Calling those who know about Cameras and Photography

bagand96

Hi, looking for a little bit of advice regarding my camera. For info its only a compact digital, an Olympus FE230. I'm no budding photographer by any means, just take it on holiday etc for the usual snaps.

Anyway I noticed recently that my photo's have a "smudge" on them. This is barely visible when shooting normally, although it gets worse when I use the zoom. Its not huge, but when I zoom, and its a lighter shot its definately there.

Now, like I said, only a small compact digital, not worth much so its not the end of the world. Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I've ordered a "lenspen", but I'm guessing really that some piece of dust has got in there and there's nothing I can do?

Thanks?

diable

Have you cleaned the lens?

Lirin

Lenspen's can be abrasive, and longterm can damage- but using once won't hurt.

Sounds like grease trapped on lens. The reason it's more noticeable on zooming is magnification.

One thing- don't clean your lens with a house tissue- use lens cleaner cloths. The tissue's not only abrasive, it'll leave fibres all over your lens which can work their way inside the lens housing.

bagand96

Thanks. I'll try the suggestions.

darich

It could also be dust inside the camera, on the sensor. I know it's a compact but these things are rarely weathersealed.

It's more visible when you zoom because the aperture changes (f number). At one end of the range the dust/grease will be barely visible but at the other it'll be more prominent. It's also more visible on a lighter shot eg sky because it's a dark shape.

Most likely though it could be a finger print on the lens that simply needs wiped off using a proper lens cloth. Cleaning alcohol will probably not be required.