Help clearing fogged view-finder

Last night I had an outside shoot. On the way (on foot) I called into a clients office to drop off some proofs from a previous shoot on a CD. Wow, their office was like 200 degrees! (it's cold and damp here - but not THAT cold!)

I didn't hang around (as I was dressed for the cold) and continued to the shoot a few minutes walk away.

Within that the time it took me to set up the viewfinder of my 1D misted up. Not too bad at first (I got a few shots - albeit rather difficult) but then it was just unusable, so I got a back-up body out of the car and finished the shoot.

Now, over 14 hours later, the viewfinder is STILL fogged up. It's on the inside of the viewfinder, so I can't wipe it clear. I tried leaving off the lens overnight (in case the weather sealing was preventing the condensation from clearing) but that obviously didn't help - although there was no heating in the house overnight.

The only thing I haven't done, is bump up the heating now in the hope that that might clear it. I really dont know what to do next.....

Any ideas my trusty friends?

TJ

maybe try putting it in a plastic bag with some silica gel?

Hot air can hold much more moisture than cold air so it is possible that your camera picked up some nearly saturated hot air which then promptly condensed out the water when it got cold soaked. The problem with the internal condensation is that it is in liquid form now and not very likely to evaporate since there is essentially no exchange with dry air. Your cold damp air is probably saturated and can't take on any additional moisture. Furthermore, it is possible that the condensation will leave behind some residue of whatever may have been in the air. I was going to suggest canned air, but it tends to chill the surfaces that it is sprayed on and creating the likelihood of more condensation to exacerbate the situation. A trip to a desert might be in order.

I'll give some thought to that Joseph - thanks.

Thanks Bill....... now where can I find a desert here in the UK?

TJ

It wouldn't be a problem if I could get at it. Is there any way to remove the viewfinder glass - anybody?

TJ

Just packed it off to Canon - they reckon they have a three-day turn-around, so here's hoping!

TJ