Reference image (i.e., ‘Before’)

I have been keenly aware of a few spots on all images. They are possibly water spots from condensation, possibly acquired when visiting the warm-and-humid greenhouse in the winter. But recently I noticed the big smudge on the right side of this image. Since it happens with every lens, clearly it's inside the camera. So more shots will be taken with my point-and-shoot until I get some Canon hardware issues addressed.

Probably my last image with this lens (18–55mm, which came in the original-purchase "kit" with the body). It is wholly unreliable, seemingly not in communication with the body, which suggests to me that its electronics have gone bad or the contacts need a thorough cleaning (a possibility).

[Edit. The lens was tested on a known-good body after cleaning the contacts: the lens has failed. I will find out what it would cost to repair the lens, but it's an inexpensive lens, so I won't be willing to pay much to repair. The 18-55mm lens has been a workhorse, used on a tad more than a third of my 365-posts — http://365project.org/tags/tm18-55mm — 661 ÷ 1972 = 33.5%]

June 30 update: Repair estimate = $110. Given that a new lens with “IS II” would only be another $90, I'm going to lay this lens to rest. Maybe upgrade from a kit lens to something better (and pricier). As Clare has pointed out, my 60th birthday is coming up… So this is the very last image from the 18-55.

I have found a dSLR cleaning tutorial — http://www.howtogeek.com/162413/how-to-cheaply-and-safely-clean-your-cameras-dslr-sensor/ — but I will look at 365's discussions, too. Any hints-or-tips would be appreciated!

1 year ago (“Clematis (I think)”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2015-05-20
2 year ago (“Six-spotted Tiger Beetle”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2014-05-20
3 years ago (“Natural dissection”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2013-05-20
4 years ago (“Amtrak Superliner: Texas Eagle #21”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-05-20
5 years ago (“‘Comcast Building,’ in Philadelphia”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-05-20

[ IMG_0804O9x6tm :: f/5.6 :: 1/50" :: ISO-400 :: 55mm ]

[Simply Amanda]

It's a UFO!!! I see it. Hide!

[Thom Mitchell]

@alophoto Ha-ha! I thought that something like that were appropriate, too!

[Joanna kate]

That's scary, those marking. I hope it can be cleaned up okay

[Thom Mitchell]

@joannakate I'm sure it can, but I'm an economist, so I'm looking at the cost of cleaning the 5½-year old sensor and the cost of repairing a 5½-year old 18-55mm lens and weighing it against a new body and a new 18-55mm lens…