Help - again!

Alan Sandham

Alan Sandham

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Last year I had an issue with muck on the focus screen on my Canon 500d, and was given good info on getting a replacement focus screen.
There were still bits to be seen in the viewfinder despite fitting a new focus screen, and have been getting a bit paranoid over it. so took it to bits again and now I have managed to break the focus screen retaining clip trying to get the damn thing back in again. So - the camera is useless at the moment!
Could anyone with any experience of this advise - is it worth sending off to the Elstree Service Centre or H. Lehmann to get a proper job done, or do you think it may be not worth the cost for a two year old camera??

I know I'm at fault for trying to do it myself, but any useful suggestions would be welcome :bang::bang::help:
 
dentedshed said:
Give Canon at Elstree a call, I belive they do fixed priced repairs.

Next time there are 'bits' in the viewfinder, just leave them there :)
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Yes indeed, learned that to my cost! Very frustrating though to have these bits in the viewfinder. I suppose it must be a common problem.
 
If it's just the shim or retaining clip that you've broken, then it should be a fairly easy fix.

It might well be worth getting a quote from Elstree, Lehmann's, Fixation and a local shop in Soton to compare prices.
 
Thanks, yes, I will get on to it first thing in the morning. I have noticed the new 60d has an interchangeable focus screen, so hopefully this will not be a problem with the next generation of dslrs...
 
Alan Sandham said:
Thanks, yes, I will get on to it first thing in the morning. I have noticed the new 60d has an interchangeable focus screen, so hopefully this will not be a problem with the next generation of dslrs...
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A lot of dslr's have interchangeable focus screens, though it's not to keep them clean! You don't want to be changing the focus screen everytime you get dust on it!

A quick blow with the rocket blower on my focus screen always gets rid of the dust.
 
Thanks Jim. Unfortunately when I used a rocket blower on it it just made it worse! I then took the screen out to clean it (last year) and scratched the screen. Ordered a new one from Lehmanns, and when I put it in the bits were still there in the viewfinder!
I then left it for a while and then this weekend tried to have another go at cleaning it and broke the retaining clip trying to get it back in.
Sounds such a tale of woe! and I'm mad at myself for letting it bug me so much!
Anyway, lesson learned, and I hope to get it off to Elstree in the morning (hoping it doesnt cost a fortune).
Thanks to all for your advice.:bonk:
 
It was still there after you changed the focus screen?

Maybe its dust further in, you don't want to go poking around in there!
 
If you have had the screen in and out previously, why not just see if you can buy the clip and be a bit less ham-fisted ;)

Don't suppose the dust is on the mirror is it? If blowing with a blower made it worse, sounds like there is dust in the body, if you haven't before, try blowing with the camera face down, ie, so it falls out the lens mount rather than it all landing elsewhere in the cavity.
 
Hi Yvonne, Looks as if it's a Jim says, it's gone right inside and wont shift. I think it needs a professional job this time.
 
Just a last post on this one. Just received my camera back from Elstree. Its as good as new. Excellent service, but pricey at £155.
 
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