Is this fungus?

chrisfowler

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Chris
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My new Zenit 11/SLX just turned up - the viewfinder is unusable, completely clouded over and yellow. Here's an attempt at a pic:

9308166900_dbf4dc7a74_c.jpg


The interior and mirror look clean and fine - is there anything that could be done to save this or have a picked up a lemon?

Chris
 
Looks like muck rather than fungus.
I'd have a go at cleaning it with a cotton Q tip soaked in pure alcohol - available from chemists ( or try Russian vodka!).
 
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As kendo says just depends it might between the glass elements so pull it apart.
 
It's definitely inside the viewfinder, but the viewfinder glass is clean outside and the focusing screen inside is clean:

9308168384_ce55f86e1c_c.jpg


Which I suppose means it's on the prism?
 
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Not actually on the Lens then?
 
Nope - I bought a body and tried it with a lens from my other zenit.
 
must be able to strip it down then?
worth a go or return to seller?
 
I'm thinking of stripping it down - the seller did point out that there was 'some yellow haze' in the viewfinder although not this extent! Trouble is the camera was 99p and £9 P&P!!
 
Had the camera apart - the prism has had it. The mirrored surface has completely perished (although how I don't know), which means it's not reflecting properly.

Given the cost of swapping out the prism and the hassle of putting it back together I think I'll give up.
 
Sell it for 'spares/ repairs', you'll probably get more than 99p for it!
 
Does that mean you want to make me an offer for it? ;)

Just kidding - you're right though, that's exactly what I'll do.
 
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