Is it safe to use lens paper and cleaning fluid on a Canon Lasermatte focusing screen? My focusing screen is getting dusty and blowing it is not doing the job. I have actually already tried using lens paper and fluid but the ridges in the screen make it difficult to clean. Only after trying to clean it did it occur to me that the plastic may not accept the cleaning fluid very well. Anyone have any suggestions or experience? Or should I just bring it in? Thanks.

-- Bill Lee (Bill_Lee@telus.net), June 21, 2001

Answers

It's made out of soft plastic and the paper can scratch it very easily it all by itself. I wouldn't try it, & I often try all sorts of things that others don't recommend. The most I would use is a soft brush & a small blower.

You don't mention the camera model. Some are removable. Even some of them that Canon states otherwise. If you can get it out you should be able to clean it with soap & water without tuching the surface.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), June 21, 2001.

Thanks Jim,

My camera is an Elan 7E/EOS 30. Looking at the screen it seems like it shoud be removable but I am not sure. It doesn't appear scratched from my previous attempt at cleaning it but from your advice I will not try it again. It really isn't that dirty but I am one of those retentive types. Perhaps I'll bring it into my local shop for them to take a peek. Thanks.

-- Bill Lee (Bill_Lee@telus.net), June 22, 2001.

I think that Jim is correct. Trying to do this yourself will get you into nothing but a world of trouble. Cleaning attempts can often result in a dirtier screen. Take it to a pro to get it cleaned and then leave it alone.

-- Roger (rashrader@hotmail.com), June 22, 2001.

Have it serviced by a qualified service center.

-- kurt heintzelman (heintzelman.1@osu.edu), June 22, 2001.

Come on guys, I'm sure someone out there can give a better answer for the technically inclined!!! Well, I atleast hope you can, since I have the same problem with my 7e. It seems like the dust is on the top of the plastic screen, so if anyone out there knows how to safely remove it, plllleeeease let us know! If I don't know what the hell I'm talking about and these cameras are much more sensitive than I realize, then how about an average price for the cleaning? Ground zero on 9/11 really killed my view through the display. (And my lens)

-- Greg Mineo (balzac72@hotmail.com), December 02, 2001.