How can I clean dust seen through the optical viewfinder on a DSLR?
Asked 7/16/2010
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I can see dust spots when looking through my camera’s optical viewfinder, but not on the LCD. I’ve already cleaned the outside surfaces. What part is usually dusty, and what’s the safest way to clean it?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
12
I've cleaned the inside (bottom side of prism) recently of my 30D. You can easily spot the viewfinder element when you take off the lens. I then use the same sensor swabs and eclipse fluid as I use for the sensor. I suggest you bend the sensor swab stick 90 deg so you can sweep is more easily across the viewfinder. I think I also cut off a bit of the sensor swab since it was a bit too large. It is still awkward to clean it like this though!
Originally by user19. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user19
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Dust visible in an optical viewfinder is often not deep “inside” the camera, but on the focusing screen or the bottom face of the prism/pentamirror area. On many DSLRs you may be able to see this area by removing the lens while leaving the mirror down.
For loose dust, start with the least invasive method: gently blot or wipe only very carefully with a soft cotton swab. Some users also clean that accessible surface with the same swabs and sensor-cleaning fluid used for sensors, but this can be awkward and should be done very cautiously to avoid damaging delicate internal parts.
So the practical advice is:
- confirm the dust is in the optical path, not on the outside eyepiece
- remove the lens and inspect the area above the mirror
- try the gentlest cleaning first
- if using swabs/cleaning fluid, use extreme care
If you are unsure or the dust is not easily reachable, professional cleaning is the safer option.
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AI16y ago
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