Okay, so I love the files from the 5D and I LOVE the full frame! However, I can't stand the collection of dust in the viewfinder. I shot with a clean 5D once this weekend and I didn't swap lenses a single time and by the end of the day, I could see dust in the viewfinder. When I had my D300 I must have swapped lenses 20+ times a day and never once had this problem...I can't believe I swapped brands now and I am dealing with this! Its just annoying and does not effect the images.

I am considering getting a 1D Mark II N but at $2500 I don't know if its worth it and with 8 MP, I don't know what to do. I am considering going back to Nikon after dealing with this crap.

Any thoughts?

Sounds like you need the dust shaker built in. The 1D Mark III and the 40D have it. The next 5D will too. I would assume that you'd have similar issues with the 1D Mark II N.

After further review of the camera it appears the dust specs and the fibers are on the focusing screen. What can I clean the screen with that won't scratch it? I don't want to use air because I don't want the stuff to get blown up into the viewfinder.

Mike

that makes absolutely no difference in the 40d - i have this trouble a lot.

Whats the best way to clean the focusing screen?

Switch back to NIKON!!!!!!

I seriously doubt switching to Nikon will help, but if it makes you happy and you feel like it's a good business decision, then go for it.

Just take the focusing screen out and blow it off.

I have not had issues with this, on either of my 5D's, with ~100,000 shots on them, and many thousands of miles travelled with them.

FWIW I agree that the Canon's seem to get more specks in the viewing path. But when I switched from Nikon to Canon, I found that the sensors seem to collect a lot less dust. Maybe Canon has a better 'non-stick' coating on the glass over the filter. I'd rather have dust on the mirror or focusing screen than on the sensor...

~Bill

I am just a little irritated with the dust but not enough to switch brands. I am going to get a new focusing screen this week and replace it and have it cleaned.

Just curious are you a lens changer?Just curious are you a lens changer?Just curious are you a lens changer?

I'm curious as well. I'm a lens changer, and have noticed the same thing about dust collecting in the focusing screen area. I'm reluctant to open it up and have the opportunity for more dust to get in there.

Anyone else with this issue on their 5D?

Sensor dust is definitely a problem. I just clean it when needed. Dust in the view finder, annoying, but I mainly just ignore it. I guess I could pull out the focusing screen since its interchangeable in the 5D, but just havent bothered. I do remember screwing up a focus screen on my old F1 using lens cleaner, boy dont do that!

Just a reminder.

Always turn the unit off before changing lens. It helps.

Yeah I always turn it off.

Actually... I have the same issue with the D300, so it's not just a Canon thing.

Yes, but not excessively so. I do it quickly and turn the camera off. I've definitely gotten dust on my sensors, but nothing above average, and any specs in my viewfinder were just on the outside of it, and could be wiped out easily.

There should be directions on how to swap out your focusing screen, allowing you to clean it. Only other thing I can think of is maybe the dust is on the mirror?

I told you you will get it anyway. Just get over it, stop worrying and focus on taking beautiful pictures with your beautiful camera. It was annoying to me too. If you try to clean it yourself you may end up with more dust or scratch something. Just go and shoot some pictures.

i have had my 5d for over a year and haven't had any problems with dust. sorry i can't help.

Yeah I am over it. I just traveled to the panhandle of Florida for a photo shoot with my 5D. I will just be cautious.

Mike

Hi Burt,

Why does it make a difference if the camera is on or off?

-TM

People think the powered sensor attracts dust like a magnet. But I think Canon powers off a sensor if lens is detached.

interesting - i hadn't heard this one before but of course leave it to canon to do something cool like that :-)

PS - Mike, I replied to your PM. sorry it took me so long to get back to you.

I am not sure, but it might be possible... Otherwise it would be hard to clean it with dust stuck to it.

LOL - I think that's pure fiction Alex. It does turn off the power to the sensor when you put it in cleaning mode, but not when you take the lens off. Take off the lens and take a picture...

...did it work?

Yes, well then there's power to the sensor when the lens is removed.

~Bill

Technically I don't know. But, when I got my first digi cam years ago a 20D I was having alot dust collecting on my sensor " Big time lense changer ". It was so aggravating that I called Canon and the Tech. told me dued to static while the unit is on and while changing lense was creating more dust in the unit. He told me to shut the unit off before changing.

After that was said, I never looked back and did just that. And just to note, keeping your lense clean helps too, if there is dust in your lens it will travel in the camera when zooming in and out. Especially the EFs lense. Keep it clean !

I think a little dust in your eye is a small price to pay for the buttery goodnes that the 5D produces. Really.

Not to be confused with Butt'r.

-TM