Canon 50 D part name..

[djb28]

I got a great deal on my 50D when I bought it. The seller sold it AS IS. He assumed it was broken. I have been using it for about a couple years now. The problem was his battery. It charged full but would die quick. I purchased a couple new ones and have not has an issue. The other issue was that when I look through the lens everything is scratched. I cleaned it all up and it is still there. But doesnt effect the pics. I just figured out what caused this.

I gave it a good cleaning the other night. I went to You Tube for instruction. I learned that there was a little clip that pulls out and drops this piece that has a foam sweep. For dust, I guess..

I drop that and the plastic casing falls. There is a small square plastic magnifier that sits in front of the glass for my AF points. It is scratched to hell. That is what needs replaced. Is there a name for this part? Is there anywhere I can purchase it? Do Cracker Jack boxes still give them away?
Thanks.

[dlambert]

I think you're talking about the focus screen. Does any of this look familiar?

50d focus screen - Google Search

[djb28]

Thats it! Thanks. I can usually find what I want, But I didnt know what to even try and call it!
I really do appreciate your response.

I see they have two kinds. A flat fresnel and a Split image focusing screen. Since my glass already has the AF points and a circle should I get the flat, Like what was already in the camera, Or can I benefit from the other in some way? They are only 14.00 on Ebay.

[OsmosisStudios]

A split-prism screen will slow down the AF performance, but helps if youre doing a LOT of manual focus work.

[djb28]

I was thinking about grabbing one but maybe not.. I do a lot of local sports. I can be slowed down if that's the case. thanks guys.

[inkista]

The spit circle will go darker the smaller the max. aperture of the lens. With an f/5.6 lens, they can be completely dark. I would actually recommend replacing with a genuine Canon focus screen, even though it'll be ~$35. Because the new focus screen will come with a tweezer-like tool that will help you a) latch and unlatch the door, and b) let you pick up the focus screen by the tab, and never touch the surface. As you've noticed, it gets very easily scratched.



There are three choices for the 40D/50D: EF-D, EF-S, EF-A. The A is the default matte screen that came with the camera. The D has a grid printed on it (mostly for landscape shooters to help with straight horizons). The S is the "super-precision" matte screen, and it's darker than the other two, which helps more accurately portray DoF with lenses faster than f/2.8. Good for manual focus precision.