Is a Scratched Lens Affecting Your August Camera?
Discovering a scratch on your August smart camera or doorbell lens can be incredibly frustrating. It can compromise the clarity of your video footage, making it difficult to see important details. Whether it’s a minor scuff or a more significant gouge, this guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose the problem and find a solution. We’ll cover everything from simple cleaning techniques to understanding when a more serious repair might be needed.
Step 1: Assess the Severity of the Scratch
Before you do anything else, it's important to understand the extent of the damage. Not all scratches are created equal, and the solution depends on how deep the mark is.
- Micro-scratches: These are very fine surface-level marks, often caused by improper cleaning with a rough cloth. They may only be visible when the light hits the lens at a certain angle and might not significantly impact image quality.
- Deeper Scratches: These are more serious and can be felt with a fingernail. They are often caused by accidental impact or vandalism and will almost certainly affect the video quality, causing blurring, distortion, or light flaring.
To check the scratch, use a magnifying glass or the torch on your smartphone to illuminate the lens. This will help you see the depth and size of the scratch more clearly.
Step 2: The First and Safest Solution - Proper Cleaning
Sometimes, what appears to be a scratch is actually a stubborn piece of debris, a smudge, or a residue line. Always start with a thorough, careful cleaning process.
- Use a Blower: Start by using a can of compressed air or a manual air blower (like one used for camera sensors) to remove any loose dust or grit from the lens surface. This prevents you from dragging abrasive particles across the lens during cleaning.
- Use a Microfibre Cloth: Take a clean, high-quality microfibre cloth. These are designed to be non-abrasive.
- Wipe Gently: Breathe on the lens to create a small amount of condensation, then gently wipe in a circular motion, starting from the centre and moving outwards. Do not apply excessive pressure.
- Check Your Footage: After cleaning, check your live video stream to see if the issue has been resolved.
Step 3: Addressing Minor Surface Scratches
If you've confirmed it's a very light micro-scratch and cleaning didn't help, there are some specialised products you can consider. However, this comes with a strong word of caution. Using the wrong substance can permanently damage the lens coating and make the problem much worse.
- Plastic Polishes: Products like Polywatch or Displex are designed to polish out fine scratches on plastic surfaces. As many camera domes are plastic, this can work.
- The Method: Apply a tiny amount of the polish to a cotton swab or microfibre cloth. Gently rub the scratch in a circular motion for a minute or two. Use a clean part of the cloth to wipe away the excess.
Disclaimer: Attempt this at your own risk. This is not an official August-endorsed solution and could potentially void your warranty. We recommend contacting August support before attempting any polishing.
Step 4: When the Scratch is Too Deep to Fix
Unfortunately, if the lens has a deep gouge, no amount of cleaning or polishing will fix it. In these situations, you have two main options:
- Contact August Support: The best course of action is to get in touch with August's official customer support. They can provide information on out-of-warranty repair options or potential replacement programmes. They will give you the most accurate advice for your specific device.
- Professional Repair: A local electronics repair shop might be able to help, but it's unlikely they will have the specific replacement parts for an August camera lens. This is generally a less reliable option.
Attempting to replace the lens component yourself is not recommended as it requires technical expertise and can damage the device's weatherproofing and internal components.
By following these steps, you can systematically address the issue of a scratched lens on your August camera, ensuring you find the safest and most effective solution for your situation.