40D issue

[Cartman]

I noticed after a couple of days usage that when I look through the viewfinder there is a tiny hair visible in the top left of the screen. It is not the lens as it is there with both and it does not appear in the photos.

Can I clean it or does it need to go back to the shop?

[Adey Baker]

It'll be on the focus-screen (hopefully not on the inside, which will have got there during manufacture). If you're careful you can remove it yourself. Remove the lens, and you'll see the screen in the 'top' of the inside which you can wipe (avoiding the mirror) with a lens-cleaning brush or cloth. Only use one that's made for camera lenses as these will be suitable for cleaning expensive optics and wont damage your screen.

Alternatively, you can use a 'blower' - again use one that's made for the job. Quite a few lens cleaning brushes have a blower built-in but you can get something like the Giottos 'Rocket' blower which is recommended for cleaning the camera's sensor and thus won't damage your screen. Don't use a pressurised canister of any sort and, again avoid contact with the mirror.

Of course, if you haven't got one of these items you'll have to go to your shop to buy it and they'll probably do the job for you F. O. C. in a couple of seconds anyway! It's still worth getting a brush and blower while you're there as they're very useful bits to have for keeping your kit clean at all times.

[epervier]

I would read up about cleaning the inside of your camera. You should lock up your mirror (it's in your camera's menu) and make sure you have a fully charged battery in it.
I'm sure there are threads on here or on the photography on the net website that will tell you the correct procedure.
Edit: attached is a URL about sensor cleaning HTH http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/

[Cartman]

Thanks guys but I am gonna take it back to the shop and get them to do it

[mike from ebbw]

I would take it back to the shop too.You dont want to be fiddling about in there.

[Adey Baker]

You should lock up your mirror (it's in your camera's menu) and make sure you have a fully charged battery in it.


That will cover the focus screen, but if you're not confident, then taking it to the shop is the best option!

Actually, thinking about my first reply, it won't be a huge problem if the hair is 'inside' the screen as on the 40D this is user-interchangeable, though not something you'd want to do until you're confident in the steadiness of your hands!

[Cartman]

Well I returned the camera to Dixons just after the new year and they have really messed me around. After a week I starting nagging them and was promised that I would get a phone call from DHL the next day to arrange delivery, I was told this 3 days running until I kicked off a little and they admitted it was out of stock. They then refunded my money without giving me any other option so with prices having gone up since Christmas I am gonna be £60 out of pocket,

They are in short supply now too but hopefully I can get one before the weekend, I miss my camera big time :C

[RJL2005]

That's bad news|:(| Cant you ask them for your 40D back and just live with the hair problem for a while?

[Robert L Jarvis]

It does not appear on the photos so don't panic. Take it back to the shop when you have the time and when it suits you.

[JohnZ]

Robert, I believe that Cartman said it was out of stock ? And he will also be £60.00 out of pocket.

[Cartman]

I had to settle for a 40D body only as the lens kit versions were like hens teeth so I need to buy a shorter lens. During the time I had my camera I never used the kit lens but I feel I will need to get a walkabout lens but not sure what to go for. Even if it is something I would only use in and around the house, I can't really stick my 400mm on for a family shot!

I only want to spend up to £200 and want one with IS, what would you guys advise?

Thanks

[tjsimonsen]

I have the Tamron 17-50/2.8. It doesn't have IS, but for the price it's a cracker of a lens.

Thomas

[Cartman]

I have the Tamron 17-50/2.8. It doesn't have IS, but for the price it's a cracker of a lens.

Thomas

Can you get away without IS on a shorter lens with a fast shutter speed, do you get any blurring?

[RJL2005]

Yes as long as you have a shutter speed of 1/60+ .