HELP - Made a grave error trying to clean! New Canon 50D

[jcoutts]

Hi,

Hoping someone can help me out here. I've made a grave error I think in trying to get rid of some spots I had when looking through the view finder (Very annoying and off putting). I must stress I have NOT touched the Sensor and don't want to.

Anyway, changed lenses and marks were in the same place so I knew the problem was in-camera somewhere. On inspection I couldn't see anything obvious so I began giving the mirror a little clean.

1. A lens cloth over a cotton bud with a minute dab of lens cleaning fluid - No problem at all cleaned looking shiny and bright :thumbs: - Lovely I thought, look through the camera and marks still there!!!:bang:.

2. Cleaned AGAIN the outside viewfinder (Done this first), just so I totally eliminated it, even removed little cover piece, cleaned thoroughly. Marks still there - O.K I thought, where the hell is this coming from...?

3. Then spotted the INTERNAL viewfinder opposite the mirror, this is the one with the focus points etched in it (Not sensor). - Hmmm I thought this is going to be difficult to clean but these marks are bugging me, so I've got to have a go.

So IN I GO!!!!..... :cuckoo:
Gave a little flick with a damp cotton bud, have another look and wow, the mark is still there but moved it's position.. ha ha I thought, thats where its sitting.

4. Soooo, and this where its all gone wrong, got some fluid again wiped it across the viewfinder lens. Then I take a look and presto the marks are now gone but it has left a terrible residue/smear across it :'(:'(:'(

It still works fine, focuses fine but it just looks a mess now when you look through the viewfinder, I can only describe it as when you try to clean a window in sunlight and theres just smears in it. Looks a right mess, and well although the marks are gone and it looks better I want to clean it properly.

You almost need a tool of some sort with a piece of sponge on that's angled so you can get it in there and clean properly.

I'm frightened to touch it anymore now........

I hope I haven't ruined the camera, it's only a month old - :bonk:

[IanC_UK]

First question which camera is it ? If its the 50D that plate actually comes out ! But you have to be very careful not to put finger marks all over it, if you are at all nervous about it you could always get a registered canon tech centre to clean it for you !

[neo2810]

The part is held on by a little spring loaded clip. You don't sound very adventurous but you can remove the part quite easily and clean it. Popping it back is fiddly though :D

EDIT: Beaten to it :razz:

[GarynLea]

Here's a tube video that may help ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szFOsQ4pGWo&feature=related

[jcoutts]

Hmmm, yeah a bit nervous about doing that. Had a quick look and am not sure where exactly the clip you speak about is? I might have to take some pics and post to get a better idea of what to push/pull to get this out.

It is on my 50D by the way.

[jcoutts]

Thanks a lot Garynlea! You posted before I'd finished!!!!!... Does show a special tool though? Wonder if this can be purchased seperately...

[Canon Bob]

There's a good description how to remove and replace it here (http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/files/install8.pdf). If you want the tool then PM me your address and I can lend you mine.

Bob

[jcoutts]

O.K Guys, err may sound stupid but well nervous now!!!!..

What should I clean it with, or how. :thinking:

e.g. water, lens cleaning fluid, lens cloth...

Just had a quick look and may attempt to do this, not sure what I am going to use to remove (Don't have the special tool - Do I need????) :shrug:

[IanC_UK]

I have actually removed mine without the special tool, but be very very careful and use something that wont scratch the focus screen plastic tweezers or something similar will work :)

You need a lens cleaning cloth ideally, once the focus screen is removed you can very carefully use the lens cleaning cloth to wipe both sides, without touching the screen itself !

[jcoutts]

Thanks IanC,

Any fluid of any description or should I avoid???

[IanC_UK]

Try without fluid first, see if the marks will come off dry, make sure its a lens cloth you use and nothing abrasive ! If it wont shift try lens cleaning fluid but be very very sparing with it ! ie with eclipse you just put 2 or 3 drops of fluid on !

[Canon Bob]

Thanks IanC,

Any fluid of any description or should I avoid???

Based on the advice here (http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/faq--cleaning--6.html), I'd only use water or mild detergent.

Bob

[IanC_UK]

Based on the advice here (http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/faq--cleaning--6.html), I'd only use water or mild detergent.

Bob

Spotted Mr Bob :)

[minky_monkey]

And be very very careful with the frame that secures it. I managed to bend mine, I was very lucky to be able to straighten it without breaking it.

I can`t tell you how stressful that was....

[KayJay]

Here's a tube video that may help ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szFOsQ4pGWo&feature=related

That video is well handy. Thanks for sharing that link.

When I look through my view finder I see some dust marks which are not on the sensor nor the lens, is it a good bet that I have the same problem?

[IanC_UK]

That video is well handy. Thanks for sharing that link.

When I look through my view finder I see some dust marks which are not on the sensor nor the lens, is it a good bet that I have the same problem?

Pretty much guaranteed !