Mystery object on focusing screen

erikg · Nov 7, 2013

Pulled my OM-1n out of the bag this morning and Yikes! saw this in the viewfinder. When I got it out I found it was a section of a flexible tube or band of some kind. It was sitting on the top surface of the screen. Any ideas what it might be? Something to be concerned about? Camera seems to be working fine.

Jim Jones · Nov 7, 2013

It won't affect the photographs as long as it is on the focusing screen, but whatever it is might migrate to where it can cause malfunctions. If it is on the top of the focusing screen, removal would require some camera disassembly. If it is on the lower surface, it is accessible when the lens is removed.

E. von Hoegh · Nov 7, 2013

Jim Jones said:
It won't affect the photographs as long as it is on the focusing screen, but whatever it is might migrate to where it can cause malfunctions. If it is on the top of the focusing screen, removal would require some camera disassembly. If it is on the lower surface, it is accessible when the lens is removed.

The screens are interchangeable, therefore easily removeable once you take the lens off.
Bit I'd be a lot more concerned with "where did it come from"?

erikg · Nov 7, 2013

I got it out. But yes that is my concern: where did it come from?

MattKing · Nov 7, 2013

Send this info to John at zuiko.com, and ask for a suggestion.

As an aside, if you had included a reference to Olympus OM1 in the thread title, John might very well have noticed the thread and responded without prompting.

EDIT: Also, keep the offending item - it may help a repair technician diagnose the problem.

erikg · Nov 7, 2013

Thanks! I thought about contacting John, he serviced this camera a few years ago and it came back working better than new, if that is possible. Great repair guy. He would be the guy who could id the piece if anyone can. You are right, should have put the camera model in the header.

John Koehrer · Nov 7, 2013

Tube? Or deceased bug?
Got a good magnifier?

erikg · Nov 8, 2013

Tube for sure. Looks like a slice of surgical tubing, slightly yellowed.

gone · Nov 9, 2013

I always wondered what the viewfinder of an OM looked like. Simple and uncluttered.

John Hermanson · Nov 9, 2013

It is part of a broken shock absorber (silicon rubber ring). I suggest removing screen, gently blow off so the debris will not get jammed inside the meter or other important area. John

wiltw · Nov 9, 2013

momus said:
I always wondered what the viewfinder of an OM looked like. Simple and uncluttered.

...and at 0.92x it is huge, compared to viewfinders which also have to cram in the display of status and settings at 0.8x magnification

Mystery object on focusing screen

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