Scratched the lens :(

[Autofocus]

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I kept noticing a tiny bird like object on my images at the same spot (on some day light images, not all) and looking at the lens, I realized I have a tiny scratch in the corner of my lens on the outermost surface. Surprising since I always have either a UV lens or a polarizer on for protection. 

 

Anywho, the scratch is there and it is affecting my images, so the question is what are my options? I assume Leica would be able to repair it for some exhorbitant price less than $4200. Would it also be correct to assume that the warranty won't cover scratches on the lens? FWIW I have dropped my camera once, many months ago, but that definitely didn't cause scratch (had the hood on, fell on the base, none of my pictures older than a month old have the spec)

 

Thoughts?

[almoore]

Thoughts?

It's more likely to be related to dust/debris on the sensor than a tiny scratch on the lens.

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[Autofocus]

It's more likely to be related to dust/debris on the sensor than a tiny scratch on the lens.

Hmmm, interesting. How would dust/debris get into the sensor. I thought the Q was relatively sealed from the elements being a fixed lens and all. I have also not take the camera to an extremely dusty place like a beach. 

 

Probably still worth it to send it to Leica for a look no?

[gotium]

There's dust on my Q's sensor

[almoore]

Hmmm, interesting. How would dust/debris get into the sensor. I thought the Q was relatively sealed from the elements being a fixed lens and all. I have also not take the camera to an extremely dusty place like a beach. 

 

Probably still worth it to send it to Leica for a look no?

Hmmm, interesting. How would dust/debris get into the sensor...

Probably there from the time of manufacture.

[Autofocus]

Probably there from the time of manufacture.

If it were dust in the sensor from manufacturing, wouldn't it have shown up on my older pics too? None of my photos older than a month have it. 

 

Also, if it were dust, is there a reason it would only show on certain daytime pics and not others?

 

I am traveling now and out of town without access to my pics or I'd post one to explain

[almoore]

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If it were dust in the sensor from manufacturing, wouldn't it have shown up on my older pics too? None of my photos older than a month have it.

 

Debris moves around before sticking.

 

Also, if it were dust, is there a reason it would only show on certain daytime pics and not others?

 

Yes, there is a potential reason. The visibility of dust depends on the aperture you're using. Try setting the lens to its maximum aperture and photographing a blank wall or ceiling, then do the same at minimum aperture. In all likelihood, you'll see some evidence of dust spots in the latter but not the former.

[earleygallery]

If there is a tiny scratch on your lens it won't show up on your photos (it might not even be a scratch - could just be a mark that might clean off).

 

Dust can and does find its way onto sensors of fixed lens cameras - all of the ones I've owned eventually showed dust on the sensor (and I decided not to buy another fixed lens camera for this reason). It most likely has got in through the body rather than the lens - I opened one of mine up to try and clean the sensor (a C Lux) and the inside of the camera was like a dust magnet!

 

The manufacturers could solve the problem by sealing the joint between the sensor and lens better.

 

This link will demonstrate to you how much scratches show up on images......https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2008/10/front-element-scratches/

[Autofocus]

Thanks for all the helpful responses. I'll try the blank wall picture with different apertures as suggested. 

 

I'll probably take it to the local Leica store and see if they can figure out what's going on.

[Frase]

It would have to be quite bad to show up if its a scratch and then only as a smudge or a area that looks soft. Also it would not be sharp ie look like a bird in the sky, as already said sound more like some dust or a hair on the sensor.

good luck

[earleygallery]

Thanks for all the helpful responses. I'll try the blank wall picture with different apertures as suggested. 

 

I'll probably take it to the local Leica store and see if they can figure out what's going on.

 

To clean the sensor it will have to go back to Leica - they should do it for free however.

[wda]

If there is a small scratch on your lens, it would not show up as a sharp defect on the image. It would at most just very very slightly degrade  or add some diffusion to light transmission.

 

If you bought it new, and protected the lens with a filter, it is unlikely to have acquired a scratch. Concentrate on dust or debris contamination. If still worried, consult your dealer.