Nikon FG dirty mirror

<p>Morning all, <br>

I bought Nikon FG that's in great condition other than the mirror - its filthy, dirty as hell. I know that it doesn't affect the photos and it's not seen even from the viewfinder. But Im a perfectionist and I wont accept that my camera is dirty.<br>

So how should I clean it? <br>

Someone obviously tried to clean it before me, the smudge no the left bottom of the mirror speaks for itself, looks like it didnt work - I'm gonna have to clean that smudge too. Any tips/tricks?</p>

<p><img src="http://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7709/27608238515_a5a17ccc6f_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="425" /></p>

<p>First, determine the cause of the smudge...is the mirror bumper at the top crusty or heavy goo....if so it needs replacing. Usually if that is in bad shape the light seals also need to be checked and possibly replaced. Not a big deal, about 1/2 hr and a kit for around $12 will do it. Now, back to the mirror itself. The surface of most SLR mirrors is silvered, and quite soft and succeptable to scratching. So, whatever you do, be careful, don't rub hard or you may desilver the mirror surface. I usually first lightly blow out any dust, and then using a q-tip lightly clean the mirror with isopropyl alcohol and then dab it dry. If there is goo or smudge on the mirror which doesn't come off this way, I will sometimes step things up by using xylene (lighter fluid) again on the tip of a q-tip very lighly. Just do not get any of these chemicals on anything else and work in good light so you can see what you're doing. Do not try to clean or get chemicals on the underside of the focusing screen....some plastics will melt then you're up the crek without a paddle.</p>

<p>I second the Q-Tip moistened with isopropanol. Do not apply a lot of pressure and let it air dry. Or you could breathe on it and try good old fashioned water vapor condensed on the mirror. A dirty mirror will not affect picture quality but it may make it more difficult to see and focus.</p>

<p>Repeat-<br>

SLR mirrors, unlike the one in your bathroom, are silvered on the FRONT. The silver layer is extremely fragile, and even modest rubbing and the slightest pressure can scratch it.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>But you'd be surprised how scratched it can get with no visible degradation in the finder. That goes for dust, too, and this one hardly looks worth cleaning just to go from dust to scratches.</p>

<blockquote>

<p><em>"I second the Q-Tip moistened with isopropanol."</em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>Pure Isopropanol evaporates too quickly, and usually just leaves the grime behind spread out in a thinner film. I have found that the best alcohol based solvent for cleaning SLR mirrors is actually Vodka. But it needs to be unflavored Vodka, which is pure ethanol and distilled water. Also, like Stephen, I have found that lighter fluid (Naphtha or camping fuel) can help to dissolve and remove stubborn and sticky deteriorated mirror foam bits (i.e. "goo").</p>

<p>As others have noted use very light strokes with a Q-Tip saturated with booze, quickly followed by a dry one to pick up the solvent and any dissolved goo. Nikon SLR mirrors are front silvered but the coating, while delicate and easily scratched, is a bit more robust than one might think. Use a blower bulb to make sure there is no grit on the surface. Work carefully and no damage should be done and in the end you should have a spotless and sparkling mirror.</p>

<p>You can then drink any leftover Vodka to celebrate your newly cleaned FG. Do <strong>*not*</strong> do the same if you use Iospropanol. :)</p>

<p>Pure isopropanol (99.5%) is the consistency of thin mineral oil. It actually evaporates too slowly and leaves serious streaks as a result. I recommend against using any fluid to clean the mirror. The coating is too easily scratched by even the softest swab if it entrains dust.</p>

<p>If a blower doesn't work, you might try a soft, clean lens brush (bristles you have never touched with your fingers). Better yet, on of the microfiber brushes (e.g., Visible Dust), which remove and retain dust by static electricity.</p>

<p>Once all the dust is removed, you might use a lint-free wipe (e.g., PEC pad) and Eclipse fluid (very pure methanol) to remove the smudge. Better yet, leave it alone. It has no effect on the image or focusing at all, it's just an annoyance to you, the user.</p>

<p>@Edward - I used alcohol, cleaned it, no problems whatsoever, no scratches, no smudges..so yea, useful advice - leave it alone. Sorry if I sound rude but that's why I said I don't care it doesn't affect the image, leaving it alone is not an option.<br>

Here's the result - <img src="http://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7451/27594888911_74e14df3a9_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="425" /></p>