What is it and can it be removed?

Sean from Perth · Mar 24, 2019

Noticed the exact same smudge today when uploading images Previously I had assumed the smudge to be just from accidently touching the lens but after cleaning I realise it is still there. I wonder if this has been there all along as I only noticed it twice now in the sky yet other images don't seem to have it or it's not noticeable.

Is it a smudge inside the lens? On the sensor itself? Or on the front lens element? I cant see it all on the front element holding it up to light. I see plenty of dust inside the lens but no visible smudges.

Any Ideas?

photo taken a couple of weeks ago. you can see the smudge in the clouds. I see it better when I tilt my laptop screen.

Exactly the same smudge a couple of weeks later exactly the same spot. You can see it in-between the drone and the top of the picture.

Hike Pics · Mar 24, 2019

Here's an idea maybe to try: set the camera in Aperture Mode and photograph a light solid color, like a blue sky. Use both widest aperture and narrowest aperture. My guess is that you will see it more at the narrow end.

I had a Sony W5 that I noticed a dark spot in some photos. The front elements were clear so all I could do was open the camera. Not only did I have a dirty sensor but that speck was on the inside of the back element. Had to toss the camera.

Here's the thread to that post if you want to check it out.

Your camera is pretty old and with all the zooming over the years dust can be an issue. It just happens.

Sean from Perth · Mar 24, 2019

Hike Pics said:
Here's an idea maybe to try: set the camera in Aperture Mode and photograph a light solid color, like a blue sky. Use both widest aperture and narrowest aperture. My guess is that you will see it more at the narrow end.

I had a Sony W5 that I noticed a dark spot in some photos. The front elements were clear so all I could do was open the camera. Not only did I have a dirty sensor but that speck was on the inside of the back element. Had to toss the camera.

Here's the thread to that post if you want to check it out.

Your camera is pretty old and with all the zooming over the years dust can be an issue. It just happens.

I'm ok with dust in fact I quite like the specks especially during night shots. To me, the "smudge" doesn't look like dust. Looks more like human fingers are the culprit.

Will try the sky shots at different focal lengths and apertures and see if I get differing results, especially at the narrow end. Thanks for the info.

Sean from Perth · Mar 24, 2019

After looking at the speck you had on the rear element of your Sony and the size of the dark spot on your image I have to agree that the issue I have is likely dirt on the sensor or rear element. I guess specks on the rear get magnified and the sensor is tiny so a hair like dust fibre would create the smudge that I see.

Hike Pics · Mar 24, 2019

Exactly. Stopping the lens down focuses more on the speck.

I have opened enough Kodaks to know that working on them is not easy. Remove the back, remove the LCD assembly, very carefully move or remove the circuit board by disconnecting ribbons and screws. If you are lucky.....really lucky, you won't have to de-solder any wires. The sensor is usually attached to the back of the lens assembly with 3 screws.

Consider another camera first, then open up this one when you have the time and patience to work on it.

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What is it and can it be removed?

Sean from Perth

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Hike Pics

Hike Pics

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Sean from Perth

Well-known member

Sean from Perth

Well-known member

Hike Pics

Senior Member

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