Viewfinder Cleaning....

Gazbag

Gazbag

Messages
179
Name
Gary Kirk
Edit My Images
Yes
I have a Sony A200 and have been very happy with its quality for the two years I have been using it. Dust and rubbish that get onto the sensor clean very easily with the cleaning mode and rocket blower and as I change lens quite a lot, I do from time to time get dust spots.

Yesterday I noticed a very prominant black spot in my view finder and gave the camera the usual blowing on the mirror and sensor but it still remaind. I turned the camera upside down to look up into the viewfinder area and noticed the speck on the little screen. I tried the blower, no joy, so I tried usuing a blower/brush gently on the screen. It did not move the speck, however it appears to have deposited more gunge onto the screen. I thought the brush was clean but I am worried I might have put something like oil or something on there. Anyway, long storey short:thumbs: Can I clean this myself or do I need to put it in for a professional job? Thanks in advance :bonk:
 
Gunge on the focussing screen won't appear on your images, so it's annoying but not disastrous...
As it's basically ground glass, it will collect any stray debris from your brush and hold onto it for dear life ever after. I usually only ever use a blower on that part of the camera, but really stubborn crap (hairs and larger debris) can be very gently teased off with a sensor swab moistened with sensor-cleaning fluid. Don't wipe - dab - the gunge sticks to the swab.
A lenspen might also work - someone who actually owns one might say yes or no to that...

On more sophisticated cameras, the screens are removable - read your instruction booklet to see if this is possible. Then it's easy - rinse it under the tap and carefully dry with a lens tissue by folding it into the tissue and pressing gently to soak up residual moisture - again don't wipe.

If not then you can send it away for a deep-clean, but Canon and Nikon both charge upwards of £50 for this and a shop may or may not charge a similar amount.
 
Had my 5D viewfinder cleaned by repairer, he charged me £5, took about 5 mins,
Jim
 
Thank you for the replies. I guess its not a problem, but as you say its distracting when using the camera. I will pop out to a local camera shop on monday and see what they might be able to do for me. Probaby sell me a load of expensive cleaning stuff and tell me to try cleaning it myself :)
 
Took the camera into a shop and asked about cleaning. They wanted to take the camera, send it away and get the work quoted for and charge me £35 for the privilage. If I decided not to have the clean done, I loose the £35. I asked for a "Ball park figure" and was told, "thats why we send it off and get it quoted". They did say that if it was a clean then possibly £50 - 70, but if a replacement £100+ Not a very helpful shop :( For another £100 I could buy a good secondhand replacement :eek:
 
Took a chance and went to see my local LCE. They had a look at the camera and have taken it in to see if they can clean it in-house. If they can, it will cost £30 all in..... result :clap:
 
Gazbag said:
Took a chance and went to see my local LCE. They had a look at the camera and have taken it in to see if they can clean it in-house. If they can, it will cost £30 all in..... result :clap:
Click to expand...
Got my camera back, nice and clean yeahhh :thumbs:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top