The mirror located in the camera`s shutter box can collect dust and debris over time.
Single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, both digital and film, allow the photographer, when looking through their viewfinders, to see the subject through the lens that is attached to the camera body at the time. This is possible by reflecting the image through the lens off of a mirror that redirects the image through a pentaprism and to the photographer`s eye. When the picture is taken, the mirror flips up, so the shutter can work correctly. Over time dust and debris can collect on the mirror and will require cleaning.
Instructions
Cleaning Camera Mirrors
1. Carefully remove the lens from the camera. On the front of most single-lens reflex cameras is a release button that will allow you to gently remove the lens, exposing the shutter box and the mirror to be cleaned.
2. Use a blower brush to clean the majority of the dirt and debris from the mirror. If cleaning a digital SLR, do your best not to blow the dust farther into the camera. Cleaning a mirror is relatively easy; cleaning a digital sensor is a little harder. When using the brush on a digital camera, only use the blower component as the brush moves to the opening of the camera, thus blowing the debris out, instead of in.
3. Take a cotton swab with a small amount of alcohol to remove any dirt or debris that did not come off with the blower brush. Once it is cleaned, use a microfiber lens cloth to remove and absorb any residual moisture from the mirror. Apply the alcohol to the swab and not to the mirror itself. Most SLRs and certainly digital SLRs are laden with circuitry that you will want to ensure does not come into contact with liquid or moisture.
4. Use the blower one last time to remove any lint from the microfiber cloth.
5. Carefully replace the lens back onto the camera, and it is ready to be used again.
Tags: blower brush, Camera Mirrors, cleaning digital, dirt debris, dust debris
