Mirror cleaning
 

I have a Canon 400D and noticed that I had a load of dust on the mirror. I have cleaned off using a lens cleaning tissue and cleaning fluid which has got rid of the dust but the AF selection points are now not so bright/clear as they were before. Have I done permanent damage to the camera?

The most I would ever use is a blower and soft brush.The focus screen itself can attract dust .Canon do a special too for changing screens .I had a tiny hair on mine that really irritated me .And was able to clean that by removing the screen and using a blower.

My guess is you could have left residue on the mirror and would advise proffesional cleaning now now .

Yup, I agree with Matt.

It'll be residue on the mirror. Try some Pec Pads and Eclipse fluid. Your other option would be methanol on a medical swab but you need to be VERY careful if you go down that route.

I know hindsight is a powerful tool but, in future I would recommend just using something like an Artic Butterfly to remove dust from the mirror and focusing screen. Its only if bits of dirt are stuck onto the mirror or sensor that you need to go the liquid cleaning route.

A while ago I bought a cheap and cheerful USB powered keyboard vacuum cleaner (about £3 from ebay). While its about as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike for that task, it is actually very useful for sucking dust out of the camera. It comes with a brush attachment which dislodges dust and dirt and is blown out of the camera.

Simply mount the camera on a tripod, angling it at 45 degrees towards the floor. Then use the Artic Butterfly and/or USB vacuum cleaner to clean the mirror/screen/sensor.

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