Consistant Smudge/Mark on Photos

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone could identify the likely cause of the smudge towards the bottom right of the attached photo?

I have a brand new 18-55mm IS lens, that looks brand new, and a 2nd hand 20D in excellent condition. I had a very quick look at the sensor, which looked immaculate with not a speck of dust inside the camera.

Does anyone have any ideas? I was really pleased with my new set-up until I noticed this mark over several photos.

Many thanks,

Adam

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adamfarmer/4845971696/in/set-72157624620685728/

Classic example of a spot of dust on your sensor, get a rocket bulb blower, carefully follow sensor cleaning instructions with mirror up and see if you can blow it off, otherwise have the camera cleaned by a professional
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WSSA # 165

it looks to me like some grease on the sensor from the mirror assembly, in which case a wet clean will be needed; simple enough to do it yourself and cheaper than a professional.

However, still give the blower a go in case it is dust. If it doesn't move, then its porbably grease.

Kind regards
Stephen

photojohne said:

Classic example of a spot of dust on your sensor, get a rocket bulb blower, carefully follow sensor cleaning instructions with mirror up and see if you can blow it off, otherwise have the camera cleaned by a professional
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WSSA # 165

Click to expand...

n/t

Likely a speck of dust on the sensor at f/6.3 it's about what I would expect to see.

Try shooting a diffuse solid at f/22 or so and if it's dust the spot will be sharper.

Lock the mirror up and use a rocket blower. BTW the speck on the sensor won't be where it appears on the image - inverted.

Don't touch the sensor with anything unless you are very sure you know what you are doing.

Whether dust or grease, it would be very difficult to see upon visual inspection.

It is possible to clean the sensor yourself if you are careful - there are various kits out there that include "sensor swabs." I cleaned my 20D this way with very good results.

Good luck!

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'There is no un-suck filter.'

• David duChemin

Which is too bad, because I could sure use one.

Many thanks for the suggestions, and re-assurance of almost certainly knowing that it's a fairly easy problem to solve. I don't have any cleaning kit yet, but will start things off tomorrow with the blower.

Adam