MOSAIC ENGINEERING TECHNICAL ARCHIVE
Historical / DiscontinuedCanon VAF Installation & Removal
Recovered installation procedures for Mosaic Engineering's removable Canon optical anti-aliasing filters.
CHOOSE YOUR CAMERA
Two Installation Systems
Select the procedure corresponding to the historical Canon camera and VAF model.
METHOD 1
Standard Canon VAF Installation
The photographs below illustrate the Canon 7D-style installation. Individual filters differ and must only be used with the camera body for which they were designed.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Work in a clean, dust-free area. Avoid touching the coated optical surfaces of the filter.
Camera OFF while removing or reinstalling lenses. Certain Canon lenses may have their iris position misread if removed while the camera is powered.
Hold the camera vertically during installation whenever practical. This reduces the possibility of a dropped object reaching the exposed image sensor.
Remove and Inspect the Filter
Remove the VAF from its storage container and inspect it for dust or contaminants.
Hold the filter by its plastic frame using the supplied tweezers. Avoid touching either optical surface.
Prepare the Camera
Turn the camera OFF and remove the lens.
The reflex mirror may then be raised using the camera's Live View function when appropriate for the camera model.
Position the Lower Edge
Place the upper edge of the VAF against the bottom edge of the raised reflex mirror.
The filter's molded tabs should align naturally with the camera's mirror cavity.
Seat the Filter
Press gently upward against the reflex mirror and carefully press the bottom of the VAF inward until it sits in the bottom of the mirror cavity.
Verify the Upper Tabs
Confirm that the beveled tabs at the upper corners of the VAF lie flat against the camera's surrounding plastic.
Verify the Lower Tabs
Confirm that the lower corner tabs also lie neatly between the beveled sides of the mirror cavity and surrounding plastic.
Turn the camera OFF before reinstalling the lens.
METHOD 1 / REMOVAL
Removing the Standard Canon VAF
Engage the Filter
Turn the camera OFF and remove the lens.
Insert the supplied tweezers fully into the two removal holes at the bottom of the filter.
Release the Lower Edge
Make sure both hooked tips are fully inserted.
Gently push the filter upward toward the reflex mirror while pulling its lower edge forward.
Remove and Store
Carefully withdraw the filter, handling it only by its frame.
Return it to its protective container or dust-free wrapping.
Turn the camera OFF before reinstalling the lens.
METHOD 2
5D / 6D Style Installation
These photographs illustrate the VAF-5D2b installation in the Canon 5D Mark II. The VAF-6D uses a related installation system, but the filters are different and are not interchangeable.
IMPORTANT
Avoid touching any coated optical surface. Fingerprints and contamination can degrade image quality.
The camera's Live View system may automatically lower the reflex mirror after a finite period. Complete the procedure promptly after raising the mirror.
Prepare the Filter
Work in a clean area and remove the filter from its container without touching its optical surfaces.
Turn the camera OFF, remove the lens, then prepare the camera for installation.
Orient and Insert
Orient the filter correctly and raise the reflex mirror using Live View.
Gently slide the VAF below the raised mirror.
Seat the Filter
Slide the filter fully into position until its corners rest properly on the mirror-positioning posts and the filter sits flush within the camera body.
Turn the camera OFF before reinstalling the lens.
METHOD 2 / REMOVAL
Removing the 5D / 6D Style Filter
Prepare the Removal Tool
Use the supplied wire removal tool.
Raise the reflex mirror if desired to provide additional clearance.
Engage Both Sides
Carefully engage the opposing ends of the tool in the designated holes on the filter frame.
Partially Withdraw the Filter
Gently pull the VAF outward only until its sides can be comfortably grasped with your fingers.
Remove and Store
Grasp the filter by its frame and remove it by hand.
Disengage the removal tool and return both items to their appropriate positions in the storage case.
Turn the camera OFF before reinstalling the lens.
FINAL CHECK
Before Returning the Camera to Use
Verify the installation and camera state before mounting the lens and returning the camera to service.
- Correct VAF model has been matched to the camera body
- Filter is fully seated and correctly oriented
- No coated optical surface has been touched
- No dust, loose parts, or tools remain inside the camera
- Historical operating restrictions for the installed filter are understood
- Camera is OFF before reinstalling the lens
RELATED HISTORICAL INFORMATION
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