How to figure out where the "hair" is...?

[MStadnik]

I was out taking photos today with my D90 and at some point I noticed what looks like a dog hair on the top left when I look through the viewfinder. I'm confident it's not on the lens as I've blown it off and even changed lenses and it's still there. I then thought maybe it was on the viewfinder itself and cleaned that off and it's still there. The hair doesn't appear to show up in my photos - or at least in the last photo I took which is probably the only one where I would really be able to see it. I've attached the photo in case that helps. Does this mean the "hair" is on the sensor itself...? But wouldn't it then show up in the photo if it were? I'm positive it wasn't there before today and I'm extremely careful when I change lenses, but I confess that I did change lenses in the field today, which means that there is a greater chance I guess.

Thanks for any help or thoughts.

-M

[ffscj3562130]

Maybe something on the mirror?

[autofocus]

agree with post above...it's most probably on your mirror. As long as it stays on the mirror it will have no effect on your photos, just annoying to see it.

[MStadnik]

Originally Posted by auto-focus

agree with post above...it's most probably on your mirror. As long as it stays on the mirror it will have no effect on your photos, just annoying to see it.

Ah... thanks... Is there any way to safely remove it from the mirror so that it doesn't travel elsewhere?

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by MStadnik

Ah... thanks... Is there any way to safely remove it from the mirror so that it doesn't travel elsewhere?

The finish on the mirror is very delicate, and should only be touched with extreme care...but this doesn't answer your question. Sorry, but I'd rather wait for someone with more experience in cleaning the mirror to answer your question. Maybe a google search will provide you with an answer..or call your camera manufacturer's tech support person for some help

[Almond.Butterscotch]

get some methanol and a couple drops on a Q-Tip (or for the uber paranoid, a sensor swab) and wipe it off, no sweat.

[MStadnik]

Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

get some methanol and a couple drops on a Q-Tip (or for the uber paranoid, a sensor swab) and wipe it off, no sweat.

I'm not familiar with methanol. Is there a kit or something one can buy that includes the items needed...? I'm looking on Adorama and there are so many items that come up in the search, I'm not sure what exactly to look for. I'm also wondering... if it isn't affecting the image, maybe I should wait and take (or send) it in for professional cleaning when I have a chance. As long as the object stays where it is then maybe I shouldn't worry about it? It is annoying but I can probably live with it for a while unless cleaning the mirror myself really isn't a big deal (seems like it is though).

[Aegea]

Actually, I'd guess it is on the focussing screen rather than the mirror. If it was on the mirror it would not be in focus. Get a blower - the rubber bulb type you squeeze, not canned air - and puff around in there, being careful not to let the nozzle touch anything. If that doesn't work, and it doesn't show up on the pictures I'd probably leave it alone.

[MStadnik]

Originally Posted by Aegea

Actually, I'd guess it is on the focussing screen rather than the mirror. If it was on the mirror it would not be in focus. Get a blower - the rubber bulb type you squeeze, not canned air - and puff around in there, being careful not to let the nozzle touch anything. If that doesn't work, and it doesn't show up on the pictures I'd probably leave it alone.

LOL... dumb newbie question but where *is* the focusing screen? I tried blowing on the viewfinder but that didn't help. Is the focusing screen something inside the camera?

Thanks again

[Vagebond]

The mirror bounces the light stright up on to the focussing screen, so inside flat on the top.