Canon F-1 (mechanical, 2nd version, 3200 ASA) Prism finder stuck

I bought a replacement prism finder for an original (non electronic) F-1.

I know how to change the prism finder, but this one seems to be stuck. I tried a little lighter fluid where the cover meets the body hoping some would get into the "track" it slides on. No luck. I can't budge it. I

Before I send it in for a CLA and (mostly) to have a technician get the prism off, does anyone know of a trick to remove a stuck prism finder from a Canon F-1?

binglebugbob said:

I bought a replacement prism finder for an original (non electronic) F-1.

I know how to change the prism finder, but this one seems to be stuck. I tried a little lighter fluid where the cover meets the body hoping some would get into the "track" it slides on. No luck. I can't budge it. I

Before I send it in for a CLA and (mostly) to have a technician get the prism off, does anyone know of a trick to remove a stuck prism finder from a Canon F-1?

Click to expand...

Can you fully depress the pins that release the hooks that keep the prism in position? I mean the two pins/buttons at the side of the prism. If the hooks don't clear the path of the rails, you won't be able to slide it off.

The rails are smooth, chrome plated metal so i can't see any other reason it won't come off.

I have pushed them in as far as I can. I suspect something may be bent and that the pins aren't pushing the "latches" in far enough to clear. I hope it can be removed during a CLA by taking the top off or removing the prism cover without destroying the prism or prism cover. (?)

binglebugbob said:

I have pushed them in as far as I can. I suspect something may be bent and that the pins aren't pushing the "latches" in far enough to clear. I hope it can be removed during a CLA by taking the top off or removing the prism cover without destroying the prism or prism cover. (?)

Click to expand...

You can try removing the rings around the side buttons. They unscrew by applying friction (i.e. with a rubber). Then you can remove the plastic buttons and try pressing down with screwdrivers. But you'll need four hands to remove the prsim!!

EDIT; or you can simply not dissasemble anything, just try pushing the buttons further in with the help of screwdrivers.

Last resort... is cutting the prism top with a dremel tool, and removing those latches, then pulling off the prism!! Perhaps you can do this wihtout damaging the prism glass itself, which can be useful in the future.

Thanks. I"ll try it.

There's an interesting video on youtube where a guy is removing a prism, it shoots off the camera, flies about 6 feet and hits the floor