1D Mark III: Broken in Viet Nam

[Comanche]

Okay - you can start out by calling me an idiot. I arrived in Viet Nam a few days ago to do some photography for a non-profit I have worked with before. I was sitting and chatting with a Vietnamese friend and photographer who shoots a 40D when I did something incredibly stupid - I tried to put an EF-S lens on my Mk III. Of course, I know better - I just had a brain fart.

After pushing on the lens for a minute, I noticed the white dot on the lens and realized my mistake. But, when I took the lens away from the body, I saw a rectangular piece of translucent plastic dislodged. It had the etching of the center circles on it. I did not bring my manual with me, so I cannot tell you the name of the piece - only that it fits horizontally in the prism box.

I have managed to get it back in the camera. The camera functions fine, but in the viewfinder, the framed shot does not come into focus. The focus confirmation light comes on, and the images are in focus - they are just not in focus in the viewfinder when I compose a shot. Also, the center aiming point (red square, and I usually use center aiming point) is not in the center of the etched circle.

I can shoot this way, but obviously, it is very distracting to not have a shot in focus during composition. I am a long way from any Canon repair center, and I have no tools of my own.

After you have stopped laughing, any ideas of how I can repair my busted Mk III?

[CaptainTom]

It is likely you have displaced the focusing screen.
Looking at the light box from the front you should see a very small "latch" at the top front of the light box. A special tool is provided by Canon to open this, but I think with a little finger pressure you can flip down the tray that holds the focusing screen. The screen itself is a translucent plastic piece with notches to hold it in place. This is meant to be interchangeable. See if you can replace the focusing screen more accurately. Flip the tray back up and click it into place.
Search out internet sites with cut away views of the camera and you may get a better idea of what I mean.

Good Luck.

[zepp]

If you attempt what Tom suggest above, make sure you only handle the focusing screen by it's edges. Since the screen is somewhat grooved, it's next to impossible to remove prints from the screen should you place them on the flat surfaces.

Frank

[PIC]

You might try to get the view finder in focus with the Dio correction wheel at the finder.
Some combination of adjusting the sreen and this wheel should work.
Since you are in V. Nam ... do not use fingers - use chopsticks !!

EL

[CaptainTom]

Excellent point by Frank. I'd trash the camera trying chopsticks but for those who are adept it is a good idea.

[jhom]

Here is a link to changing the focus screen on a Canon rebel. The 1D3 is slightly different but the instructions should give you an idea of what to do. http://www.camerahacker.com/Tools/In...a_Screen.shtml

Good luck.

[Comanche]

Thanx to all of you - and it worked like a charm, Tom. Tha camera is functioning perfectly. Your advice came a little too late, Frank - but I can live with a small fingerprint in the view finder. I'll just get a new screen when I get home.

Chopsticks, eh? I'm pretty adept with them - but not that good!

I'll be posting some of my pix in the Photojournalism section. Some of you (such as Cap'n Tom) have encouraged me in the past when I have posted during my trips.

Thanx again - I appreciate the help from all of you.

[lhdvies]

Look forward to your post Doug & glad the focus screen problem worked out. Man I envy you your trip. Let us see some more of your good work. I've always enjoyed your previous post from VM.

[CaptainTom]

Very happy to have helped. I've never diagnosed a camera malfunction on the other side of the globe before.
If you get into the Central Highlands, look for a pair of sunglasses I lost there a few years back will ya ??

[Comanche]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

Very happy to have helped. I've never diagnosed a camera malfunction on the other side of the globe before.
If you get into the Central Highlands, look for a pair of sunglasses I lost there a few years back will ya ??

I will, Tom, though I don't know where in the Highlands you were located. We'll be back into the hills in the Thua Thien Province - working with the Katu tribal villages, and very close to what used to be call the A Shau Valley.

One thing hasn't changed, Tom - it is still hotter than the hubs of hell (but we can wear shorts and t-shirt now.)