Canon 600D after taking shots the viewfinder is sometimes dark....

jpod

jpod

jpod

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Hi

I use a Canon 600D for clinical macro photography - dental. Just recently when I take a picture the optical viewfinder is then darker and it is hard to see to take the next pic.

I turn on and off - I take the lens off - I am not sure what makes it resolve but then it works again for a bit and I can see clearly through the viewfinder - it is bright again.

No idea what I am talking about but does the following mean that my lens is faulty - it is a Sigma 105mm macro lens. Used with a Canon ring flash.

I wonder if the lens aperture blades are sticking? Can it be repaired? It is a very old lens but in good condition (20 years old?).

Thanks in advance pod
 
Is it darker but still otherwise a normal view, or is it completely dark? Is in the info in the viewfinder still visible? What aperture is the lens typically set at? I'm guessing it's quite small given you are shooting macro.

When the problem occurs, have a look up your lens with the help of some light to see if the aperture is open or stopped down.

I think your diagnosis is the most likely so far. Maybe some oil or dust or both has contaminated the aperture blades and caused them to stick. I have quite a few vintage cameras and lenses and this is not uncommon. A CLA on that lens would probably run you not much less than a new or decent 2nd hand replacement.
 
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Sounds like your assumption is the most likely to me.
Do you have another lens you can test with to see if the problem goes away? If so then the aperture blades could the culprit.

In terms of repair I'd suggest its probably uneconomical to do so and not worth it both from a financial and time perspective as a used model from places like MBP can be had pretty reasonably and next day rather than waiting weeks for repair and would probably be not far off the cost of a used one.

 
Hey thanks fellas that is really helpful indeed. It is darker but otherwise a normal view. I can't recall of all the viewfinder info is visible - I will make a note next time.

When I took the lens of the aperture was stopped down.

Looked up CLA - clean lubricate and adjust. I have no complaint with the Sigma lens it has been used for ~2 decades.

I don't have access to another lens - a great idea and I will make enquiry's.

Thanks for the link that is very kind.

Cheers pod
 
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