Originally posted by DonV I would expect the bits to be on the bottom of the screen, and accessible with a blower or camel hair brush.
Probably deteriorated pieces of the mirror cushion foam.
Oh yes, I have blown enough air in there a hurricane would be jealous. It magically seems to be on the inside.
---------- Post added 04-20-21 at 08:51 AM ----------
Originally posted by Not a Number Many times debris gets between the focus screen and pentaprism. There are often times gaps that allow stuff to get in there from the mirror box. Using a blower can make it worse.
If the focus screen is removable from the mirror box you need to remove the screen and clean off the debris. If the screen is not removable you have to remove the camera top, circuit boards or wires/connectors from the prism and finally the prism to clean this area.
If you don't have the tools or the patience than a professional CLA is in order.
Interesting, I will have to see if there is any access from the mirror/shutter cavern. It does speak to a larger issue with the camera if dust is somehow penetrating the pentaprism from some unseen gap or deteriorated seal.
---------- Post added 04-20-21 at 08:53 AM ----------
Originally posted by pentaxus A couple look like bugs. I have seen them before. I call them shutter bugs and cleaning them will be a chore. You have to remove the top cover and the circuit board that goes over the prism. The circuit board goes over the top and down the rewind side of the prism. The board plugs into a socket near the bottom of the camera. It is not too hard to unplug but getting it plugged back in can be difficult. If the circuit board is off you need to loosen the set screws on either side of the prism to remove the prism and clean the screen. You could try to loosen the set screws and carefully lift the prism a bit without damaging the flex circuit to try to blow stuff out, but those bugs tend to stick where they are. They are annoying but do not affect pictures.
Only slightly intimidating. I have recently removed the top cover of a Canon AE-1 to remove debris caught in the advance lever, but did no disassembly of the prism and/or flex circuit. I would like to avoid that. But it does seem concerning if dust or bugs are somehow entering the case from a broken seal or some other means of entry. Sadly the best case scenario would be that someone opened it in the past and failed to remove the dust prior to resealing. I would hope there are no holes or anything allowing foreign objects into the prism.
---------- Post added 04-20-21 at 08:55 AM ----------
Originally posted by ramseybuckeye I would probably leave it be if it doesn't affect the photos. But you'll get some more responses from people that have actually done it. I know the focus screen is pretty delicate.
Yes, otherwise the viewfinder is quite bright and beautiful covergirl. But would love a spotless view. I will update if I decide to take her to the operating room.