Where is the dirt?

I have a big chunk of something somplace on my 5D. This will be fun- it will be

like a riddle :)

 

I can see it through the viewfinder, but it's not on the digital files. I

cleaned the sensor anyway and it's still there (on the camera- not the images).

 

I've cleaned the mirror and the view finder. I've looked through the finder

with no lens- still there.

 

Where could it be? I'm happy it's not on the photos, but still it's driving me

crazy!

 

Thanks!

I would suggest removing the viewfinder screen in a clean room and cleaning it :-) Seriously, it might be on the upper side of the screen.

 

I'm not sure if the 5D's screen is removable. If you noodle around these sites you'll find links to instructions on how to replace your viewfinder screen, which will include its removal and replacement:

 

http://www.keoptics.com/

 

http://www.camerahacker.com/Tools/Installing_Haoda_Screen.shtml

 

Alternatively, an authorized Canon dealer can either do it or get it to an appropriate service center.

 

Also, wait for confirmation from someone who knows what s/he is talking about before trying this operation yourself.

 

Bruce

 

PS: If you wait long enough, it'll probably stop bothering you :-)

PPS: For "viewfinder screen" on the above substitute "focusing screen".

 

And really do wait for further comment before acting on my suggestion.

 

Bruce

I just ordered a new focusing screen for the 5D, and I am operating on the assumption that I will be able to replace it myself. I'll find out soon. I frankly can't imagine where else the spot is likely to be.

 

--Lannie

I had some particles in my camera too and I ended up using a hurricane blower and blew out my sensor/mirror area and it was gone!

The 5D focusing screen is incredibly simple to remove/replace, turn the camera off, remove your lens, place the camera on its back with the lens collar facing up at you, there's a small metal clip just inside the lens collar at the prism side, press it down and the focus screen caddy flips down. Be sure to remove the screen with tweezers (prefereably with wrapped ends to avoid scratches) so as not to get grease on it.

 

The replacement screens come with a special tool to unhook the clip and hold the screens by their tabs - RTFM when yours arrives.

From your description the dirt is on the focus screen, probably on the mirror side. Use a blower to remove, do not touch the screen as it is very soft and delicate.

<p>If it shows up in the viewfinder, it's not on the sensor. If it doesn't ever show up in photos, regardless of the lens and aperture you use, it's not on the sensor. So we know that cleaning the sensor won't get rid of this particular piece of whatever.</p>

 

<p>If it shows up sharply in the viewfinder, it's on the focus screen; that's the only part of the optical path between the subject and the viewfinder where things are in focus. If it's not sharp, it's likely on the mirror.</p>

Ahhh- thanks everyone! From Steve's description I'm going to guess that it's on the mirror- it is fuzzy :)

 

I'll try to blow it off again (tomorrow)

 

Thanks!

Judging from comments on other forums, it appears that many (if not all) Canon 5D cameras suffer from manufacturing "debris" left in the pentaprism area. The pentaprism area is actually sealed--there is a glass plate between the focusing screen and the bottom of the pentaprism--and the debris is above that plate.

 

Apparently, the debris doesn't fall from the pentaprism area onto the glass plate unless/until the camera is vibrated or impacted in some way. Some people have specifically reported that they had no problems until that happened at a specific point they recalled (a jolt or high-speed operation while the camera was pointed directly downward)--then suddenly there were clods of debris in the viewfinder.

 

Does it affect YOUR camera? Try holding it in various positions and shaking it briskly. Or don't--I'm not going to.

 

This can't be cleaned by removing the focusing screen because it's in the sealed area above the screen. It has to be cleaned by a service center, and you'll have to tell them specifically that it's NOT sensor dust or focusing screen dust, but debris in the pentaprism area. People who have had that done report the problem is solved.