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06-09-2010, 06:53 AM   #1
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Soft spot in photos? Humidity? Settings

I was at a cousin's wedding this weekend, using my K7 with my DA* 16-50 lens. For a time (meaning it wasn't consistent), when I'd go outside to shoot some photos of the groups, I noticed a "soft" spot in my photos...kind of like a smudge, but it wouldn't happen when I was inside. It'd show when the light was in front or behind me, so I didn't think it was the sun...maybe humidity? Its always in the same place on the images...just right of center, towards the top. Its kind of like a little smoke. Maybe its my settings? I'm sure its user error, but what am I doing? I've attached an example. I took this at ISO 400, f/9 1/125.

I appreciate your help, and suggestions.

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06-09-2010, 07:11 AM   #2
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Were you using the same lens inside and out? Same filter/s? Sure looks like a lens smudge to me or a water droplet on the lens.
06-09-2010, 07:39 AM   #3
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it might also be some form of flare between the filter and the lens.

just guessing because I am on a flare kick lately

a smudge also sounds good, although I note that there is very strong back lighting here also
06-09-2010, 10:24 AM   #4
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Don't know what it is, but it does not look like flare or condensation. I'd look at the rear element as well as the front.

06-09-2010, 10:54 AM   #5
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Same lens in & out...no filters at all. Took lots of shots after this one where it doesn't show...several later where it does.

SpecialK...when you say look at rear element, what do you mean?

Thanks...I thought it was a smudge too, but if so, it would have shown on all pics with that lens.
06-09-2010, 11:37 AM   #6
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Is this the only lens you own? Maybe your sensor is fried??? I doubt it, but... hey, you never know!

EDIT: If you have another lens make sure that it doesn't have the same thing.

Last edited by Ubuntu_user; 06-09-2010 at 11:38 AM. Reason: clarification
06-09-2010, 11:43 AM   #7
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Front element - the piece of glass furthest from the camera; the part you cover with a front lens cap (usually pinch-style) or screw a filter onto.

Rear element - the piece of glass nearest the camera; the part you cover with a rear lens cap (usually bayonet-style).

I could imagine the visibility of a smudge being aperture-dependent, just as is the case for sensor dust.

06-09-2010, 02:42 PM   #8
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Interesting! I hadn't thought of that (which is why its so good to be able to ask!)..I'm going to review the photos to see if I see similarities between the apertures...that might be it! Thanks!

BTW...I do have other lenses, and didn't notice this as a problem with photos taken with them, but then again, I didn't use those lenses during this reception.
06-14-2010, 06:08 PM   #9
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I think what Marc is trying to say is:

If you have looked at the front glass of the lens and there is no smudge, look at the BACK glass.

Turn the lens at different angles to the light to see if it has a print. Do this front and rear. Sometimes you will not see it dead on.

This sure looks like a smudge to me.

Oh, and remember: Entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity.

woof
06-14-2010, 06:52 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by bugsy603 Quote

SpecialK...when you say look at rear element, what do you mean?
As mentioned by others, it's the glass at the rear of the lens that, on rare occasions, I jamb my thumb into after already removing the cap in my bag in preparation for assembling onto the camera....
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