EOS-1n viewfinder problem

Duceman · Nov 5, 2021

Just picked up a EOS-1n. Seems to operate and function properly, but one issue I can't seem to figure out is when looking through the viewfinder, the field of view is quite truncated, and looks like what one would see in the movies when they do the "binocular" effect. While I am able to see display information, the view through the lens is less than 50%. I've removed the eyecup, which does not change anything. Also played with the diopter, which again does not change the truncated field of view.

Here is an example of what I see when looking through the viewfinder:

And for comparison, this is the same view through an EOS 3 using the exact same lens:

Any suggestions on what the problem/remedy may be?

Thanks.

dmtnkl · Nov 6, 2021

Just a suggestion:

Is there a focus screen in the camera?

Duceman · Nov 6, 2021

dmtnkl said:
Just a suggestion:

Is there a focus screen in the camera?

As best I can tell, yes.

dmtnkl · Nov 6, 2021

Can you remove the lens and take a picture of the area over the mirror?

That way we can establish if there is a focus screen in there.

Duceman · Nov 6, 2021

dmtnkl said:
Can you remove the lens and take a picture of the area over the mirror?

That way we can establish if there is a focus screen in there.

I did try this after posting my question above, but my iPhone will not focus to the point that the picture makes any sense. Regardless, upon removing the lens, There does appear to be a larger view, but the upper 1/3 is still blocked out. When I do the same on my EOS3, I can see the full view.

Duceman · Nov 6, 2021

dmtnkl said:
That way we can establish if there is a focus screen in there.

BTW, if you enlarge the photo provided above, you can see the four centrally positioned boxes of the focus screen.

dmtnkl · Nov 6, 2021

The mirror coating of the pentaprism might have partially worn out. I think is called "desilvering".

dmtnkl · Nov 6, 2021

Duceman said:
BTW, if you enlarge the photo provided above, you can see the four centrally positioned boxes of the focus screen.

Sometimes these boxes that represent the focus points are etched on the condenser lens tha rests above the focus screen and beneath the pentaprism.

Duceman · Nov 6, 2021

dmtnkl said:
Sometimes these boxes that represent the focus points are etched on the condenser lens tha rests above the focus screen and beneath the pentaprism.

I've taken another photo, which I believe shows the focus screen. No?

dmtnkl said:
The mirror coating of the pentaprism might have partially worn out. I think is called "desilvering".

If it is 'desilvering' what is the remedy?

dmtnkl · Nov 6, 2021

I think there is no focus screen in there. Normally you would see a semi diffuse surface with concentric circles (the fresnel rings). I think i am just looking at the inner surfaces of the pentaprism through the condenser lens that rests between the focus screen and the pentaprism.

Others may confirm or reject my observation.

film_man · Nov 6, 2021

There is no focus screen there. If a focus screen is present that hole you're looking at will have the plastic screen which would appear sort of milky/opaque white. Compare it to your EOS 3.

Not a big issue though I'd question the joker that sold you this what they were trying to do. As a test you can remove the screen for the EOS 3 and install it, the 1/1N/1V/3 take the same focus screens. Search for a youtube video if you don't know how to do it, it is very simple and is meant to be user replaceable.

If you do that you can then confirm that all is ok. If you intend to use manual lenses I highly recommend the Ec-S screen.

Duceman · Nov 6, 2021

dmtnkl said:
I think there is no focus screen in there. Normally you would see a semi diffuse surface with concentric circles (the fresnel rings). I think i am just looking at the inner surfaces of the pentaprism through the condenser lens that rests between the focus screen and the pentaprism.

Others may confirm or reject my observation.

film_man said:
There is no focus screen there. If a focus screen is present that hole you're looking at will have the plastic screen which would appear sort of milky/opaque white. Compare it to your EOS 3.

Now I see what you guys are talking about. Yes, there is no focus screen.

film_man said:
Not a big issue though I'd question the joker that sold you this what they were trying to do.

Thy guy who I bought this from was gifted the camera and had never used it before. He had no idea how it operated and acknowledged that there may be things wrong with it. And to be honest, I noticed the viewfinder issue right away, but didn't think it would be too hard to fix. I only paid $80 for the camera, and it came with a power drive booster ($40 is the cheapest I've seen them), so I was thinking, worst case scenario I sell the camera for parts but keep the power drive booster for one of my EOS 3 bodies.

To both dmtnkl and film_man, thanks!

dmtnkl · Nov 6, 2021

I am no canon expert, but if this is the only issue and the camera is also in good cosmetic condition, i think you got a good very deal for an eos 1n + the power drive.

You can easily buy a brand new focus screen for reasonable prices.

Duceman · Nov 8, 2021

film_man said:
... I highly recommend the Ec-S screen.

Do you (or anyone else, for that matter) know if Ec-S screens can be used across all different bodies? There seems to be conflicting information on this, or rather confusing information. If they are not all interchangeable, I am unable to find any part or SKU numbers specific to EOS-1n models.

For instance, Canon says that "Ec-series screens are compatible with all versions of the EOS-1, EOS 3, EOS-1D, EOS-1Ds, and EOS D2000." However, if I try to purchase said screen directly from Canon, under 'compatibility' it only identifies the EOS-1D Mark IV.

Adorama sells the Canon Ec-S screen, but again states that it is for the EOS-1D Mark IV body.

Now, I'm guessing the latter two instances of identifying the EOS-1D Mark IV bodies are most likely because that's the present model that Canon is selling, and that these screens are compatible with older models like the EOS-1n. However, I just wanted to confirm this before placing an order.

film_man · Nov 9, 2021

They generally no longer list compatibility with film cameras (or even old digital bodies) as nobody buys those anymore I suppose but it is the same screen that fits the 1/1N/3/1V/1D/1Ds. As long as it is "Ec-S" then you are good.

See this https://www.pointsinfocus.com/reviews/accessories/camera-accessories/canon-ec-s-focusing-screen/

Duceman · Nov 9, 2021

^-- Ah, yes, I came across that site as well. Now why can't the manufacturer and/or distributor's sites be that clear?

film_man · Nov 9, 2021

I remember when I bought the Ec-S Canon was listing it as compatible for the 1D/1Ds/1DsII or something like that.

Duceman · Dec 14, 2021

So I FINALLY got a new focus screen for this. First tried to order one through Adororama, only to find out days later that they were backordered. Not many other places had this item, so purchased one off the Bay. It arrived this morning, and I am glad to report that viewfinder looks A-Ok now.

Thanks for the helpful responses.

EOS-1n viewfinder problem

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