greg_SA
Expert Member
Hi,
Just thought I'd post my recent experience here...
I recently noticed a big mark through the viewfinder on my Nikon D40. It was first a very small black smear (minute)... but without changing lenses or anything, it turned into a big smear
After some careful looking through the view finder, I saw that it was actually on the focus screen. I did some searches about cleaning the focus screen, and most of the posts/articles I found say "don't do it", "send it to Nikon" or "the focus screen is very delicate and will scratch extremely easily - don't touch". This info worried me and I considered sending it to Nikon (but this will cost $$$ and I'll be without my camera for a while).
I eventually built up the nerve to remove the focus screen as shown on a you tube video and another website:
http://deanmalandris.com/D70_technical/Cleaning the focusing screen/
I washed the focus screen with dish washing soap and water, but the mark didn't budge (so it wasn't dust or oil). I then used some isopropyl alcohol to wash the screen, and that slowly dissolved the mark - I think it was glue of some sort.
I re-fitted the screen, and it looks good
So if anyone ever needs to clean the foucs screen, it can be done... just be careful - the screen is plastic, so never rub it with anything dry... always wash it with liquid and something non abrasive (I used a q-tip and my finger tips). Also make sure your hands are very clean, so that you don;t get any oily residue on the screen.
Maybe this will come in hand for someone
Cheers
Greg
Just thought I'd post my recent experience here...
I recently noticed a big mark through the viewfinder on my Nikon D40. It was first a very small black smear (minute)... but without changing lenses or anything, it turned into a big smear
After some careful looking through the view finder, I saw that it was actually on the focus screen. I did some searches about cleaning the focus screen, and most of the posts/articles I found say "don't do it", "send it to Nikon" or "the focus screen is very delicate and will scratch extremely easily - don't touch". This info worried me and I considered sending it to Nikon (but this will cost $$$ and I'll be without my camera for a while).I eventually built up the nerve to remove the focus screen as shown on a you tube video and another website:
http://deanmalandris.com/D70_technical/Cleaning the focusing screen/
I washed the focus screen with dish washing soap and water, but the mark didn't budge (so it wasn't dust or oil). I then used some isopropyl alcohol to wash the screen, and that slowly dissolved the mark - I think it was glue of some sort.
I re-fitted the screen, and it looks good
So if anyone ever needs to clean the foucs screen, it can be done... just be careful - the screen is plastic, so never rub it with anything dry... always wash it with liquid and something non abrasive (I used a q-tip and my finger tips). Also make sure your hands are very clean, so that you don;t get any oily residue on the screen.Maybe this will come in hand for someone
Cheers
Greg