If you’re a Canon 5D Classic owner or enthusiast, you’ve probably heard whispers about the dreaded “mirror issue.” Well, gather ‘round, folks, because today we’re diving deep into this common problem, and I’ll show you it’s not as scary as it seems. In fact, with a steady hand and a bit of patience, you might just find yourself enjoying a little DIY camera repair!
The Mirror Issue: What’s the Deal?
First things first: what exactly is this mirror issue we’re talking about? In the Canon 5D Classic, the mirror is held in place by adhesive. Over time, due to heat, humidity, or just the vibrations from thousands of actuations, this adhesive can fail. When that happens, the mirror detaches from its mount, leaving you with a black viewfinder and a distinctive rattle when you tilt the camera.
A Personal Encounter with the Mirror Issue
Let me share a little story with you. While waiting for parts to repair my first 5D Classic (which had a blown fuse - another adventure entirely!), I decided to buy another 5D body from MPB, a reputable used camera dealer. This one came with a detached mirror, which was disclosed in the listing.
Now, some folks might have been put off by this, but I saw it as an opportunity. Armed with some super glue and a bit of confidence from my online research, I set out to fix it myself. And you know what? It was easier than I expected!
The DIY Repair: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re facing the mirror issue, here’s a detailed guide on how to fix it:
What You’ll Need:
- Super glue (cyanoacrylate adhesive)
- Toothpicks or a precision glue applicator
- Isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs
- A clean, well-lit workspace
- Patience and steady hands!
The Repair Process:
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Prepare your workspace: Choose a clean, well-lit area. Lay out a soft cloth to protect the camera.
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Remove the lens and open the mirror box: You need clear access to the mirror and its mounting points.
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Clean the mounting points: Use isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab to clean both the back of the mirror and the mounting points in the camera. This ensures good adhesion.
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Apply the glue: Here’s the tricky part. You want to apply a very small amount of glue to the mounting points. I found that using a toothpick gives good precision. Remember, less is more - you can always add, but it’s hard to remove excess.
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Position the mirror: Carefully position the mirror back into place. Make sure it’s correctly aligned.
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Hold it in place: Once positioned, hold the mirror gently in place for a few minutes to allow the glue to set.
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Let it cure: Although the glue sets quickly, it’s best to let the camera sit overnight before using it. This allows the adhesive to fully cure.
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Test it out: The next day, test the mirror by gently tilting the camera (without a lens attached). You shouldn’t hear any rattling. Then, attach a lens and take some test shots to ensure everything is working correctly.
Words of Caution
While this repair is relatively straightforward, there are a few things to be very careful about:
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Avoid getting glue on the sensor: This is crucial. Getting super glue on your sensor would be a disaster. Always err on the side of using less glue to prevent any chance of it spreading to areas it shouldn’t be.
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Don’t touch the mirror surface: The mirror’s surface is delicate. Always handle it by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints or scratches.
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Be gentle: Throughout the process, remember that you’re dealing with delicate components. No need for Hulk strength here!
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Proper alignment is key: Make sure the mirror is correctly aligned before the glue sets. A misaligned mirror will affect your camera’s autofocus accuracy.
The Results
After performing this repair on my MPB-sourced 5D Classic, I’m happy to report that the camera works perfectly. The viewfinder is bright and clear, autofocus is spot-on, and there’s nary a rattle to be heard when I shake the camera.
Is It Worth It?
You might be wondering, “Is it worth buying a 5D Classic with a detached mirror?” In my experience, absolutely! These cameras often go for a significantly lower price due to this issue, and as we’ve seen, the fix is relatively simple if you’re careful.
That said, if you’re not comfortable with the idea of DIY repair, factor in the cost of professional service when considering your purchase. Even with a professional repair, you’re likely to end up with a great camera at a bargain price.
Canon’s Repair Window and Serial Number Significance
After the initial production run of the 5D Classic, Canon became aware of the mirror issue and took steps to address it. This information is crucial for anyone looking to buy a used 5D Classic or trying to understand the history of their own camera.
The Repair Window
In response to the mirror detachment problem, Canon offered a mirror reinforcement fix for affected cameras. This was a proactive move by Canon to address the issue in cameras that hadn’t yet experienced the problem, as well as to fix those that had.
If you’re in the market for a 5D Classic, it’s worth asking the seller if they know whether the camera went through this official Canon repair program. A camera that has had this reinforcement is less likely to experience mirror detachment in the future.
Serial Number Significance
The serial number of your 5D Classic can tell you a lot about its likelihood of experiencing the mirror issue:
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Serial numbers beginning with 0 or 1: These early production models are more prone to the mirror detachment issue. If you have or are considering buying one of these, it’s especially important to check if it has undergone Canon’s reinforcement fix.
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Serial numbers beginning with 2 or 3: Later in the production run, Canon made some improvements. These cameras used a different, more durable adhesive for the mirror. As an added bonus, these later models also came with an improved LCD screen, offering better visibility.
If you’re shopping for a 5D Classic, a camera with a serial number starting with 2 or 3 might be a safer bet. However, don’t let a 0 or 1 serial number scare you off entirely - if the camera has had Canon’s official fix, it should be just as reliable.
What This Means for Buyers and Users
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When buying: Always check the serial number. If it starts with 0 or 1, ask if the camera has had Canon’s official mirror reinforcement. If it hasn’t, factor potential repair costs into your decision.
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For current owners: If you own a 5D Classic with a 0 or 1 serial number and haven’t experienced the mirror issue, count yourself lucky! However, be aware that you might be at higher risk. Treat your camera gently and consider having it checked by a professional if you rely on it for important work.
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For DIY repairers: If you’re fixing a mirror issue on a 0 or 1 serial number camera, consider using a stronger adhesive than the original. However, be cautious - stronger isn’t always better when it comes to delicate camera internals.
Remember, while this information about serial numbers and Canon’s repair program is helpful, it’s not definitive. Even later model 5D Classics can potentially experience mirror issues, and many early models have survived without problems. Use this knowledge as part of your overall assessment when buying or maintaining a 5D Classic.
Wrapping Up
The mirror issue, while common, shouldn’t deter you from enjoying the fantastic Canon 5D Classic. With a little knowledge and care, you can either prevent the issue or fix it if it occurs.
Remember, these old cameras have a lot of life left in them. By learning to maintain and repair them, we’re not just saving money - we’re also reducing electronic waste and preserving a piece of digital photography history.
So the next time you see a 5D Classic with a “mirror issue” at a good price, don’t run away. Instead, see it as an opportunity for a fun project and a great deal on a still-capable camera. Happy shooting (and repairing), folks!