Paul W Posted September 24 Share #1 Posted September 24 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) May I please ask the forum for some advice? Towards the end of a shoot of ocean baths I noted what I thought was dust or a scratch on my viewfinder, not visible on the LCD panel, and not apparent in the photos I took. I was wearing a vest with a metal zipper, and was carrying my Q3 against my chest/vest and potentially against the zipper (it was very cold). So I wondered about a scratch on the viewfinder. There was no evident scratch on the LCD panel though. I attach a view of it - made by hand-holding my iPhone camera against the viewfinder as I half-pressed the shutter to activate the Q3 (on tripod), which was aimed at my computer screen. I also used a plain wall, but I thought the one I have uploaded shows it best. In the upper right quadrant I see a squiggle. It does not change at all. I magnified my Q3 viewfinder screen using an illuminated magnifier (used for postage stamps), but could not see the squiggle, and cannot feel a scratch with my fingernail. I cleaned it several times and can see dust specks, which move, but no squiggle. I magnified the front of the lens and cannot see a squiggle, but can see some dust, which also moves when I clean it. My question is whether anyone can think of another explanation for the squiggle? Thank you very much. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! . Edited September 24 by Paul W clarity - the spot does not move at all. Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! . ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/424415-scratch-on-q3-viewfinder/?do=findComment&comment=5867323'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 24 Posted September 24 Hi Paul W, Take a look here scratch on Q3 viewfinder?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Alexander108 Posted September 24 Share #2 Posted September 24 Looks like a speck of dust, micro hair. I had this on the sensor of my M10M and it looked exactly the same. On the M10M I was able to blow it off the sensor and all was good. Since it is not visible in the Live View it is luckily not on the sensor. I'd live with that. You probably don't notice it in 90% of your photography. But maybe it's now ingrained in your brain and you cannot "unsee" it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul W Posted September 24 Author Share #3 Posted September 24 4 minutes ago, Alexander108 said: But maybe it's now ingrained in your brain and you cannot "unsee" it. Thank you - a sad, but true insight ! You do though think it is not on the sensor? - because it is not visible in live view, and also because Q3 is sealed? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexander108 Posted September 25 Share #4 Posted September 25 Am 24.9.2025 um 09:41 schrieb Paul W: Thank you - a sad, but true insight ! You do though think it is not on the sensor? - because it is not visible in live view, and also because Q3 is sealed? You can make sensor dust visible quite easily: take a picture of a white wall with f/16. Go to Lightroom and do auto settings (Ctrl-U). Every bit of dust will be clearly visible. If you don't see it in live view on the display it may not be on the sensor. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul W Posted September 26 Author Share #5 Posted September 26 Thank you. I will do that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul W Posted September 28 Author Share #6 Posted September 28 I did that. No dust on sensor. Do you have any other thoughts? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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