Haze problem in 645 AFD prism

[aknicholas]

I just purchased a Mamiya AFD. It has haze in the prism. It looks like a horizontal loop through the middle. I locked the mirror up and looked in the prism with a strong light to confirm that it was not the mirror or lens. It looks almost like a ring of scratches or adhesive on a forty-five degree angle, about one third the height of the frame and extending to both right and left edges.

Does anyone have experience with this, know what it is? I will likely return the camera if it cannot be easily cleaned.

Aaron

[Brian Hirschfeld]

Sounds like that would be a "send it to Mamiya" problem, unless your very camera tech savvy

[schrodingerscat]

From what you are describing, sounds like you are looking at the focusing screen. They are usually a slightly frosted plastic with a fresnel on one side and matt surface on the other.

To properly check the prism and screen, look through the eyepiece at a bright, even, light source with the lens off and mirror down. What you should see is an evenly lit diffused field with perhaps a split image or other type of focus aid in the center. If there are streaks or smudges, it could be a damaged screen or perhaps light seal foam gunk on it. The mirror would have to be real ugly for it to show up looking through the eyepiece.

In any case, it would be best to take it to a tech to have a look. Hard to do these remotely. Have him check the foam as well, it goes bad over time.

[aknicholas]

Here is what it looks like (attaching image.) I'm sending the camera back. But curious as to what it was.

[aknicholas]

Sounds like that would be a "send it to Mamiya" problem, unless your very camera tech savvy

Bought it used. Sending back to the seller.

[Brian Hirschfeld]

Wise choice. One can only wonder how on earth you can do that to a camera....outside of leaving it in a swamp....