How do I clean lense on Sony DSC-W1

[mrmikeh]

I am a newbie and purchased a Sony DSC-W1 camera. Somehow, I have a spot of something on the lense that comes through in the picture, but I can't figure out how to get to the lense to clean it. When you power on the camera, the metal lense cover opens, but there is a glass cover as well, which restricts access to the lense itself. I have cleaned that glass cover, so the spot must be on the lense. Does anyone know how to get to the lense? I have read the instructions, looked on Sony's support website and even chatted live with a Sony tech. All he could say was that they don't recommend you clean the lense yourself, but take it to one of their service centers. That seems like overkill to me and I don't have one near me. Thanks in advance for any help. Mike

[poikkeus]

How do I clean lense on Sony DSC-W1

Sad to say, you're in risky territory. But run with me on this.

It's likely the foreign matter you describe made its way into the camera through the zoom lens assembly; when it zooms back and forth, it's possible that dust could get in through mechanical action.

While I strongly recommend the service option recommended by Sony, you can also try this:

If you have one, set up an ionizer near your camera. These help pull down particulate matter in your room. Then, using a blower (they have them especially for cameras, but you can rig one up yourself with a turkey baster or a syringe), shoot air into the round edges of the lens assembly while it's open. Try this while the lens is opening and closing, too, because there might be a momentary gap you can exploit. Keep on trying, but (as you know from the manual) avoid actually touching the zoom lens as it opens or closes.

Avoid blowing with your mouth, because that could introduce moisture to the inside of your camera.

While this won't get rid of the offending particle, it might move it so that it no longer affects your pictures.

Of course, since this is a shot in the dark, it might not work at all.

:eek:

[mrmikeh]

I'll try it. Thanks.