HOW TO: Nikon D500 - DIY Repair for detached mirror

[@TekyTimbo]

Self-disclosure: there are 11 dislikes on this video as of Jan 2024. I will update this intermittently.

[@nicolaecioanta8657]

I managed, you saved my camera, you're the best. I am waiting for you in Romania with great love!

[@beverleypearson2646]

This happened to my Canon 350D last night! I’ve had umpteen DSLR’s in my lifetime & never had any problems but to be fair ..... the 350D is 15 year old & it’s done me proud up to this point. I did exactly as you had done & had no idea if it was ok to glue it back in place but thought I may as well try & fix it myself. I tested the shutter about 50 times, (without the lens attached) tipping the body in all directions in case it came out. Thankfully it was ok and this old Canon will carry on for a while longer hopefully. Your video has reassured me that what I’d done was ok. Thank you SO much.

[@TekyTimbo]

You're welcome!

[@nicolaecioanta8657]

thank you, thank you, thank you, it works perfectly, I haven't used it for two years, you are the best!

[@BugzGarcia]

what other glue is recommended for this one? I have a d5100 and we have similar issues

[@djordan910]

I was just about to throw my camera away, as the camera repair shop suggested! Thank you!!!

[@northernbluesque3318]

Hi, I just purchased a Nikon EM SLR and I notices its reflex mirror is closed therefore it is black when I look though the camera, is there a fix to it? Thank you!

[@nicolaecioanta8657]

are the two close points up?

[@emmadonald2450]

I’m needing a replacement mirror for mine. Any idea where I could get one?

[@TekyTimbo]

I'm not sure that Nikon sells parts even through their AD's but you can give this place a try: www.nikoncamerarepair.com. I've never personally used them but they are highly vouched for on the forums.

[@alafahkry8227]

How can I buy new mirror like this for my Nikon D5100?

[@TekyTimbo]

Unfortunately Nikon ended their authorized third-party repair program back in Mar 2020 so I doubt most former Nikon repair shops would still have parts. Best to reach out to Nikon directly or to find one on auction sites.

[@adastra1448]

What if i broke where the mirror was placed? Help pleeease

[@loaderqsf]

I was thought that the main mirror should never be touched in this manner let alone wiped with a green cloth and window cleaner..... The slightest scratch will affect auto focus will it not ?

[@TekyTimbo]

It certainly can if not done carefully, the green cloth is a brand new micro fiber and the cleaner isn't merely window cleaner, it's specially formulated to clean LCD screens so gentle enough for the mirror.

[@MyIronman8]

all the mayor is it's so you can see what you're doing. can you use the LCD to preview what you're looking for

[@TekyTimbo]

Technically yes since the mirror is flipped out of the way when Live View is enabled, however just keep in mind two things: 1) You may wish to put the camera into High-Speed continuous shooting and point the camera lens mount to the floor without any lens and "shoot" in this mode for a few seconds to reduce chances of residual glue/debris on the mirror mount coming loose and being embedded within the camera (or worse, on the sensor) 2) Live View uses CDAF instead of PDAF - just google that for your particular model to understand the differences; e.g. see this thread: www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4142717 (and Mako2011's response)

[@BLADE.RUNNER]

Hi, By what kind of way was a mirror removed?

[@TekyTimbo]

It just suddenly fell off by itself while I was taking pictures.

[@BLADE.RUNNER]

Thank you for your comment.Your report was good helpful.

[@nicolaecioanta8657]

will take pictures with her at Interzoo 2020 Nuremberg, thank you very special man!

[@neuzdost1939]

How its holding now after those two years?

[@TekyTimbo]

Holding up like a champ, no issues.

[@neuzdost1939]

@@TekyTimbo Cool, thanks. Got the same problem with my 5D Mk.I. May try this

[@TekyTimbo]

Though I haven't had any issues, please read the other comments - someone had posted concerns about the glue venting but I replied with a link to an article. Perhaps there are better glues to use but I'm definitely not a chemist so proceed at your own discretion.

[@alexsimon443]

Do have Nikon service mirror replacement or they replace the entire shutterbox?

[@TekyTimbo]

Sorry, I'm not sure since I've never sent in the camera for this kind of repair but you can ask Nikon service directly.

[@alexsimon443]

@@TekyTimbo I spoke with Nikon and they can replace the mirror 😊 but not sure its enough to replace just the mirror. Maybe they need tobreplace the whole mirror box. Next week I will sent my camera in

[@nicolaecioanta8657]

super glue put on the whole band or in a few points?

[@TekyTimbo]

I only applied it on the corners in the same spots as the original glue points.

[@jcrodriguez4427]

How much does it cost to get it fix ?

[@TekyTimbo]

I don't know for sure since I've never solicited a quote from Nikon but based on a couple of searches (and if it's just the mirror and no other damages) it should come in around $200-$500 depending on where you live. Best to contact Nikon support to get a quote (but they'll likely ask you to send it in). Good luck!

[@ronaldabadphotography9675]

Hi, did you find any accuracy issue in your metering reading..? I found some videos saying that the mirror is very sensitive and it should not be touched.

[@TekyTimbo]

I've since sold my D500 but in the time I had it after this repair, I found no issues with either the metering or AF. The mirror fits into the bracket quite precisely so as long as you're installing it back in the same position and not slabbing on the glue too thick (so as to alter its original positioning), it should be fine but as usual, YMMV and use your own discretion.

[@atruceforbruce5388]

I bought My Nikon D3200 second hand I knew it was missing the mirror, thought I could get one from Nikon I was so wrong. they wont sell me it anyone know where I can find/get a mirror?

[@KsOs.]

Can you give me the link where you got the Sony h.ear on case from plz?

[@TekyTimbo]

It was this one: smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S5CPERY

[@Whts.jc0b]

How do you fix loose mirror?

[@TekyTimbo]

If it's only one corner of the mirror I'd be really careful about removing it since you would want to glue back all four corner evenly (not to mention you risk cracking it if you're trying to remove it so I wouldn't recommend this). However, it sounds like you might have loose/missing screws in the mirror assembly. Check for that first but I'm not sure where you'd be able to get those screws though...

[@victorcontreras6163]

Where can i buy just the mirror ? It came off my D3300 and lost it please need Help anyone out there knows what’s a good website to order that part.

[@TekyTimbo]

Unfortunately I'm not sure... As per my reply to another person who asked about parts: I'm not sure that Nikon sells parts even through their AD's but you can give this place a try: www.nikoncamerarepair.com. I've never personally used them but they are highly vouched for on the forums.

[@msbrownbeast]

Handling the mirror with metal tweezers? Plastic would have been much safer. And using a Q-Tip to apply Superglue, and then re-applying Superglue (even gel type), directly from the tube? What happens if some of that fall onto the surface of the sensor? Should have used a cut toothpick or something similar.

[@TekyTimbo]

Good tips re: the metal tweezer (I didn't have plastic) but I'm reasonably comfortable with my motor controls... :^) Also, not convinced gel would adhere any better to wood (at least the q-tip is semi-absorbent) but applied in moderation, I suppose either would suffice. The toothpick does have the benefit of having a finer point for more precise application. Thx for chiming in!

[@monaromo4628]

Mi mirror is up, I don’t know how to fix it, help plz

[@TekyTimbo]

Check if by any chance you've set your Release Mode dial to MUP (Mirror Up). See here: imaging.nikon.com/support/digitutor/d500/functions/releasemode_mirrorup.html If so, just switch it to one of the shooting modes.

[@alen137]

Thankyou for the hope.

[@nicolaecioanta8657]

thank you very much sir

[@miletalalic154]

Wrong totally wrong, cyanoacrylate-based glue can further damage, I mean pentaprism and optics because cyanoacrylate evaporates !!!

[@TekyTimbo]

Hi there, I appreciate the feedback and while I'm not a chemist, I believe that cyanoacrylate doesn't cure like other glues through evaporation (source: www.gluegun.com/blogs/news/most-common-questions-answers-cyanoacrylate-adhesives). I suppose outgassing can be an issue but with the amount used it should be minimal. What adhesive would you suggest instead?

[@andikafajrianto9268]

Where can i buy just the mirror? It came of my d5200.. Please help me

[@TekyTimbo]

Sorry, not sure, as I had replied to another poster regarding parts: "I'm not sure that Nikon sells parts even through their AD's but you can give this place a try: www.nikoncamerarepair.com. I've never personally used them but they are highly vouched for on the forums."

[@fearlyenrage]

@@TekyTimbo hi How did you get the old Mirror particles out from the flipper/holder?