[Silvercomet]

When I turn off my dslr and leave it for a while, I see a grey layer with some white spots through my viewfinder. When I turn the camera on again, the grey layer disappears. Is this normal? What causes this effect? Please help, thanks.

[xeonlee]

which model ?

[Silvercomet]

D80 with kit lens

[xeonlee]

It is not normal, if D80 is turned off.
It should be like a dead fish, nothing change in the view-finder.
It is because the view-finder wouldn't have any electrical activity when it's off.
I suggest try to remove the lens, then all the things behind the mirror shell be off even its on. And then you look for the white spots again.

If this happen offen, you better exchange another one, before it is too late.

[Silvercomet]

Sorry, I think I got my question wrong. I just tried. It is not actually white spots, it is actually a greyish layer, with very tiny transparent spots.
Second, this only happens when I have the batteries taken out. As soon as I insert the batteries, the grey layer goes away, even if i don't turn on the camera. Do you know why this happens?

[xeonlee]

I believe that's the grid things.
Then everything you were saying is normal.

In the first part of the view-finder, there is a transparent LCD.
It is just like a LCD on your calculator.
it use the battery to show the 8mm circle, the grid and some info.

After the battery is taken out. it doesnt have battery to run itself.
Then the liquid crystal in the LCD randomly gather on the LCD.
The random gathering will turn the LCD darker.
Therefore, you can see a greyish layer on the viewfinder right after the battery is taken out.
That's whats happening.

[Silvercomet]

Thanks brother!!