Related
I apologize if this has been covered a 1000 times, but I did a cursory search and only run into threads about the screen cover or full-body protection, i.e. the lens cover is almost always just mentioned in passing.
I'm one of the many who have discovered that the plastic lens cover integrated into the battery cover is extremely prone to scratches. I've ordered two extra covers from Expansys, but at this rate, I'll need to get a new one every 2-3 months.
On previous phones, I tried various screen covers that either came with a lense cover (Martin Fields) or cut one out myself, only to find that the clarity of the plastic screen covers causes the pictures to come out hazy or milky. This is partially due to the difficulty of removing fingerprints, but even more due to the fact that screen protectors aren't really designed to be crystal clear like a camera lens is. I invariably took them off and risked it, but on most of my other units, the only thing that was real glass was the lens cover. Not so on the Desire.
Does anyone have any advice on this front?
i use the martin fields lens cover that came with the martins fields screen cover... its very good for the price....
I had an old screen protector that I cut a rectangle to cover the lens.
Looks OK but not perfect.
I may try to cut a circle to cover it properly.
I am not sure how you damage it, i keep my phone in its pouch, when i take it out or put it back down i put the phone ontop of the pouch so the camera is not touching the surface. A cover would i assume make the picture loose quality?
I'm generally very careful with my phones, but accidents happen and I managed to get a bunch of hairline scratches on the lens cover after just 6 weeks with the phone.
hoppi05 said:
i use the martin fields lens cover that came with the martins fields screen cover... its very good for the price....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you show me URL for this product?
Not saying that they haven't made progress, but I used to have a Martin Fields lens protector on my old Omnia i900 and found that the plastic of the lens protector caused hazy pictures even when clean.
I'm beginning to wonder if a liquid solution might be the way to go. Something like clear nailpolish that could be removed and reapplied if it got scratches in it. Anyone hear of something like this?
I've got the same problem, a lot of little scratches at the lens cover which make my photos not as sharp/clear as it should be. I think with the pouch I recently ordered the problem is over, but for now I must order a quite expensive new battery cover.
Quist said:
Not saying that they haven't made progress, but I used to have a Martin Fields lens protector on my old Omnia i900 and found that the plastic of the lens protector caused hazy pictures even when clean.
I'm beginning to wonder if a liquid solution might be the way to go. Something like clear nailpolish that could be removed and reapplied if it got scratches in it. Anyone hear of something like this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The liquid would have to be perfectly flat and of uniform thickness to prevent refraction, I doubt such an application could be achieved "at home"
I just use a thick gel skin for my phone and a padded microfibre pouch.
The thickness of the skin makes the lens very deeply recessed so it's way safer.
albert_htc said:
I had an old screen protector that I cut a rectangle to cover the lens.
Looks OK but not perfect.
I may try to cut a circle to cover it properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol..u just give me a got idea!! Im going to try it on my sensation!!
Edit: Actualy i already try the rectangular one and its fit perfect. Tomorow i wil try to cut it in round shape one ;P
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App
take out the lens
Perhaps too obvious, but I knocked out the camera lens in the battery cover. After more than a year still no scratches on the camera itself and perfect pictures (at least, for this camera unit). Protection is sufficient with a pouch.
naimmkassim said:
Lol..u just give me a got idea!! Im going to try it on my sensation!!
Edit: Actualy i already try the rectangular one and its fit perfect. Tomorow i wil try to cut it in round shape one ;P
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap!! It just dont work..after few days dust started to accumulate between the rectangular screen protector and the camera lens. More scratch now!! Crap..crap!! >¦c
P/s: i did try to cut the screen protector round, but the glue of the screen just come out during cutting process..not work also..
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App
just remove the scratched up bit of plastic and stop worrying, the lens is countersunk below the case anyway,
i removed the plastic lens from my battery cover after having the desire for about 2 weeks, 6-7 months later my pictures still come out as sharp and defined as when new,
if you get any dirt on the camera lens simply take off your battery cover and you can clean it easily,
braddersss said:
just remove the scratched up bit of plastic and stop worrying, the lens is countersunk below the case anyway,
i removed the plastic lens from my battery cover after having the desire for about 2 weeks, 6-7 months later my pictures still come out as sharp and defined as when new,
if you get any dirt on the camera lens simply take off your battery cover and you can clean it easily,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The worry part is during clean up the camera lens. If i wipe it with some chemical n tissue, there is a high risk the lens get scratch ;c
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App
naimmkassim said:
The worry part is during clean up the camera lens. If i wipe it with some chemical n tissue, there is a high risk the lens get scratch ;c
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well as i said mines been fine for the last 6-7 months, i just take the battery cover off and give it a wipe with my t shirt or something, no scratches so far,,
braddersss said:
well as i said mines been fine for the last 6-7 months, i just take the battery cover off and give it a wipe with my t shirt or something, no scratches so far,,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may not be necessary!
I've been having this issue for ages too.. i clean the plastic lens but it appears to be scratched as pics come out hazy, just like other posters above. I have just pushed out the plastic lens on the battery cover as suggested and sure enough pics are instantly clearer.. however when inspecting the plastic lens cover i realized two things
* the sticky part is very sticky!
* the inside of the plastic part (the sticky side) appears to be dirty..
i cleaned it with one of those cloths you use for specs and since it's still very sticky i put it back in.. tried a few shots with the battery cover on and off, and i' can't notice any difference.. no longer hazy!
sure though, knocking it out avoids having to clean in form the inside .. but i'm afraid of scratching the inside lens.. that one's more difficult to replace
if you REALLY want to go all out, you could take the cover to a jewler/watch repair and have them replace the glass with sapphire crystal... it's so small that it may not cost an outrageous amount, but then they would have to cut it to size...
Bought myself another battery cover from ebay, I hope this one will last, gonna have to figure out how to maintain that new one scratch-free.
The one I bought:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130544376251?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Another option for those worried about their lens ...
Amazon ( Sorry, I only found it on the german site ) has this item listed :
http://www.amazon.de/Ersatzglas-Kam...WWGK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1320922089&sr=8-3
It's a saphire glass replacement lens cover for our beloved Desire , and apparently is very scratchproof (according to reviews) . They had a slight quality problem early in the manufacturing process, the first items came out slightly too large, but it seems that's fixed by now ...
I will order one and give it a try , as I have quite bad scratches in mine after 1.5 years of normal use and don't really want to leave the camera itself uncovered
Has anyone else seen this? My camera quality slowly got worse and worse. I went to get my phone replaced under warranty and got hassled around because of the known hairline back that happens around the microphone port so I decided to take the lens off. It takes perfect pics now. I'm very gentle with my phones. It's in perfect condition so I don't even understand how the lens got this way. Bought a new one on ebay for $4 and will replace it myself. Here's what my pics look like.. One is the front camera and the horrible looking one is the rear camera.
When you say camera lens, are you talking about the protective plastic piece? That's not a lens, it's just a piece of protection stuck on like the plastic cover found on your screen when unboxing. The actual camera lens is glass and would be tough to scratch.
Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Free mobile app
No... I understand.... Protective plastic was removed a LONG time ago. My photos appear cloudy as well, and slowly getting worse. if I look at the lens it looks like it's got a sheen over it and no matter what I do I can't rub it off I can't clean it off. What do I want for a buck though I guess.... right? Dollar phone.
I was able to clean the sheen off with some tooth paste, q-tip then some alcohol to shine it up. Works great now, no scratches
My bro's Verizon model doesn't have the coating. Maybe it was a mistake during assembly, didn't get cleaned off at the right time.
So my idea worked and i now have a full adhesive screen protector. Covers from edge to edge and there is no halo effect. The protector is on good and does not peel/pop out. I am using a unicorn beetle pro full body case and no problems. Before the case would pop out the protector but not anymore.
What exactly was your idea?
How did you manage this? (For the people that haven't been keeping up with your posts, such as myself.)
Did you use LOCA or OCA film?
Sent from my Galaxy Note7 using Tapatalk
so much detail. so much wow. i wish there was more information, like, what you used, how you did it, instead of a brag post. thanks for the pictures though!
One of his older posts discussed using LOCA. If you use LOCA, how do you get it off if you ever want to remove the screen protector?
Yes I used LOCA glue. To take it off you just heat it. It should be easier to remove than when replacing the digitizer.
I got a couple air bubbles though but id rather have that than a scratched up screen lol
Interesting.... but more info on how to do it and what products to use would be great. Thanks OP.
I was just thinking about if this was a solution two days ago, but this is exciting news that its worked. My question is, is the LOCA a problem to handle, because i could see using too much might have some go into the speakers or just seep from the borders. when originally applied. and is there a way to make sure we don't get bubbles?
teegunn said:
Interesting.... but more info on how to do it and what products to use would be great. Thanks OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Donnyohs said:
I was just thinking about if this was a solution two days ago, but this is exciting news that its worked. My question is, is the LOCA a problem to handle, because i could see using too much might have some go into the speakers or just seep from the borders. when originally applied. and is there a way to make sure we don't get bubbles?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea i got a little on the speaker but you just have to be care full and as it seeps kut clean it with a rag. The good thing is that it wont dry until you put the black light on it. The part you have to be the most carefull with is the home button. Loca will make it sticky and a little harder to press. I also reccoment you get a protector that is completely clear as the one i got has black on the top and bottom and it prevents the black light from drying the glue under those areas. Clean the screen good. To avoid bubbles look at youtube and see how they apply it. Basically a stick figure but instead of a head it is a y shape. Carefully place the protector and let is slowly spread on its own. Once it stoos spreading then you could slowly press down on it and remove the remaining bubbles. I lined uo thw home and back buttons first and made sure the cut outs were aligned for the camera and sesors. Then i applied the black light on the bottom half furst so that it would align properly. I did this while pressing down on it because the air bubbles kept coming up. I also covered up the top half so that wouldnt dry up. Oncw i got the bottom i got rid of any air bubbles on the top half and did the same. After that i put the phone in a box., close it up, do a cut out for the black light to fit and let it sit for a couple minutes to dry more. Then i cleaned and dried the edges. Make sure not to leave too much of the loca in between the screen and protector so you wont get touch senaitivity issues. And do it where there is no dust. I oly got 1 small air bubble but some like white spots that appear to be dust. And again clean the speaker, home button, sensors, and camera before drying. You could also just scrape it off with a plastic blade that the loca came with. And make sure to use liquid version and not the film.
So the glass covering the camera lens recently broke on my girlfriend's Galaxy S7. The camera still worked and focused correctly, but I tried to replace the glass.
I used a heat gun to remove all of the broken glass and adhesive. Ever since I did that, everything looks "foggy" in the camera app. It's like there's moisture covering the lens. We tried cleaning the lens with a Q-tip, but it still looks the same.
Anyone know why this would happen? Did I damage the camera unit with the heat? Any advice on what to do? Thanks in advance!
Maybe some adhesive is left between camera module and lens? Are lens exactly the same as the ones before? Just throwing some ideas around because I am honestly not an expert on this, might be damaged module but I don't know enough to say anything.
Thanks for the reply. Yeah, that is possible. Although if that's the case, I don't know why it won't come off. I haven't actually put the new glass cover over the camera unit lens yet, and I tried cleaning the module lens with a Q-tip. Same result. So, I'm wondering if I damaged the unit, or maybe melted the lens slightly. I guess it is what it is. Thanks again!
Wait but is it foggy when you put lens over it? I mean is the whole package there or not? Because that's what lens are for, to focus stuff on the camera sensor. It's not clear from your post if you actually did that or not. Camera without lens with always be "foggy".
Edit: Reading it for 3rd time, is the exterior glass the only thing broken or is there more? Flat glass will not focus image so that is no the issue then. For a second I thought that you have camera module without any glass. Post some pictures I guess, from the camera and of the camera.
Sorry for the confusion. Yes, the exterior glass was the only thing broken. When it first broke, I ripped the shards off, and bought a replacement glass cover online. The camera was still working until I used a heat gun to remove the residual glass and adhesive.
After I did that, I tested the camera again, and that's when it looked foggy. Anyway, I'll post some pictures when I get the chance.
Why would u even use heat gun for that? I changed about 20 camera lenses and all without heat gun, just break the glass and ripp it off, clean the leftover residue , put new glass and bam works... maybe u have condensation?
Can you share a photo taken with the camera? it'll help to figure out what's happening.
Maybe some clues :
- If the lens is made with other material than glass they are heat and chemicals sensitive
- Some humidity got under the lens
- Deep scratch on the lens
- The lens barrel moved for some reason (pushed or not in his rail anymore) or is not calibrated anymore
(btw never use Q-tips to clean lenses they can scratch the lens and coating - Use optical cleaning paper)
NeoDJW said:
Why would u even use heat gun for that? I changed about 20 camera lenses and all without heat gun, just break the glass and ripp it off, clean the leftover residue , put new glass and bam works... maybe u have condensation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was following a tutorial video I found online. The said that any residual adhesive from the old glass might cause an imperfect seal, and any old glass pieces might cause the new glass to crack. So, they removed it with a heat gun. How do you go about cleaning the leftover residue? Just curious. Thanks.
ttf said:
Can you share a photo taken with the camera? it'll help to figure out what's happening.
Maybe some clues :
- If the lens is made with other material than glass they are heat and chemicals sensitive
- Some humidity got under the lens
- Deep scratch on the lens
- The lens barrel moved for some reason (pushed or not in his rail anymore) or is not calibrated anymore
(btw never use Q-tips to clean lenses they can scratch the lens and coating - Use optical cleaning paper)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input. Here's some photos. This is what an image looks like when taken with the camera currently:
Here's a picture taken with my S7, which doesn't have a damaged camera. This is what the image should look like:
Here's a closeup shot of the damaged camera. I haven't put the replacement glass on yet. I am waiting until this issue is resolved.
Looking at that close up shot of the lens, it does look like there's something on it. I can't tell if those are scratches or residue. Any idea what might be a good way to go about cleaning it? It seems like it would be hard to clean something that small with optical cleaning paper, especially since the unit moves. Thanks again!
Thanks for the pics.
Somehow hard to figure out if it's some Q-tips dust of some melted plastic coating gel.
Yes it's hard to clean such a little surface but try to wrap your Qtips or a small non abrasive tool with the optical paper, add some 100% ethanol or 98% rubbing alcohol on it.
Do you have a air blower pump for camera?, if yes try with that first and if it still stuck on the lens then something melted, Gel coating? not sure. If it's inside well it's probably some gel...unfortunately there is nothing much you can do but changing the camera module.
Hope it's only dust, good luck.
ttf said:
Thanks for the pics.
Somehow hard to figure out if it's some Q-tips dust of some melted plastic coating gel.
Yes it's hard to clean such a little surface but try to wrap your Qtips or a small non abrasive tool with the optical paper, add some 100% ethanol or 98% rubbing alcohol on it.
Do you have a air blower pump for camera?, if yes try with that first and if it still stuck on the lens then something melted, Gel coating? not sure. If it's inside well it's probably some gel...unfortunately there is nothing much you can do but changing the camera module.
Hope it's only dust, good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice! I don't have an air blower pump. Can I use a can of air? Anyway, I'll try these tips when I get back in town tomorrow. Thank you again!
Sure a can of air can do the trick, be careful though, some spray liquid and let some residue, test it on a piece of paper first. Tell us how it goes.
Have you washed the phone with water before the glass broke?
Airman1947 said:
Looking at that close up shot of the lens, it does look like there's something on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the gunk doesn't clear with alcohol (e.g. lens cleaner) then it may be that the lens itself is damaged. If the heat gun made the lens too hot it may have damaged the actual lens itself.
That rear glass looks like the coating is flaking. You might need to replace the module. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Sam...ont-Rear-Lens-Flex-Cable-Module-/192066941308
Thanks for all the help, everyone! So, I tried cleaning the lens with a can of air, and also with lens cleaner on a Q-tip covered with optical cleaning paper. Same results.
Looks like whatever the problem is, it's gonna require replacing the camera unit Darn, wish I hadn't touched it. Was working fine. Anyway, thanks again!
Thanks for the follow up and sorry to hear it didn't fixed the problem. Maybe you could ask samsung to get you a price quote for the replacement or if you're really adventurous you could buy the camera module as a DIY project, be extra careful though you'll most likely avoid your warranty and the IP67/68 (someone posted a link in the thread for the camera unit), or ask a quote in a 3rd party shop?
Airman1947 said:
Thanks for the reply. Yeah, that is possible. Although if that's the case, I don't know why it won't come off. I haven't actually put the new glass cover over the camera unit lens yet, and I tried cleaning the module lens with a Q-tip. Same result. So, I'm wondering if I damaged the unit, or maybe melted the lens slightly. I guess it is what it is. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having the exact same problem and same question! I just finished replacing my LCD. I took a picture to test it out, before putting the back cover back on, and it worked perfect. Then, I used to the heat gun to replace my camera lens, after putting the new back cover on, and now nothing buy blurry, and even looks like a couple of round water spots. I took the lens back off and tried cleaning it, I've shaken in, reset the camera settings, at this point...I'm afraid I damaged the camera with the heat gun and have to open it back up and have replace the whole camera.
JOFowler said:
I'm having the exact same problem and same question! I just finished replacing my LCD. I took a picture to test it out, before putting the back cover back on, and it worked perfect. Then, I used to the heat gun to replace my camera lens, after putting the new back cover on, and now nothing buy blurry, and even looks like a couple of round water spots. I took the lens back off and tried cleaning it, I've shaken in, reset the camera settings, at this point...I'm afraid I damaged the camera with the heat gun and have to open it back up and have replace the whole camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aw man, yeah looks like the same thing happened to you. Yeah, I think that the heat damages the lens on the camera unit. I couldn't find a way to get rid of the blurriness.
I ended up just cashing in on the phone insurance for mine. If you have it, I'd suggest doing the same, unless you're feeling adventurous and wanna try and replace the camera unit. Sorry I can't be more help. Good luck!
HI, guys. I was trying to remove the scratch using toothpaste . Eventually, it get worse , the scratch is less visible now, but the oleophobic coating is damaged .... any chance to repair the coating ? Or i can only live with the damaged coating on the back ??
Once a coating is gone... well it's gone.
You can use your dry finger or palm to fine polish glass, optic coatings, etc to remove very light scratches.
Takes about 20 minutes or more depending on the scratch depth. Press firmly with a clean dry finger/palm. It's a real lot of rubbing... thousands of times.
I've done this with camera lens who's optical coating* got marred. Works if the coating hasn't been breached by the scratch.
* nearly as hard or harder than glass
blackhawk said:
Once a coating is gone... well it's gone.
You can use your dry finger or palm to fine polish glass, optic coatings, etc to remove very light scratches.
Takes about 20 minutes or more depending on the scratch depth. Press firmly with a clean dry finger/palm. It's a real lot of rubbing... thousands of times.
I've done this with camera lens who's optical coating* got marred. Works if the coating hasn't been breached by the scratch.
* nearly as hard or harder than glass
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the coating is damaged aleady . No remedy ? Any shop can spray/ reapply the coating again ?
Replace the cover if it really bugs you.
Should be in a good case anyway...
I am using the phone without a case. It's very nice.
I think I'll avoid attempting to repair any scratches it might collect...