reedz says:August 24, 2009 at 7:30 am

Just reading this makes me cringe! No way am I even going to attempt this procedure man! I’ll leave it to the pros (likeyourself) thank you very much! Hehehe!

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Trevor Rymell says:December 21, 2009 at 6:23 pm

Is it possible to insert the SD screen in the wrong way round? In the photo above, I see two tabs of different width.Assuming their mating slots are also different widths then it would be should be impossible to insert it back tofront. can anyone verify?

Thanks

Trevor

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Jan Shim says:December 21, 2009 at 10:36 pm

Hi Trevor,

Yes, it’s entirely possible to insert any of the removable items the wrong way around. Items include thecopper shims, focusing screens and superimposed display even though Canon has engineered the tabs to bedifferent. If you install the focusing screen wrong way around the entire viewfinder goes blurry. Fittingthem wrongly is a great opportunity to learn from the mistake and you would exercise great care andobservation next time before removing them next time.

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Trevor Rymell says:December 21, 2009 at 11:43 pm

Thanks, Jan. My viewfinder appears to be in focus as it was before I cleaned the SD so I think it’sok. Many thanks for the clear guide.

What would be the effect of the SD being the wrong way round but everything else put backcorrectly? Would it be immediately obvious?

Trevor

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Jan Shim says:December 22, 2009 at 12:00 am

Umm, I don’t know. I’ve never had the SD plate installed the wrong way round before so Ican’t comment. However, if the rectangles on the SD are completely symmetrical, there’s achance it may still work

Rob @ Atlanta Real Estate says:March 2, 2011 at 8:48 am

Did it. Reading about it was worse than doing it. Viewfinder all clean now. Thanks for the tutorial.

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2. Nicholas Leong says:August 24, 2009 at 11:49 am

Eek. I agree with Reedz. Scary looking stuff here. I shall leave my dust spots there.

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Trevor says:December 22, 2009 at 12:51 am

Thanks, Jan.

Don’t think I’ve got it wrong as it focuses OK. I was just wondering. I really enjoyed doing this and am verygrateful for the guide. I got myself some latex surgical gloves and food-handlers’ hair cover to help reduce thechance of any extra bits of skin flakes, hair, dandruff and anything else falling in while carrying out the op.

Thanks again.

Trevor

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3. Gnul says:August 24, 2009 at 12:01 pm

just wondering here sir..did u do for nikon to?

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Jan Shim says:August 25, 2009 at 10:55 pm

For what is worth, I’m not offering any cleaning services. The purpose of this documentation is so you can attemptto clean the viewfinder or sensor yourself. If you don’t think you’re brave or knowledgeable enough to pull this offthen I suggest you leave things alone. The methods can be applied universally to most modern digital SLR bodies.Good luck!

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4. Jeff says:August 24, 2009 at 12:19 pm

Respect! and no comment….

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5. SaraJane says:August 24, 2009 at 10:46 pm

that’s too complicated for me la….but it is very detailed and informative.

could you clean mine when I see you?? XD

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7. Joe The Wizard says:September 17, 2009 at 8:45 am

Hah! So much fear! I am definitely going to try this. I was afraid of taking apart everything I’ve taken apart in my life, I’dnever have learned anything. Thanks for the detailed walkthrough. This will be very very helpful. I hate those damneddust spots!

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Jan Shim says:September 17, 2009 at 9:25 am

Well Joe, dust is very much a part of our everyday lives, unfortunately. What I don’t understand is why theviewfinder cannot be designed with better sealing. So far I’ve only had to take the entire viewfinder apart once(excluding the penta-prism). Most of the “dust spots” I noticed subsequently are the ones caught on the focusingscreen and those are very easily blown off using a blower.

Someone has found the steps to be useful so I’m certain it’ll work for you too. All the best.http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1032&message=32978084

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8. sgdavid says:September 18, 2009 at 10:47 am

Jan…can you teach my domestic helper about cleaning “sensor”. LOL

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10. Jan Shim says:April 15, 2010 at 3:01 pm

I have run out of Sensor Swabs and I’m currently looking at alternative cleaning methods. I’ve never tried the brushtechnique and feedback regarding the Artic Butterfly kit seems convincing http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=857606

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11. Jan Shim says:April 23, 2010 at 4:57 pm

Received this email from a photographer in Canada.

Hi Jan, i wanted to say thank you for the really useful article you did on the 5d mk2 SI screen.

I did have a question that you might be able to answer for me before i open my 5d2 up, hopefully you’llhave the time

I just came from a 1ds mk2, and the black AF squares in the VF on the 5d2 are getting to me, more so theni expected, i quickly came to realize these were not on the focusing screen, and were etched in on the SI,something your article confirmed for me…

Which begs me to wonder if i have any options as to getting rid of them ? On the 1ds mk2, one couldsimply tweak the options and have the square light up red only when AFing, thus having an extremelyclear VF, with just the general circle.

I was wondering, what your experiences were with them on the SI screen ? Are they etched in ?

Thanks for your time, and i hope you’ll get enough spare time to answer my question, if not no worries andgood luck on your adventures Nice contact picture by the way.

Hi, that’s an Interesting observation—I hadn’t really paid much attention to the black lines inside the VF other than stuffthat shouldn’t be in there. I owned a 1D Mark II a few years back and I do recall how bright it was. Then years later, withthe 5D Mark II .. the VF is a lot brighter and much nicer to use overall. But you’re right, the black rectangles can be a littledistracting if you’re not used to them being there. If you think 9 black rectangles are a problem just imagine what I have toput up with 9 black rectangles AND 5 black vertical and 3 horizontal lines—I have the Grid Screen

The interesting part is how they appear black inside the VF but are clear on the SI screen. Yes, the rectangles and also gridlines are etched. Hope this helps (or not).

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Laurian says:April 23, 2010 at 11:22 pm

Thanks for the reply!

Yeah it gets very busy with the grid, that part does not bother me. But i was thinking of grabbing one of the Eg-Sfor some of my fast lenses and then removing the black af squares would leave the entire viewfinder much cleanerand pleasurable to work with.

This would be especially nice for me when doing candids or street photography, where i don’t pay particularattention to lining up horizons and just want to focus on the subject matter.

If the items are etched onto the SI, i am not sure why they are appearing black, perhaps there are some markingsfurther into the prism ?

I suppose its my turn to break out the screwdrivers then

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Jan Shim says:May 30, 2010 at 10:27 am

Looking at my blog’s stats I came across a link from Fred Miranda discussing the same “black squares”issues. Any luck with your own findings?

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12. Alexandru Vorobchevici says:June 6, 2010 at 7:52 pm

Hi.

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I wanna ask you something.

I try to clean my focusing screen (i have a 5D Mark II), the first one but I noticed that other screen from back have dirty

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“Superimposed Display Screen” i try to clean that screen with out get it out from camera but with out luck. My questionis: is there any chance to change that screen from back? and if is it from where to buy another one. I talk about thisscreen.

Thank you so much and i really need some help. My heart is broken when i look through viewfinder.

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Jan Shim says:July 15, 2010 at 11:43 pm

Alexandru, Yes you can change out the “Superimposed Display Screen” which Canon calls Super ImposeIndicate Plate and the part number is YN2–9869–000 .

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13. Benjamin Jung says:July 15, 2010 at 11:17 pm

Thanks for publishing this guide. I performed it on my 5D mk1 and the procedure is exactly the same.I used a Kinetronics Speckgrabber to remove some stubborn dust spots, and it kind of worked, but also created some smallsmudges on the focusing screen and SI screen. It’s probably easier to use a sensor swab…

When I took out the SI screen, it slipped from my tweezers and I got a superficial scratch and some smaller marks on it.Fortunately it doesn’t display in the viewfinder at all!

Most of the dust in my VF was on the backside of the SI screen and on the pentaprism: most of it was actually removed byblowing on the prism with my rocket blower. I’m really glad I went through this because I got rid of some annoyingparticles in the middle of my VF, and now just two smaller ones on the perifery are left. A good result if you ask me.

Next project is the sensor — I haven’t been able to remove the smudges in the corners yet and those swabs are so damnexpensive…

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Jan Shim says:July 16, 2010 at 12:00 am

Thanks Benjamin. Glad you found the tutorial useful. Once you get a hang of the procedures, everything becomesroutine. That said, routine also introduces deterioration which is completely unavoidable no matter how carefulyou may be. Over time, it’s more economical to just put up with the minor irritation. Keep me posted how you geton with the “sensor project.”

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14. Sergey says:July 31, 2010 at 8:26 am

Hey Jan, I follow your way and screwed my focusing screen already by applying some liquid that I bought in Henry’sespecially for cleaning sensor. I know, my mistake. One can’t apply it to plastics. Where to get this “Eclipse methanol”for the future references?

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Jan Shim says:July 31, 2010 at 4:08 pm

Hi Sergey,

I hope you’re getting the Eclipse Methanol solution to clean the sensor and not specifically to clean the focusingscreen. While I successfully used Eclipse to clean the screen, it’s best to not have to touch it unless absolutelynecessary. Check out the manufacturer’s website http://www.photosol.com/

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Sergey says:August 1, 2010 at 9:33 pm

I made it yesterday night (couldn’t help itching to get rid of the dust and grease in viewfinder) withmethanol and fancy swabs from Vistek. It is not so easy as it seems, but it works. There is still a couple oftiny dust dots, but comparing to what was there – it’s perfect now, considering “night shift”.A couple things I dare to add to your instructive article:

1. one has to wear gloves (during the cleaning my hands became wet and thanks to gloves I didn’t screw it)2. a big loupe is essential for this job.3. avoid using blower closer then three inches from the surface of an object. It can make grease spots.

Thanks.

Reply

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Jan Shim says:August 2, 2010 at 6:18 am

Great that you found gloves to be useful. Unless you use surgical gloves, most fabric ones willshed a lint or two and can be frustrating to work. Over time, you’ll find that desensitizing yourselfto presence of dust spots make photography more enjoyable. These days, I usually just pop thefocus screen out, give it a good blow or two and pop it back in without relying on any tools otherthan a good blower, of course (useful when shooting in the field). Thank you for sharing yoursteps.

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16. Jan Shim says:August 25, 2010 at 9:04 am

A reply to an email from Jean Claude that’s worth sharing with folks who find themselves in similar predicament.

Hi Jan,

First of all thanks a lot for your blog’s tutorial .. I own a 5D mk II and I’m an amateur photographer.

I’ll go straight to the point… I’ve been a really bad 5D proper cleaner and now I even found that I madefew mistakes that got me with a scratched few parts .. hopefully not the sensor but I’m sure the Focusingscreen is .. and I realized the SD plastic panel (the cheap plastic panel that looks like expensive jewellery

… and I was wondering if you know where to find such SD replacement part .. possibly not fromCanon which I doubt it’ll be a “cheap piece of plastic” to replace then…

I’m considering new focusing screen too and I’d like your opinion about which one would you prefer andwhy. Looking forward to hearing from you and again thanks for all the inspiring words I read on yourblog.

cheers!

Jean Claude

By SD I think you mean the “PLATE SUPER IMPOSE INDICATE” which is printed on the box it came in. You can getthe replacement part from your nearest Canon service centre. Let them know you’re looking for Part No. YN2–9869–000

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17. Jan Shim says:August 25, 2010 at 10:11 am

Just a heads-up that three images from this post were published in a leading French film maker’s new book

http://shimworld.wordpress.com/2010/08/03/its-all-french-to-me/

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18. Tony says:August 28, 2010 at 10:39 pm

Did the above on my 5D MKII as I had a large piece of dust/dirt work a treat although would not want to do it too often . Thanks a lot for this.

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Jan Shim says:August 29, 2010 at 6:50 am

You’re most welcome. Don’t count on dust/dirt cleaning being once off

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19. Jan Shim says:September 22, 2010 at 7:59 am

Folks, if the information in this post isn’t enough or if you’re not convinced that the steps work, check out the How ToClean Behind Focus Screen discussion on the POTN Canon Digital Photography Forum.

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20. eYSIGHT says:September 30, 2010 at 6:01 pm

How would you manage cleaning the inside of the view finder window (the bit you put your eye too!!). Just come backfrom a gig with a bit toooo much rain and we’re all steamed up in the view finder and its just not clearing.

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Any help would be great.

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Jan Shim says:October 1, 2010 at 7:28 am

The only thing I think would help is to leave the camera inside a dry cabinet. How long you would need to leaveit there depends on how “dry” the setting is versus the amount of moisture that’s trapped inside. This methodhelped dry a non L lens that accidentally took a dip in the river and that took 3 days before all traces of moisturedisappeared. Good luck.

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21. Richie says:March 25, 2011 at 12:40 am

I’ve done this on my 50D. The only difference is there’s only one copper shim.Guess what, I’ve accidentally scratched the SI plate, and also put a bit of finger sweat! Ouch! Tried to clean it with pecpads which made it worse! I’ve now ordered a new SI plate and its on its way!

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bsemerick says:June 29, 2011 at 9:07 am

Richie – I can’t figure out how to fasten the copper shim to anything in the 50D. It just flops there. No matterwhich way I put it back in, it doesn’t seem to fit into any tabs. Help??? Thanks!

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Jan Shim says:June 29, 2011 at 9:20 am

I have not handled a 50D so I have no idea what the chamber looks like. The shims in the 5D Mark II donot fasten to anything either, they (2 or 3 pieces I can’t remember) are sandwiched in between the Super-imposed plate and focusing screen (see pictures above). But having said this, the shims do not floatbetween the SI and screen but instead have cut outs that slot into the bottom part of the chamber. Takeanother look (use a torch light if necessary).

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bsemerick says:June 29, 2011 at 9:36 am

thanks Jan. There don’t seem to be slots in the bottom of the chamber on the 50D. Unfortunately Ididn’t take note when it originally sprung out after removing the screws. It’s one shim, and it hastwo prongs on both top and bottom – two are wide, and two are more near each other. I feel likeI’m going crazy here, because I had it back together today (but it was blurry, so I knew I put itback wrong) and I had scratched the SI plate so I had ordered new ones anyway. So I thought I’dcheck it out more in depth tonight and now can’t get it back together I guess there are no photosof the 50D innards online.

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bsemerick says:June 29, 2011 at 10:06 am

UPDATE: I had the SI plate in upside down. It doesn’t look like the 5DII screen, it has onebig tab and two others that are spaced. This is my own fault, I should write a how to on the50D and stay out of 5D pages……. sorry!

Jan Shim says:June 29, 2011 at 10:14 am

I was about to suggest that you may have either installed the SI Plate or Focusing Screenwrong way around if your viewfinder appears blurry. I have had this happen to me beforefrom first hand mistake.

Jan Shim says:June 29, 2011 at 10:11 am

It’s expected that the shim(s) have prongs on them. The bottom prongs are designed to slotinto existing “compartments” to hold them in place. The prongs on top are stopped by these“catch” (indicated by the arrow) so they don’t fall out when the focusing screen is removed.

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22. John says:April 12, 2011 at 3:54 am

After reading this I am ok with the dust specks in my viewfinder.

My 30D after years still didn’t have anything in the viewfinder, but also didn’t have the option to switch focusing screens.

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23. Pingback: How to take good care of your DSLR and ect « ๑۩۞۩๑Journals๑۩۞۩๑

24. gnarf says:July 23, 2011 at 10:01 pm

thx manfinaly got rid of that dirt in the viewfinder

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