Gunk in camera viewfinder - apologies for re-visiting an old topic

[Clem_Dye]

My apologies for re-opening what may be an old topic but I'd appreciate some advice and any thoughts the group might have please on the following.

For a couple of months I've been using my Canon 400D + kit lens in order to get familar with things - all good so far. Whilst on holiday a week or so ago I started to compose a shot and noticed that there was a black fleck visible in the viewfinder. I checked the lens and eyepiece but the fact that (a) the fleck stayed in the same position regardless of focal length or focus on the lens and (b) didn't come out on any photos told me that it was nothing to worry about per se, just annoying. Now what's odd (for me) is that I've not removed the lens since I first attached it the the camera body, but I recall posts here (and on my Experience Seminar) about possible 'contamination' from the manufacturing process and so forth.

Anyway today, I had a chance to look at the problem. What surprised me was that there was some junk on the mirror, but I couldn't see anything (as my poor eyesight would allow) on the base of the prism.

Using a hand puffer I simply couldn't satisfactorily remove the stuff on the mirror, so in the end I used a rolled-up lens paper tissue to remove what I could (without physically applying any pressure on the mirror, obviously). However, I suspect that dust from the paper has now found it's way on the base of the prism as I now have about a dozen or so spots in the viewfinder, not one!!! Grrrrr.

Pictures still seem fine, as far as I can tell so it's not a big issue, just really distracting now.

I'd like to get rid of this 'contamination' at some point. Clearly, a hand puffer isn't up to the job, but I recall reading in this forum (or elsewhere) that spray air cans need to be avoided because they contain chemical propellants which could damage the camera body internals. So, without wishing to re-hash old advice or posts, what should I use to try and clean things up next time I take one of my lenses off? Advice, product URLs etc. would be greatly appreciated.

TIA


Clem

[Yandros]

Join the club *sigh*

i tried to blow a few dust specs off my sensor,and only managed to deposit even more on the focussing screen. Fortunately a nasty fibre that I picked up a couple of days ago turned out to be on the mirror, and the rocket blower shifted that.

I've not tried them yet, but you might want to invest in something from the Visible Dust range of brushes, which should be ok to use on the focussing screen (with extreme care - it's easily scratched)

I've got a fair bit of dust on both screen and sensor, but I've kind of made a deal with myself not to worry about it at all, and when it becomes too much of a pain, take it in for a full chamber clean. If you're near London, these guys are an official Canon/Nikon repair shop, and will do a clean while you wait...

http://www.fixationuk.com/

[Clem_Dye]

Ahh, at least I'm not alone! I'm really loathe to start prodding around in the innards of a nearly new camera, especially as (so far) it's all cosmetic, so to speak.

There must be an easy effective way of performing this type of maintenance though. Anyone? Please!


Clem

[Yandros]

You've got 3 options for home cleaning - blower, brush, or sensor swab. For the focussing screen, I'd personally not consider a 'wet' clean, and use the brushes only.

Here's a link to the manufacturers, and uk supplier

http://www.visibledust.com/

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/?/ph...sibledust.html

[Clem_Dye]

I had a funny feeling that I'd have to buy something fancy eventually. Thanks for the suggestions.

I think that I'm going to try a better blower first - something like the Rocket, as this isn't a sensor issue (yet!). I'm going on another Experience Seminar course next month so I'll get some advice there too before going anything 'drastic' and I'l post any tips that I get.

Still irritating ..... grrr.


Clem