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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Viewfinder Dust
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07/30/2006 02:29:51 AM · #1
When I look through the viewfinder of my Rebel XT, I can see what looks like a tiny hair. It doesn't show up on my photos at all, so it must not be on the sensor. I'm thinking it must be on the focus screen. Is using a blower the best way to remove this hair? Also, will dust/debri on the mirror inside the camera show up on the photos themselves?

I guess basically what I'm getting at is this: If I am able to see any type of debris when looking through the viewfinder, will it affect my photos at all? If there is debris on the sensor itself, will I even be able to see it through the viewfinder?

Thanks, and sorry the long-winded question :)

Dan
07/30/2006 02:42:17 AM · #2
Read this thread as it is very similiar to your problem.
07/30/2006 07:51:54 AM · #3
There are many places for hair or dust to accumulate in a camera:

Viewfinder: will see it all the time but wont be in your picture. Easiest problem to fix. Wipe clean.

Clear glass above mirror inside camera: will see it all the time but will not be in your picture. harder to find, easy fix to wipe or blow clean.

Mirror: inside camera, will see all the time but won't be in image. Wipe or blow clean.

For inside the camera, I wipe rather than blow as I don't want the dust or hair to end up on my sensor. But use a particle free tear free paper made for this. You don't want to add to the problem with kleenex. :)

Sensor dust: Least likely (but not unlikely) to happen, but shows up on images especially at higher f stops. You can't see it in the viewfinder but it shows up in the picture. To test, aim at a bright blue sky at f22. Do not use canned air to remove it! use a blower.

Lens dust: Unless its big or bad, often won't show up in images but it sometimes show up in the viewfinder. Can be on front element, back element, or inside. Clean front and back elements regularly. Take care with any protective coatings.

If you see spots while looking at a clear blue sky it is not on your sensor. Chances are its on your lens, viewfinder, mirror, etc. If you see it in your picture but didn't notice it while shooting, chances are its on your sensor. If you saw it and ignored it and its in your image, its probably on your lens.

Adding layers of filters can add to a perceived dust problem. Be sure that, when testing lenses, all filters are removed.
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