I'm not the best at keeping my camera equipment pristine. I am careful with lenses, but my camera bodies take a beating.  It's terrible, I know, considering the cost of this gear.  I have to say, Canon cameras takes a beating and keep on clicking!

I recently took my Canon 5D Mark II on a dusty, bumpy trip to Tanzania.  When I returned home the LCD cover looked pretty beat up.

Scratched up LCD Display CoverScratched up LCD Display Cover

I did some research online and found a variety of videos and blog posts about how to fix this yourself to avoid a costly repair bill.  After thoroughly reading and viewing DIY guides I figured this was something I could easily do.

This was the best blog post showing how to do this, complete with photos and details.  I'm posting mine here because, if you thoroughly read through this blogger's sarcasm (which I thought was quite funny) he mentions how you might do it if you were male vs. female. So, as a female photographer I thought I'd shout out that you can do this and keep it simple, neat and easy.  I didn't even have to break the glass.

First, order the parts you need direct from Canon.   Why risk third party manufacturers.  It's especially important because of the materials they use. Canon uses lexan, a polycarbonate used in race car windows.  Third parties use glass which isn't nearly as safe.

Canon Parts OrderingCanon Parts Ordering Canon Parts OrderingCanon Parts Ordering

I purchased 2 die cut tape forms just in case I messed up the first time (I'm happy to report I still have a spare).

Check out the step-by-step below.  As an aside, I used a suction cup from an old bathroom shelf I had for my shower stall that sticks to the tile wall.  It worked like a charm.

Step 1: Get a hair driver, exacto knife (I never needed it, but you might) and suction cup. Repairing your Canon 5D Mark ii LCD CoverRepairing your Canon 5D Mark ii LCD Cover

Step 2: After using the hairdryer to heat up the display for 2 minutes (I blew it along the whole width of the LCD display) I took my nifty suction cup (from a shower stall shelf) it easily came off. Repairing your Canon 5D Mark ii LCD CoverRepairing your Canon 5D Mark ii LCD Cover

Step 3: This is how it looks before removing the tape.    Repairing your Canon 5D Mark ii LCD CoverRepairing your Canon 5D Mark ii LCD Cover

Step 4: Peel off old tape.  It was pretty dusty so I cleaned it off with my lens brush.  Repairing your Canon 5D Mark ii LCD CoverRepairing your Canon 5D Mark ii LCD Cover

Step 5: Next, adhere the new die-cut tape in place.  Repairing your Canon 5D Mark ii LCD CoverRepairing your Canon 5D Mark ii LCD Cover

Step 6: Peel of the tape cover (it comes off nice and easily)  Repairing your Canon 5D Mark ii LCD CoverRepairing your Canon 5D Mark ii LCD Cover

Step 7: Get the new Canon LCD cover, carefully holding it by the edges.

Nice, newly installed LCD Cover for my Canon 5D Mark iiNice, newly installed LCD Cover for my Canon 5D Mark ii Step 8: Voila!  Now I have a nice, clean, unblemished LCD display cover for less than $30. The LCD cover was $24.11, the die cut tape was $1.52 x 2 and shipping was $7.00.  Total came to $37.14.  The cost of satisfaction by doing this myself: Priceless.  I hope you try this out yourself, being careful to follow step by step.  If you get frustrated, give Canon a call.  They're great to work with. 

If you've never done something like this before, check out the youtube videos and rewatch multiple times to feel comfortable with the whole process.  And good luck!