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How to clean a dslr mirror?

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Old 29-07-2009, 10:00 PM   #1
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How to clean a dslr mirror?

I have a huge greasy mark on the mirror of my 40D. It does not affect AF, but it annoys the hell out of me every I look through the viewfinder.

Any good cleaning tips will be greatly appreciated.
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Old 29-07-2009, 11:46 PM   #2
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Re: How to clean a dslr mirror?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Orwella View Post
I have a huge greasy mark on the mirror of my 40D. It does not affect AF, but it annoys the hell out of me every I look through the viewfinder.

Any good cleaning tips will be greatly appreciated.
I had the same problem with my dSLR. I used optical cleaning paper with a 99% ethanol solution and a pair of plastic tweezers. I don't have any before/after pictures but the results was as good as new.

Be very careful and take your time. The mirror is front surface coated and very easy to scratch/damage, so much easier to scratch than the sensor. If you aren't sure it may be worth it to get it professionally done.
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Old 30-07-2009, 5:54 AM   #3
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Re: How to clean a dslr mirror?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Temujin View Post
Be very careful and take your time. The mirror is front surface coated and very easy to scratch/damage, so much easier to scratch than the sensor. If you aren't sure it may be worth it to get it professionally done.
Absolutely, it doesnt take much to mark them
They are very easy to scratch permanently
In truth, most times you only get little dust , hair ect , on them meaning you dont need to actually apply any pressure cleaning them but, it can happen during a lens change
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Old 30-07-2009, 10:30 AM   #4
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Re: How to clean a dslr mirror?

i had that problem with my 450d...

Ended up using a cotton bud, with a tiny bit of old capston cleaner, or head cleaner as some may know it.


Worked a treat, removed all the oil film in one go, no scratches or scuffs.
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Old 30-07-2009, 10:38 AM   #5
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Re: How to clean a dslr mirror?

Quote:
Originally Posted by k13 wjd View Post
i had that problem with my 450d...

Ended up using a cotton bud, with a tiny bit of old capston cleaner, or head cleaner as some may know it.


Worked a treat, removed all the oil film in one go, no scratches or scuffs.
I bet you were very gentle
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Old 30-07-2009, 12:00 PM   #6
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Re: How to clean a dslr mirror?

Both my mirror and sensor (well, the filter covering it) have had dirt on them for months now and I'm finally sick of using the clone tool in PS to remove them.

I toyed with the idea of getting it done by a professional but I don't want to be without my camera for ages so I just bought these from eBay:

Digital SLR Sensor Cleaning "STARTER KIT" on eBay (end time 03-Aug-09 13:41:26 BST)

I was watching a few Arctic Butterflies but even used they're not cheap!
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