Removing greenish cast from 5D LCD display

<p>I got a used 5D recently, but unfortunately it's one of the earlier models (1XXX...) and suffers from the nasty yellowish green cast on its display. The only remedies suggested that I have read are to a) return it for a later model (don't want to), b) have it fixed by Canon for a few hundred $$$ (don't want to), or c) tinker with the LCD's brightness to make the cast less bothersome (not effective).<br>

I am wondering if anybody has a tried a fourth option, which is to create a custom LCD protector/cover with a slight magenta cast to offset the green. A dirty but not so quick way could be as follows (all inside a color managed work flow)<br>

1. With custom WB set on the 5D, take a picture of a neutral subject (eg white wall). The wall appears greenish on the display.</p>

<p>2. With another camera also set to custom WB, shoot a close up of the LCD.</p>

<p>3. Import second image into Photoshop and apply curves to make it neutral. Save the curves.</p>

<p>4. Now apply the curves to a new image with just a white background. This results in a magenta bias.</p>

<p>5. Print onto a sheet of clear plastic that you intend to use as LCD protector for your 5D.</p>

<p>6. Cut out the plastic and attach to the 5D's display with the printed side on the inside.</p>

<p>How does that sound ? Of course it won't be accurate and will require some trial and error, but at least you won't have to look at the "vomity green" (Ken Rockwell's words) LCD again.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>What firmware version does the camera have? You may need to update the firmware.</p>

<p>1.1.0</p>

<p>Try updating to version 1.1.1. here: http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eos5d/eos5d_firmware-e.html.</p>

<p>I have an extremely early 5D and don't have a "vomity green" lcd. I've updated to 1.1.1, but never had that particular issue.</p>

<p>Someone here http://www.photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00Oy01 mentioned that their 5D's warm yellow tint disappeared after upgrading to firmware 1.1.1. I also noticed that with my 5D after the latest upgrade.</p>

<p>Peter, thanks for the link. I just upgraded to 1.1.1 but unfortunately it's still as green as ever.</p>

<p>I don't know what else to say but to quote Ken Rockwell, "I've quickly seen professionals using 30Ds and their screens seemed green to me, and it didn't bother them at all. <strong>Don't worry</strong> if you already have one. "</p>

<p>http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/dslr-comparison/lcds-2006/index.htm</p>

<p>Perhaps someone else can chime in.</p>

<p>Ah used ta smear ah bit 'o stawberry jam on mah ole 5D LCD 'n it was better den usin' mah Spyder3.</p>

The only time I have problems with a yellowish/green cast is when I use flash.

<p>Excellent idea. I could try coloring the screen lightly with a magenta dry erase marker. Or permanent, if I get the shade right.</p>

<p>I'm allergic too strawberry. May I suggest raspberry instead?</p>

<p>Remember your nose will touch the screen :)<br>

Maybe test plastic screen protector foil with different kind of markers, or transparent letter-sized colored plastic protectors for documents.</p>

<p>>>Remember your nose will touch the screen :)<br>

Good point. After a photo shoot I don't want to end up "Rudolph, the magenta...."</p>

<p>Get a pair of magenta sun glasses...</p>

<p>Use the white balance control to slant the thumbnails toward magenta. If you shoot RAW, it won't matter.</p>

Look at the screen from a 45 degree angle, the yellowish tint will then turn blueish...

<p>FYI.. I upgraded to a new 5D Mark II last year which has none of the problems of the original 5D. It's the best camera ever !</p>

I'm interested in why it would matter that it has an off cast. I use the LCD mainly for the histogram, and perhaps composition and focus. As long as your colour output in your captured files was consistent, I can't see what it matters what colour there is on the LCD. Unless you only shoot in JPG and use the in-camera jpg controls to get the best JPG for the scene.

<p>Since I don't print directly from the digital cameras, my reliance on the best colour output is from my colour calibrated monitor at home: not the LCD of any DSLR or compact camera. I use the LCD to check for focus and blown highlights.</p>

<p>For White Balance. If I take 500 pictures , say over a weekend trip to somewhere, I don't want to piddle with White Balance on the computer. I prefer them to be ready for sharing straight out of the camera.</p>

Fair enough. I've got a 5D, and haven't ever noticed a strange cast on the screen. Although, for a while I was purposely shooting with a custom unitary white balance which made everything look basically green. :)

<p><strong>Tim Chakravorty</strong><br>

The more important is how the colours are on monitor not on Camera LCD.</p>