Spot on focusing screen

[JDArt]

There's an annoying spot on the focusing screen of my 1DS. The blower bulb doesn't touch it. Any ideas? It's probably a dust speck under the focusing screen. How do I remove the screen without getting yet more gunk on it?

Thanks.

[ohenry]

The screen pops out easily. Note the clips holding it in place. By manipulating them, you can remove the screen, clean it, and replace it. Just wear cotton or latex gloves or otherwise keep your fingers off the screen.

[JohnC]

The easiest way to pop out the focusing screen is with a tool that you can get from Canon (or a camera store) for around $28 or so. A little pricey, but it does come with your choice of another screen (split image, or grid lines, or all matte, etc.).

Tweezers migh work, too. There is a little sliver clip on the front edge of the screen that has to be manipulated to drop down the screen holder.

JC

[JDArt]

Every little doo-dad that's camera related costs about 10 times more than it should, doesn't it?

Anyway, which alternative focusing screen would you recommend?

[Mr. Pickles]

I'd get the one with grid lines. Helps in alignment, and in composition (the one-thirds rule)

[JohnC]

I'll second the grid line suggestion. I also have the split image, but I think it messes with the exposure meter. And I've never been convinced that a split image works well in an SLR. A split image is usually based on a rangefinder, and the accuracy of the rangefinder depends a lot on the baselength of the rangefinder. On a Leica it is the distance between the viewfinder and the mirror on the other side of the camera. I don't know how they do it on an SLR. But it seems like the baselength would have to be something pretty small.

I could be completely wrong on this one. Anyone here know how a split image screen works on an SLR?

John

[Wilt]

Once you get the focusing screen out of the camera, be sure to NOT rub the thing...it is VERY delicate and you can easily mar the focusing screen's surface! Even washing then wiping dry can ruin the surface!