Mirror vs. Sensor

I see something through the viewfinder that looks like a piece of dust. Since I am seeing through the viewfinder does this mean it is on the mirror vs. the sensor?

Do things on the sensor show through the viewfinder

If you see dust in the viewfinder then it will probably be on the mirror or focus screen, if you see blobs on the actual image then it is on the sensor HTH
Terry

If you see it on the viewfinder, then it cannot be on the sensor. However, that doesn't mean it won't show up in your pictures, or end up on the sensor. Use a blower, per your user manual frequently to keep the dust from accumulating.

You might have something in the viewfinder itself. Try blowing out the viewfinder and see if that helps. Another thing you can try, if you want, is to take the lens off, look thru the viewfinder, and move the mirror with your finger. If the spots move, I would say they are on the mirror, if not, they are prop. on the focusing screan or in the viewfinder.

I have spots in mine, and it's pretty anoying, but they don't show up on the photos, so I can live with it, for now. I haven't ventured into cleaning the focusing screan yet, so I don't know how hard/easy that is.

Good Luck

I hope you're being sarcastic?

That is probably the worst advice I've seen in a long time.

That's why I said "if you want to".

Maybe he has a job as a camera salesman. If he can't generate sales, at least he can find some work for the repair department.

Then you should have stated, "If you want to possibly break your camera, try this..." How does that help? Your advice was just plain wreckless.

You ***won't*** see dust on the mirror.. It's too far away from the focusing screen for the eyepeice to focus on.. Same goes for dust on the lens.

Any dust you can see clearly in the viewfinder will be on the focus screen..

Jim - spot on

that nails this one!

This begs the question;
"How to remove the dust from the focus screen" ?

Look thru the viewfinder, and move the focus screen with your finger.

EDIT: this is a joke in case someone thinks to try it.

take a brush to it and brush it off.

Blow the dust off the focusing screen with a rocket blower.

Do NOT use a brush on the focus screen. It is finely etched and even a brush can damage it. Only ever use a blower.

I am sorry to say I am getting worried about some of the advice given on here. If you give such advice, qualify it by stating your expertise.