Focusing screens : can they be cleaned?

[Odot]

That new FE2 I got for dirtcheap has a black stain in the viewfinder, the seller explained to me that this was the focusing screen so I wanted to know how this can be cleaned? Thanks a bunch.

 

[film_man]

The focus screen is replaceable by the user, as such you can easily remove it and clean it. Here's the first search result video I found

on how to do it.

Also here is another link how to do it http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photograph...ikonfeseries/fefmshared/html/screenchange.htm

Be very careful, it is very soft plastic so will scratch easily. Use a lens cloth. You could even wash it with warm water. Or you can just buy another one, I got a brand new Nikon screen for £25 for my FM2 (same screens as FE2).

 

[AgX]

Everything mechanical is critical. I even got tiny scratches onto the wedges of a focusing-aid, by use of an utmost tiny, soft brush Also critical are solvents unless you absolutely sure about their effect, furthermore applied in-situ they rather would disperse the stuff and thus leave a large stain.

I rather would take out the screen and dip it into water with some detergent and then rinse it in demineralized water.

Thus in general one has to decide to live with it, doing the hassle of taking out the screen and to clean it in situ with all related risk.

 

[Odot]

The focus screen is replaceable by the user, as such you can easily remove it and clean it. Here's the first search result video I found

on how to do it.

Also here is another link how to do it http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photograph...ikonfeseries/fefmshared/html/screenchange.htm

Be very careful, it is very soft plastic so will scratch easily. Use a lens cloth. You could even wash it with warm water. Or you can just buy another one, I got a brand new Nikon screen for £25 for my FM2 (same screens as FE2).

Thanks, now I have more dust inside hahah. I used the rubber air duster to improve the situation but it did not really help. When you take off the focusing screen, the Upper side has a mirror. I wonder if I could clean this with ipa and a q-tip?

 

[PonySoldier1887]

I would be very hesitant about touching the front-surface mirror with anything. Using a "rocket-blower" to remove dust is fine but if you try to clean the mirror surface you run the risk of streaking or scratching. Even a sable brush can be risky if there is grit or dust present. As far as the focusing screen, I have cleaned them successfully by dipping in a mixture of distilled water with a couple of drops of Photo-Flow, agitating (using the tweezer) and air-drying.
Joel

 

[AgX]

I only once encountered problems at cleaning front surface mirrors, at a cine-film editor. Modern mirrors in SLR's can be cleaned well. Furthermore scratches would not even show, in contrasr to the focusing screen.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

Focusing screens are VERY easy to scratch and it looks like crap after that. Not impossible though to clean. No touching at all on the bottom part (side facing the mirror). You can dunk it in a solution, but not drop it and be happy, I would suggest to find a way to hold the screen by sides (can be done with fingers too) and then shake it around in the solution. Final step is to rinse with distilled water and blow it dry with low heat or better cold setting on hair dryer, or just let it dry. Depending on what is stuck to the screen this approach may be enough. If whatever is on does not come off, then t may need stronger clear that will dissolve that debris without damaging the screen. I am still a bit away from trying ultrasonic cleaner for this kind of work, but that is another story.

If nothing works a new screen is an obvious choice and there are quite cheap new from China that may be worth trying if you're on a budget.

 

[shutterfinger]

Take an over ripe grape. Rub its skin with your finger tips and with a cotton swab. When you can wash it with your finger tips and the cotton swab without moving or damaging the skin you are ready to clean the first surface mirror in your camera or rub the surface of the focusing screen. I use Dawn dish detergent and warm water.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

Take an over ripe grape. Rub its skin with your finger tips and with a cotton swab. When you can wash it with your finger tips and the cotton swab without moving or damaging the skin you are ready to clean the first surface mirror in your camera or rub the surface of the focusing screen. I use Dawn dish detergent and warm water.

Would you dare to explain 'cause it sounds like voodoo.

 

[shutterfinger]

Too technically advanced for the average amateur that post here.
If the reader can rub the skin of an over ripe grape without moving the skin then their touch is gentle enough to clean a 35mm front surface mirror or focusing screen without scratching it.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

That new FE2 I got for dirtcheap has a black stain in the viewfinder, the seller explained to me that this was the focusing screen so I wanted to know how this can be cleaned? Thanks a bunch.

nothing but canned air or a clean brush should touch thT screen. keep any liquid away from it!

 

[Huss]

Too technically advanced for the average amateur that post here.
If the reader can rub the skin of an over ripe grape without moving the skin then their touch is gentle enough to clean a 35mm front surface mirror or focusing screen without scratching it.

I've got a box of raisins, would that do?

 

[Pieter12]

Could an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner work on a focusing screen?

 

[BradS]

I have had success cleaning focus screens in warm soapy water. I use Dawn dish soap but I'm sure others would be fine. It is true that the plastic ones scratch very easily and are easily ruined by some rather ordinary household cleaners. As with many things, its best to leave it alone unless it is really bad.

 

[shutterfinger]

ould an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner work on a focusing screen?

Should work with soapy water. The cleaning solution will heat up with repeated cleaning cycles in succession.

 

[shutterfinger]

I've got a box of raisins, would that do?

No.

 

[Huss]

No.

Sultanas?

 

[dmtnkl]

You may use a q-tip gently on the diffuse side. Face cleaning cotton pads are even better i think, much softer. If you try to rub anything on the fresnel side, chances are high that even more dirt accumulates in the fresnel ridges.

Another possibility is to try using some transparent adhesive tape that is not strong.

Stick it on the focusing screen and rub it gently so it adheres uniformly. Then pull it out slowly. Most of the surface dust should be on the tape by now.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Should work with soapy water. The cleaning solution will heat up with repeated cleaning cycles in succession.

some of my screens seem to be laminates and liquids seem to creep in between the layers and thereby ruining the screen.

 

[Chan Tran]

For the FE2 etc.. putting the screen in liquid is fine but not for the F3, F4, F5. These screens are 2 pieces and the liquid can get in between.

 

[AgX]

Good point!
The issue here is that the liquid will evaporate sooner or later, but may leave a residue inside the slit in case it is only a capillary. Such I experienced on the clear meter-cover on a Contaflex bolted to the top cover.