Dirty viewfinder is driving me crazy.

[MichSt]

I know this as been asked before, and I’ve searched through the archives and read the threads. I know there’s no good way to clean it out. But, how to you guys and gals deal with dust and dirt in the viewfinder of your dSLRs? It drives me crazy! I have a nice eye lash in my 30D and a couple big specks of dust in my 5D. I am so tempted to try to get in there and clean the mirror and focus screen, but I’ve heard too many stories about scratching those areas that I just can’t do it. I guess it’s just my OCD, neat-freak side that is just annoyed beyond belief with the dust.

[neumanns]

It can be done with care, but if you are afraid then your only option is live with it or send it to the pro's.

I found after my first sensor cleaning it is a whole lot of hoopla bout nothing! Just use the right tool and don't be careless.

Blow it out or use a speccially designed brush...if you ask me all the "fear" is blown out of proportion.

Copper hill is who makes my cleaning kit.

[Microcosm]

I have an XTi, and I went in with a rocket blower until it left ! Annoyed me so badly as well.

[Wilt]

Sensor cleaning is not the same as viewfinder cleaning!!!

Since the 30D is not intended for user-removed focusing screen, you will first have to get instructions on how to remove the retainer so that the screen can be carefully withdrawn (held by the edges, so as not a grease up or mar the matte surface of the screen!!!) Then one should only use a blower, or only rinse with distilled water and let the focusing screen air dry because you can easily F*** up your focusing screen if you try to wipe it!

I have and removeable focusing screens in all of my cameras over the past 40 years, with the sole exception of the 20D, so I know of what i speak about being careful with focusing screens!

[MichSt]

Sensor cleaning is not the same as viewfinder cleaning!!!

Since the 30D is not intended for user-removed focusing screen, you will first have to get instructions on how to remove the retainer so that the screen can be carefully withdrawn (held by the edges, so as not a grease up or mar the matte surface of the screen!!!) Then one should only use a blower, or only rinse with distilled water and let the focusing screen air dry because you can easily F*** up your focusing screen if you try to wipe it!

I have and removeable focusing screens in all of my cameras over the past 40 years, with the sole exception of the 20D, so I know of what i speak about being careful with focusing screens!

Thanks for the reply. Yea, sensor cleaning I'm fine with. But, cleaning up the viewfinder, that's another story. I tried clearing the dust with a rocket blower, but all that did was get a bunch more dust caught up on the focusing screen :mad:

I'm really tempted to get in my 5D and clean up the focusing screen, but I believe you, it just sounds like I'm going to get myself in even more trouble. It sucks. Every time I look in the viewfinder my eye is just drawn to the dust in there. I guess I'll get over it, but it's just really bugging me right now.

[Microcosm]

I've never actually removed my screen, just went in and puffed it a few times. Never needed to do more.

[Wilt]

Thanks for the reply. Yea, sensor cleaning I'm fine with. But, cleaning up the viewfinder, that's another story. I tried clearing the dust with a rocket blower, but all that did was get a bunch more dust caught up on the focusing screen :mad:

I'm really tempted to get in my 5D and clean up the focusing screen, but I believe you, it just sounds like I'm going to get myself in even more trouble. It sucks. Every time I look in the viewfinder my eye is just drawn to the dust in there. I guess I'll get over it, but it's just really bugging me right now.

Simply pull out the focusing screen, rinse it under a strong stream while holding it by the edge, then rinse well with distilled water so it can air dry without water drops...do NOT blot the surface or wipe the surface!!!

[PBeeee]

I have the same problem with my 40d viewfinder. It annoys me too but I figure at some point I'll send it to Canon for a repair or adjustment and they will take care of it. My much older and far more abused 20d doesn't have a speck.