Forums > Photography Talk > Cleaning focusing screens

Photographer

Fred Greissing

Posts: 6427

Los Angeles, California, US

I had to clean the matte surface of a focusing screen.

Liquid cleaners don't work because they leave deposits in the matte surface.

Anyway I found a neat way to do it using a vacuum bagging sealant mastic tape called AT-200Y Sealant Tape.

It's a chewing gum type of material.

I just used it pretty much like one of those cloths pet hair removing rollers.

The dirt stuck to the tape and left the focusing screen cleaner. I repeated it quite a few times. When I was done it was clean and visibly brighter and contrasty.

May 28 11 10:11 pm Link

Photographer

SAG Photography

Posts: 2797

Valencia, California, US

Great info,  thanks Fred

May 28 11 10:23 pm Link

Photographer

Know Idea

Posts: 3000

Los Angeles, California, US

Cool tip!!!

May 28 11 10:28 pm Link

Photographer

Fred Greissing

Posts: 6427

Los Angeles, California, US

SAG Photography wrote:
Great info,  thanks Fred

I can send you a few inches of tape if you need it.

They normally sell it in big rolls and the closest place around here that has it is fiberglass Hawaii in Ventura.

May 28 11 10:29 pm Link

Photographer

SAG Photography

Posts: 2797

Valencia, California, US

Fred Greissing wrote:

I can send you a few inches of tape if you need it.

They normally sell it in big rolls and the closest place around here that has it is fiberglass Hawaii in Ventura.

Thanks Fred, but if this stuff works we have enough cameras to require a full roll.  The 680, RZ and the old 501's all can use it I am sure.

May 28 11 10:40 pm Link

Retoucher

Retouch Artistry

Posts: 459

Lansing, Michigan, US

Great tip! Thanks Fred. smile

May 28 11 10:42 pm Link

Photographer

Monito -- Alan

Posts: 16524

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Thanks!  Good to know.

Maybe the sticky material off the clothing rollers could be removed and used in a pinch.

Jun 19 11 07:10 am Link

Photographer

Rocket Cameras

Posts: 379

New York, New York, US

Fred Greissing wrote:
I had to clean the matte surface of a focusing screen.

This is one of the methods we use on matte surfaces when cleaning film cameras.



Rocket New York
rocketnewyork.com

Jun 19 11 07:23 am Link

Photographer

Rocket Cameras

Posts: 379

New York, New York, US

Monito -- Alan wrote:
Maybe the sticky material off the clothing rollers could be removed and used in a pinch.

Not a good idea as the 'sticky material' is glue based and will leave a residue.

Jun 19 11 07:25 am Link

Photographer

Mortonovich II

Posts: 723

San Diego, California, US

Fred Greissing wrote:
I had to clean the matte surface of a focusing screen.

Rocket New York wrote:
This is one of the methods we use on matte surfaces when cleaning film cameras.



Rocket New York
rocketnewyork.com

I can't seem to locate this tape near me without having to order a large roll online. Is there another material that you can get in smaller quantities that does the job? Like a putty or something?

Or maybe that "clay" they use when detailing cars?

Jun 19 11 08:37 am Link

Photographer

Barry Kidd Photography

Posts: 3351

Red Lion, Pennsylvania, US

I'm going to consider this. I have an FE that really needs cleaning bad.

Jun 19 11 08:57 am Link

Photographer

Fred Greissing

Posts: 6427

Los Angeles, California, US

ChiMo II wrote:

I can't seem to locate this tape near me without having to order a large roll online. Is there another material that you can get in smaller quantities that does the job? Like a putty or something?

Or maybe that "clay" they use when detailing cars?

That clay for cars is a fine abrassive... don't use it.

Send me you address and I'll pop a few inches of the AT-200Y Sealant Tape in the mail for you. I have a big roll left over from a carbon fiber surfboard project.

Jun 19 11 10:08 am Link