Andy Resnick said:Uh oh... I wouldn't recommend you try anything unless you are reasonably good with the relevant tools.
That said, it is surprising that you have contamination inside the lens assembly- how old is the camera, and how often have you used it in 'hazardous' (water, smoke, dust, etc) environments?
I'm not sure how easy it would be to remove the lens assembly, open it up, and reassemble everything.
Andre said:Normally, you would not see dust on the lens, as it is most out of focus as possible. However with a dirty lens, you get flares and blurs, as light is refracted, so you still want your lens to be clean.
There are several reasons why dust can get inside a camera lens. One of the most common causes is simply through regular use of the camera, as dust particles can easily enter through small openings or gaps in the lens barrel. Changing lenses frequently can also increase the chances of dust getting inside the camera. Additionally, environmental factors such as wind or dusty environments can also contribute to dust accumulation in the lens.
Yes, dust inside a camera lens can definitely affect image quality. When dust particles are present on the lens elements, they can cause light to scatter or reflect differently, resulting in decreased contrast and sharpness in images. This can also lead to the appearance of small dark spots or smudges in photos.
One way to check for dust inside a camera lens is to shine a bright light through the lens from the back and look through the front. If you see small dark specks or lines, these could be dust particles. You can also try taking a photo of a plain, evenly lit surface, such as a white wall, and zoom in on the image to see if there are any visible dust spots.
In some cases, it may be possible to remove dust from inside a camera lens. If the dust is on the outer surface of the lens elements, you can try gently wiping it with a soft, lint-free cloth. However, if the dust is inside the lens, it is not recommended to attempt to disassemble the lens yourself. Instead, it is best to take the camera to a professional for cleaning.
To prevent dust from getting inside your camera lens, it is important to keep the lens and camera body clean. Use a lens cap when the lens is not in use and avoid changing lenses in dusty environments. Additionally, regularly cleaning the lens and camera body with a soft brush or cloth can help remove any dust buildup. Consider using a camera bag or case to protect the camera when not in use.