Cleaning the VF on a 35 LC

[agoglanian]

Hi everyone, I just picked up a 35 LC that functionally seems very sound, but the VF is a bit cloudy/hazy and the RF patch is pretty dim.

I just wanted to know how easy/difficult it would be to clean the VF assembly for a brighter & clearer image. Otherwise the camera seems to function quite well.

Any thoughts?

 

[OlympusRF]

its a easy job, you just need to take the top cover of the camera

 

[agoglanian]

In examining the camera I didn't see a painfully obvious way to disassemble the top of the camera. Is there something I missed?

BTW - I checked through the film on my test roll and all the exposures were perfect and focus was spot on (except where I misfocused a bit on a couple frames). So I can safely say that everything is working, all the speeds, and even the meter as well.

 

[Brian Legge]

If the construction is like the 35SP, this may be useful:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/5134410421/in/set-72157625285946754

It goes much further than taking the top off but that could have some useful points to it. I haven't handled a LC before so I can't comment on differences.

 

[Brian Legge]

As far as cleaning goes - be very careful cleaning the mirror and beamsplitter. Mirrors are usually front silvered and can be damaged easily.

 

[agoglanian]

I thought I'd chime back in on my own thread. I have tried a few times to disassemble the camera using the tools I have on hand and none of my screwdrivers seem thin enough for these flatheads. I'm reluctant to do any damage to the camera because it is still working perfectly (I've run a dozen or so rolls through it since January, not much I realize, but I share my time between multiple cameras)

Would anyone be willing to do a cleaning for me? I'm pretty good at reassembling things once I've taken them apart, but I don't want to ruin anything on this guy as It's quite enjoyable. I just wish the VF were clearer so I could focus easier (especially in really dim or really high contrast situations it gets rather difficult)