Bought a Canon 5D Classic that arrived without a focus screen, which one do I need?

keenan

keenan

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Ok, long story short, I bought a Canon 5D from CEX and it arrived today. Looks to be in very good condition, but with the lens attached I see a massive black border in the viewfinder. From inside the body it appears that there is no focus screen installed.

Which one would be the right one to get?
 
The mirrors had a habit of falling off, subject to a retro fit fix. Sorry to be stupid but are you sure it's the screen? If so likewise I'd send it back for an immediate refund unless it's minty and you think the risk of finding a screen is worthwhile.
I think they (focus screens) were user fit and a number of them could be fitted.
 
Can the Canon FF cameras be switched to crop mode and if so, do they put a big, black border round the VF to show the area the lens covers?

With no screen or mirror, I would expect the OP to have commented on there being no image in the VF...
 
Nod said:
Can the Canon FF cameras be switched to crop mode and if so, do they put a big, black border round the VF to show the area the lens covers?

With no screen or mirror, I would expect the OP to have commented on there being no image in the VF...
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No they are FF and only FF
 
AFAIK

The screen is held in a thin carrier frame that is hinged at the rear if the screen has fallen out but the frame is hanging down (visible in the viewfinder because it is resting near or close the mirror) then IMO you need to be very carefull not to fire the shutter because the mirror will crash into it causing mirror damage!!!! NB I stand to be corrected if I have mis-read or poorly understood the problem?

Edit ~ I found this little Canon video about replacing the screen that also illustrates just how close the hinged frame is to the mirror when opened up!

Doh! forgot to post the linky
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szFOsQ4pGWo



PS no way of knowing if anyone at CEX has operated the camera with the frame open and caused any 'damage' to the mirror/mirror assembly????
 
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Thanks for all the advice everyone. I actually went with CEX because of their 2 year warranty. If I look inside the body with the lens removed I can see the little latch where the focus screen try is situated.

Hang on, I'll try to get a photo..
 
Ok, so when I release the try by pulling the little latch it comes out, but it's empty..

I take it that is where the focus screen sits?

rsz_img_20181018_163446.jpegrsz_img_20181018_163415.jpeg
 
I'll have a look at mine when I get home tonight but it definitely looks like it's missing the screen.

You'd surely be due a refund? I doubt if CEX would have a spare screen lying around.
 
Thanks for the input everyone. I took it back to my local CEX for a refund.

The hunt continues I guess..
 
Looking at your photos it does look like it is missing, I changed the screen on my 5D I might still have it laying around I will check and let you know if you are interested.
 
I'd sell mine but it has a massive scratch on the sensor so it's unlikely to be worth anything.

Anyway, it's quite nice to use now and again as long as I stay away from small apertures.
 
desf said:
I'd sell mine but it has a massive scratch on the sensor so it's unlikely to be worth anything.

Anyway, it's quite nice to use now and again as long as I stay away from small apertures.
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Well, if the price is right.. [emoji16]

How bad is the scratch? At what aperture does it become visible in photos?

If you ever want to sell it, let me know..
 
keenan said:
Well, if the price is right.. [emoji16]

How bad is the scratch? At what aperture does it become visible in photos?

If you ever want to sell it, let me know..
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I did consider responding to your wanted ad (which is still there)!
 
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