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I have a Canon DSLR camera. The mirror is stuck and I'm getting nothing but black frames when taking pictures because the mirror doesn't move. I was quoted a very high price to get it repaired. Can anyone tell me how I could fix this myself?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Are you certain it is the mirror and not the shutter? \$\endgroup\$
    – dpollitt
    Oct 10, 2015 at 13:59
  • \$\begingroup\$ Quick way to confirm is to try live view, if supported. \$\endgroup\$
    – Joanne C
    Oct 10, 2015 at 16:54
  • \$\begingroup\$ An even quicker way is to look through the viewfinder while taking a picture. If there is the expected mirror blackout, then the mirror is moving. If there is no mirror blackout, then the mirror isn't moving. If the view in the viewfinder shifts but doesn't disappear, then the mirror is moving, but not all the way up. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Oct 10, 2015 at 20:50

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As much as I hate to use the old cliche, this is pretty much a case of, "If you have to ask how, you probably shouldn't be doing it." Mirror adjustments are delicate and must be done precisely. It doesn't take much misalignment at all of the mirror (and the attached secondary mirror) to render a camera's AF system completely useless. The optical path from the lens to the AF sensor via the secondary mirror must be exactly the same length as the optical path from the lens to the camera's sensor. The same is true of manual focus: The optical distance from lens via the mirror to the view/focusing screen at the top of the light box just below the prism must match the optical distance from the lens to sensor.

Your real question is whether the camera is worth enough to spend on the repair or if you would be better served to replace the camera.

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