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How to Clean a Plastic Focusing Screen on an SLR Camera

When you remove the lens from your single lens reflex camera you will see a small mirror that is tilted on an angle. The reflection in the mirror is that of the focusing screen that is located at the top this cavity. These screens are made of plastic. Some can be removed and replaced while others are permanently secured in place. Often dust and small hairs can find their way onto these screens and require you to clean them.

Things You'll Need

Blower brush
2 microfiber lens cloths
Lens cleaning solution

Instructions

- 1
  Hold your single lens reflex camera in your hand and carefully remove the lens from the camera by pressing the release button and turning the lens until it releases from the camera. Rotate the camera so you can look up into the cavity and see the focusing screen.
- 2
  Use a blower brush and carefully wipe the focusing screen with the brush hairs as you squeeze the blower blub to produce small amounts of air. Do not use a can of compressed air. The pressure of the air can drive small dust particles further into your camera.
- 3
  Wrap a microfiber lens cleaning cloth around your finger and carefully rub the focusing screen with the cloth. This should remove any dust or debris that has become attached to the screen. You can use a small amount of lens cleaning solution on the end of your finger, just be sure to use a dry cloth after you have wiped the screen with the moistened cloth.
- 4
  Replace the lens and your camera is ready to be used once again.

Photography