SPECK OF SOMETHING IN MY 300D...

[Steve Parr]

Well, as the title suggests, I have a speck of something in my camera, and I can't figure out where it is.

It's visible through the viewfinder, however it does not show up on any images. It's definitely not a lens inssue, as it's in the same place, all the time. I don't believe it's something on the mirror, either.

It's not affecting my shots at all.

I'm not going to ask if I should be concerned or not, mainly because I am. I guess my main question is could this be something serious and, if not, should a local repair person be able to handle it? I really don't want to have to send it back to Canon.

Thanks...

Steve

[willg]

its just in the view finder...you can wipe the focus screen and the mirror if you want...it usually helps mine

[ron chappel]

It's definitely on the surface of the focus screen.

If you take the lens off and look inside you can see an angled mirror.
Straight up from there the focus screen is hiding-this is the thing you look at when you look through the viewfinder.
You're not actually looking straight through the lens-you're looking at an image projected onto the focus screen by the lens (via the angled mirror)

BE VERY CAREFULL CLEANING THESE PARTS.
The mirror is abit flimsy and the silvering can be easily scratched.
The focus screen is made of not very hard plastic and has a micro fresnel lens pattern etched into it which means it can react badly to fluids -they are hard to dry off properly and can leave horrible patterns!
Definitely use a blower only if you are not used to cleaning these parts!
If the blower doesn't work then either ignor it (you're right it can't possibly effect the pictures) or take it to a shop for a clean

[shiato storm]

mirror or focusing screen, and as suggested exercise extreme care when cleaning these parts!

[soupdragon]

Another thing you should be wary of is, if you move the contamination, where does it go.

[mdm]

I have a few specks in my viewfinder. They are still there. They will not hurt the pictures. You can try and use a rocket blower to try and get them out of there.

[skyphix]

it annoys me that I have some specs on my view finder, but its just an annoyance. I live with it because its harder to replace a focusing screen than to live with a couple of hairs.

[Steve Parr]

This is more than just a little speck of dust (at least to me). I looked at the mirror, but never thought to look up at what the mirror was reflecting to.

Thanks everyone. Three or four more cups of coffee, and I just may go give it a go.

Thanks again!

Steve

[mrclark321]

To clean my focusing screen I used a lense cloth wrapped around my finger and gently wiped it. Then I used the bulb blower, I repeated this several times until everything looked clear. Had to clean the mirror after also. Has anyone else done this?
Has anyone ever damaged the focusing screen or mirror by doing this and if so how expensive was it to fix?

Dan

[PhotosGuy]

Has anyone ever damaged the focusing screen or mirror by doing this and if so how expensive was it to fix? It's best to never touch the mirror with anything. Just blow it off.

[ron chappel]

I've heard the focus screen is cheap (about us$18? from another thread) and can be replaced by a user if you are very carefull.
The mirror price i'm not sure about but it sure will be difficult to replace!

[Steve Parr]

Thanks, everyone, for the assist on this. As expected (or hoped?) there was something on the screen above the mirror. It took some doin', but I was able to clean it with a blower and cloth.

Thanks again. I love this freakin' place...

Steve

[khiemluu]

It's best to never touch the mirror with anything. Just blow it off.

Haha that's cruel, very cruel...i hope he knows you were joking.. :D

Khiem.

[Saudidave]

It's very easy to damage the foam light seals around the lens aperture when cleaning so beware. I did that with my nearly new 350 and it's costing £144 for Canon to fix it!

Dave