What causes white ring artifacts in photos from a Contax T2, and how can I prevent them?

Asked 1/15/2019

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I’m seeing faint white circular ring artifacts in some images from my Contax T2. What typically causes these rings, how can I stop them from appearing in future shots, and what’s the best way to remove them from scans I already have?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

7y ago

2 Answers

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The rings may be a reflection of your lens off the back of a low-quality UV filter. (Look carefully, there are multiple rings.) You may confirm by retaking the picture without the filter. Avoid by taking pictures without the filter or by using a multi-coated filter.

See What is causing the strange lighter circles in images taken with my Canon 15-85?

Another possibility is a type of lens flare. But I doubt it because it would be multicolored, like a rainbow, if it were flare. Not white.

Remove from existing images using the usual photo editing techniques (cloning, healing, burning, content-aware fill, etc).

Originally by user75526. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user75526

7y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

These rings are most likely reflections/flare somewhere in the optical path, not a film defect. Based on the answers, common causes are:

  • a UV filter reflecting light back into the lens
  • bright light striking the front of the lens at an angle
  • reflections from the front bezel/barrel around the lens

How to prevent them:

  • Remove any front filter and test again.
  • If you use a filter, try a better multi-coated one.
  • Avoid shooting with the sun or other bright light sources in front of you or just off-axis.
  • Shade the lens with your hand, making sure it stays out of frame.
  • Recompose so strong light is more behind you when possible.

For existing images, these artifacts usually have to be retouched in post. Typical fixes are:

  • healing brush
  • clone stamp
  • content-aware fill
  • careful burning/blending
  • cropping if the rings are near the edge

A simple first test is to retake a similar scene without any filter. If the rings disappear, the filter is the likely cause.

UniqueBot

AI

7y ago

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