Why is there a dark spot or ring in the same corner of every photo?
Asked 9/1/2015
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A dark spot/ring appears in the same corner of all my photos. Cleaning the front lens glass didn’t help. Is this more likely to be dirt on the lens, the rear element, or the camera sensor? Should I clean the lens, the sensor, or both?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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It seems likely that there is a hair, eyelash, or other small artifact on the sensor. Something on the lens is unlikely to show up like this (it'd be too out of focus). You may be able to simply blow it off — don't use your mouth, and definitely don't use compressed air, but a quality "rocket blower" (with an intake filter) should do it. Put your camera into sensor cleaning mode and give it a try.
If that doesn't work, try the more advanced methods outlined at What is the best way to clean the sensor on a digital SLR?.
You could pay to have the sensor cleaned, but it's also easy to do yourself. While you should certainly be careful, don't stress too much about damaging the sensor. It's actually protected by a glass filter, and if you use appropriately gentle methods, you won't scratch it.
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
If the mark appears in the same place in every photo, it’s most likely dust, a hair, or another small particle on the sensor, or less likely on the rear lens element. Dirt on the front of the lens usually won’t show up as a distinct dark mark because it’s too far out of focus.
Start by checking the rear element of the lens, but the sensor is the most likely cause. Use the camera’s sensor-cleaning mode and a proper rocket blower to try to remove it. Don’t blow with your mouth, and don’t use canned/compressed air.
If blowing doesn’t fix it, the sensor may need a more thorough cleaning or professional service. Sensor cleaning is often safe if done carefully with the right tools, since the sensor is protected by a filter/glass layer, but if you’re unsure, a camera service shop can do it.
So: clean the rear lens element if needed, but focus on the sensor first.
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