Camera quality lost - One (M8) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I went for a bike trip with my friends to a hilly region. And there was heavy rain when we were travelling on the hills. After returning from the trip I found that my m8's has lost its quality. Now it is shooting very poor quality picture. Only the rear camera got the problem. What can I do now???
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

Can you see any condensation inside the camera glass?
Can you see any scratches on the coating on the glass? The rain event may just be a coincidence, and possibly just the bike trip itself caused scratches on the glass coating; which is a very common issue causing foggy or blurry photos.
Can you post some photos to illustrate the issue?

Yes there are scratches
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

here are the pics
redpoint73 said:
Can you see any condensation inside the camera glass?
Can you see any scratches on the coating on the glass? The rain event may just be a coincidence, and possibly just the bike trip itself caused scratches on the glass coating; which is a very common issue causing foggy or blurry photos.
Can you post some photos to illustrate the issue?
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HTML:
Here are the pictures

I have this exact same problem that developed since last week and I have no idea how/why. Is this a common issue?

Is there any way to solve this problem. Somebody help us?
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2715784&page=2
Check this thread. This guy fixed this issue.

kasi14 said:
Here are the pictures
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Click to collapse
I was actually more thinking of pictures taken with the phone, but this is somewhat helpful as well.
Not completely clear from your pics, and probably verbal description would be a little more informative. But it appears from the photos that there are maybe some scratches on the bottom camera (but not a lot) and there seems to be some dots of specks on the top camera (dust or moisture?); although this can just be an illusion of the photo. Correct me if I'm wrong on any of my assessment, as pics can be deceiving. What do you think, looking at the camera glass on both cameras?
If you think the issue may be caused by the scratches on the camera glass, this is actually pretty easily solved. Those scratches are actually from the coating on the glass, and not the glass itself. It seems the intended protective coating is very inferior and easily scratched. The fix is using a mild abrasive (car wax, toothpaste, etc.) or other means to polish off or scrape off the coating and expose the actual smooth glass underneath. This issue and various fixes are discussed here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-one-m8/general/how-to-fix-htc-one-m8-camera-issue-t2803825
Although, it takes a decent amount of scratches to "cloud" the photos. And it doesn't seen that your camera glass is that scratched yet (again, that is just what I can assess from the pics). Personally, I started noticing some minor scratching within the first couple week of owning the phone. And its only been just recently (after having the phone for almost 3 months) that the scratches became bad enough to blur or cloud my photos. I used the solution of polishing with a dab of toothpaste to remove the coating (and pics look perfect again).
If the issue is being caused by dust or moisture inside the camera, this is a much more difficult issue to solve without taking the phone apart.

redpoint73 said:
I was actually more thinking of pictures taken with the phone, but this is somewhat helpful as well.
Not completely clear from your pics, and probably verbal description would be a little more informative. But it appears from the photos that there are maybe some scratches on the bottom camera (but not a lot) and there seems to be some dots of specks on the top camera (dust or moisture?); although this can just be an illusion of the photo. Correct me if I'm wrong on any of my assessment, as pics can be deceiving. What do you think, looking at the camera glass on both cameras?
If you think the issue may be caused by the scratches on the camera glass, this is actually pretty easily solved. Those scratches are actually from the coating on the glass, and not the glass itself. It seems the intended protective coating is very inferior and easily scratched. The fix is using a mild abrasive (car wax, toothpaste, etc.) or other means to polish off or scrape off the coating and expose the actual smooth glass underneath. This issue and various fixes are discussed here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-one-m8/general/how-to-fix-htc-one-m8-camera-issue-t2803825
Although, it takes a decent amount of scratches to "cloud" the photos. And it doesn't seen that your camera glass is that scratched yet (again, that is just what I can assess from the pics). Personally, I started noticing some minor scratching within the first couple week of owning the phone. And its only been just recently (after having the phone for almost 3 months) that the scratches became bad enough to blur or cloud my photos. I used the solution of polishing with a dab of toothpaste to remove the coating (and pics look perfect again).
If the issue is being caused by dust or moisture inside the camera, this is a much more difficult issue to solve without taking the phone apart.
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Click to collapse
I think there are lots of scratch which are not visible in those pictures. But are you sure that I must use a toothpaste or something to clean it up or give it to HTC service center?
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

kasi14 said:
I think there are lots of scratch which are not visible in those pictures. But are you sure that I must use a toothpaste or something to clean it up or give it to HTC service center?
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Click to collapse
You can certainly try to have warranty service for this issue. However, I think there have been mixed results from folks on here. I think some have gotten it fixed under warranty; while there are also there are reports on the thread I linked above where folks were getting charged $90 to $300, and even an administrative fee if you chose not to have the paid repair (and have the phone sent back as-is). So its kind of a gamble.
Also, its not clear to me if the "fixed" camera done by HTC is any better than the original (if they have resolved the issue with the coating).

redpoint73 said:
You can certainly try to have warranty service for this issue. However, I think there have been mixed results from folks on here. I think some have gotten it fixed under warranty; while there are also there are reports on the thread I linked above where folks were getting charged $90 to $300, and even an administrative fee if you chose not to have the paid repair (and have the phone sent back as-is). So its kind of a gamble.
Also, its not clear to me if the "fixed" camera done by HTC is any better than the original (if they have resolved the issue with the coating).
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Click to collapse
If I do it by toothpaste method what will happen if it gets scratch later on?
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

kasi14 said:
If I do it by toothpaste method what will happen if it gets scratch later on?
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Click to collapse
If you are worried about the glass getting scratched, you can cut a screen protector to size, or there are some protectors that even include a separate piece for the camera.
But I would expect the actual glass to be much harder to scratch then the coating. I carried the One X (EVITA) in my pocket for 2 years, and only minor scratching on the camera glass that did not affect picture quality.

Had the same cloudy issue with mine recently and thought that it would be going back to the shop. Found a thread about a guy who used a credit card and water to scratch the surface of the lens to remove the coating. Worked a treat for me and my photo quality is back to normal again
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

I did this earlier on and this fixed the issue I had. So give it a go OP. I just used a q-tip and a bit of water to be honest. It comes off pretty easy.

Related

[FIXED] Camera lens blurred

Hi guys, just noticed that my DZ camera lens is "blurred" out bad (I don't use my phone's cam regularly). It looks like scratches, see photos, but its more like coating wear off. I've seen disassembly photos, and it seems that the lens is glued to the back housing, which costs $89.99! Any suggestions to solve this problem? Thanks!
Are you able to get a replacement from your carrier for free?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Um, carrier, no, but warranty is still available, but I read in the warranty statement that scratches or cracks on lens are not covered.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Try ti check ebay and see what u can find. If not and all fails, get some plastic x ploish. And rub it on there. I used that stuff for my headlights, ipod and some other clear plastic stuff. It always worked out great.
The stuff is called plastic x its about $5 from walmart
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Thanks for the tip. EBay doesn't seem to have the back housing, however I found one at HTCrepairparts.com for $89.90. I'll try to visit the service center, and hopefully get it fixed, with the right words (got my touch fixed that way ). If all else fails, i'll try looking for that polish. Thanks!
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Just got back my Desire Z from servicing, and its beautiful, they totally changed the back lens, which included the back housing! Awesome, no more smudges now!
toothpaste
I had the same problem with my HTC G2, with the camera so scratched all my pics were blurred. I fixed it pretty cheaply by polishing the lens with a little bit of toothpaste! 2 mins of rubbing with toothpaste and a little bit of cardboard and 95% of the lens is clear again and scratch free. My pics are sharp and in focus again. I have a few minor marks around the edge still as they are hard to reach, but they are not affecting the picture or focusing.
Hope this helps somebody
what kind of tooth paste and how does this work?
reeshmd23 said:
what kind of tooth paste and how does this work?
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Click to collapse
Is this a joke, toothpaste? Come on guys. Should have gone with Squaretrade.
Tooth paste has mild abrasive in it. This isn't a joke and really does work.
Sent from my Mikes HTC G2 with Google using xda premium
Not a joke bro, it does work. Works on headlight lenses as well!
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
hey guys i am going to buy new replacement back for only $14 problem is you have to spend at least $50 because its for wholesalers i just need one anyone want to buy some off me through ebay or paypal so im not stuck with the extras because of the 50 dollar limit. heres the link http://www.mengtor.com/product_show.php?category=668&pid=3365
Hi reeshmd,
I'm very interested in getting a new back cover.
However, i have three questions:
1. Is it original one? Because the price seems too low, and this part must fit perfectly!
2. To change it, we need to void warranty, or not? One screw is covered with a "VOID" sticker.
3. There seems to be 2 different versions of the cover (A & B), how do you know which one to get?
Thanks.
--------
About the scratches itself (i have exactly the same thing as first post pictures show), it looks to me more like some coverage is gone, which probably filtered UVA&B and/or IR light. I say that because not only my pictures are blured now, but also they always look completely over exposed.
--------
Could anyone send a very clear zoomed picture of the camera glass in perfect shape? The same pics as the ones of the first post, but of a new DZ or G2.
Thanks
allanl-o said:
I had the same problem with my HTC G2, with the camera so scratched all my pics were blurred. I fixed it pretty cheaply by polishing the lens with a little bit of toothpaste! 2 mins of rubbing with toothpaste and a little bit of cardboard and 95% of the lens is clear again and scratch free. My pics are sharp and in focus again. I have a few minor marks around the edge still as they are hard to reach, but they are not affecting the picture or focusing.
Hope this helps somebody
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is working BIG THX man
My camera lens had similar problems too. I tried toothpaste and now my pictures are brilliant! Thank you for the tip
One question though, is the plastic cover coated therefore there was scratches or was the "scratches" just dirt? I'm wondering if rubbing with toothpaste would rub-off the coating (if there was one to begin with)
geot10 said:
My camera lens had similar problems too. I tried toothpaste and now my pictures are brilliant! Thank you for the tip
One question though, is the plastic cover coated therefore there was scratches or was the "scratches" just dirt? I'm wondering if rubbing with toothpaste would rub-off the coating (if there was one to begin with)
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Click to collapse
There is a coating, and it would have reduced flare/glares, however if it was so grimmy to begin with, the coating was going to go one way or another. But least without it the contracts is quite a bit higher than default.
I used Plastic Booster (a cleaner for plastic food containers) to clean the plastic cover on my old Shadow camera before and it made quite a difference. I think mine was due to just sweat/dirt that discolored the plastic and made everything blurry.
allanl-o said:
I had the same problem with my HTC G2, with the camera so scratched all my pics were blurred. I fixed it pretty cheaply by polishing the lens with a little bit of toothpaste! 2 mins of rubbing with toothpaste and a little bit of cardboard and 95% of the lens is clear again and scratch free. My pics are sharp and in focus again. I have a few minor marks around the edge still as they are hard to reach, but they are not affecting the picture or focusing.
Hope this helps somebody
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the toothpaste idea dude. it worked like a charm!!!
Any more tips on what to do with it?
Mine camera thingy is getting scratchy too.
Can I just remove it?
or either, how to polish it
Thanks for the toothpaste trick. Worked brilliantly. Already fixed two different Desire Z phone lenses with it.
Sent with XDA Premium from my HTC Desire Z loaded with Jelly Bean (Andromadus/CM10 test build)

HTC Letter fell out

Today the glue filled into the C that is engraved in the back of the phone came out. I'm kinda an HTC fanboy so this left me pretty upset.... My camera lens is also really scratched up. Has anyone dealt with this issue and how was it handled?
The letter issue I've seen before in other threads, if it was me I'd use a teeny tiny bit of super glue and glue it back in.. the camera lens scratches I fixed on mine as mentioned in other threads by taking a dab of toothpaste and rubbing with medium pressure for 5 mins with a smooth cloth (the kind that come with screen protectors work the best)...the scratches have been found to be a coating on the lens and it'll be good as new just like the m7 (which didn't seem to have this issue)...hope that helps solve your issue. Good luck.
Sent from my 831C using XDA Free mobile app

Blurry camera.

My pictures go horribly blurry, on both front and back camera [mostly on back]. I've read online that it's a well known problem with M8 and it indicates scratches on the camera, but I guess that's impossible since I've head my phone covered with a case since day one.
What do I do?
Does the camera glass on any of the 3 cameras appear scratched or dirty?
If the issue is from scratches, you can see them.
It may also just be a fingerprint or other grease on the glass. Even with a case, you only have to touch the glass once to get a film on it that blurs the photos. If you see any grease or dirt, just wipe with a microfiber cloth.
I think this might help you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2803825
There were some other threads with same suggestions as this one, you can find them in General forums if M8. I never has this issue so I didn't read them thoroughly though
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The "scratches" you read about are caused by the degradation of the coating that is on the lens. The degradation will cause scratch-like tiny lines to appear on the coating that can be removed. Apparently the coating on some phones degrades at a faster rate than on others due to factors that are still unknown. I have had my phone since early April when it was released and the coating on mine is still as clear now as when I first got it.
I think this might help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhhOcIRMfWc

[Q] Should I be worried about scratched camera lens?

So I am full sacred with my phone and this morning after thouroughly wiping down my camera lens I realised 1 medium long thin scratch along the top of the back camera lens. Now I'm not sure if I should begin to worry about this ,it's not currently affecting my image quality but I still get scaredabout my phone. People are saying various things can remove it such as toothpaste and the credit card method to scrape off the top protective layer. Is this an issue that its got a small scratch there ? It just bothers me because I love my new phone and when it gets scratched so easy it is just making me mad and worried aha. Anyways what do you think I should do and is anyone having this issue also?
Best to get it swapped out cause from experience, it just gets worse after the first scratch.and it does eventually degrade quality.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
I noticed my camera image quality went very bad after a while. This was because the camera lens had loads of scuff marks all over it. I looked through some forums and as you mention came across some suggestions of cleaning with various substances. So I did with alcohol and tissue. Now that the top layer is gone the images are tons better.
Having said all that, what you describe might not be a scuffed surface layer but an actual scratch into the lens. If that is the case scrubbing will do nothing for you. If you run your thumbnail over the scratch can you feel a groove?
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

[Q] F***ed my M8 camera with a toothpaste.

Hello guys,i've had some scratches on my M8 lens and i watched videos where people got rid of this problem by using a toothpaste.I tried the same method but my camera went even worse than it used to be.... i currently don't have an other device to take a photo of it.Im wondering if i can solve the problem if i get rubbing alcohol and try to clean it all over again ? :crying: :crying:
Didol123 said:
Hello guys,i've had some scratches on my M8 lens and i watched videos where people got rid of this problem by using a toothpaste.I tried the same method but my camera went even worse than it used to be.... i currently don't have an other device to take a photo of it.Im wondering if i can solve the problem if i get rubbing alcohol and try to clean it all over again ? :crying: :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never try and fix a scratch its not paint it can't be fixed! so putting toothpase on your phone will only help ruin it further. if you have a silicon based toothpast then you just rubbed really fine sand into your camera. your best bet is to take a soft cloth and some diluted rubbing alcohol and try and clean it. good luck!
Didol123 said:
Hello guys,i've had some scratches on my M8 lens and i watched videos where people got rid of this problem by using a toothpaste.I tried the same method but my camera went even worse than it used to be.... i currently don't have an other device to take a photo of it.Im wondering if i can solve the problem if i get rubbing alcohol and try to clean it all over again ? :crying: :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello! I actually did this to my M8 today, and it worked GREAT, removed all the small scratches and my pictures are no longer blurry or washed out! All pictures now are CRISP as they were when I first got my M8. You need to LIGHTLY apply toothpaste, and then use nail polish remover or I used rubbing alcohol to get the scratches off. The M8's had a coating on the lens from factory, I read somewhere this was anti reflective film, but am not sure if that's true or not. Anyways, if you use toothpaste and then alcohol, you will remove this layer of stuff and its the coating that is scratched most likely, not your actual lens. Follow this video here (again) and see if it works. I would NOT use toothpaste that has gritty/sand like texture, this may scratch the actual lens and damage it.
Video link / method I used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhhOcIRMfWc
Good luck!
My Friend had a similar problem he sctrached his screen and his camera, and he used the same product he used to clean his car headlight lenses and surprisingly he actually did a decent job. Put it this way it was alot better than it was. I was really surprised.
Andr3w151 said:
My Friend had a similar problem he sctrached his screen and his camera, and he used the same product he used to clean his car headlight lenses and surprisingly he actually did a decent job. Put it this way it was alot better than it was. I was really surprised.
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Click to collapse
You can Use "Displex" (~5$ on ebay) to fix it... Your camera will be like it was new!
I've done three m8 cameras with toothpaste. It just takes time. It gets worse as you rub then gets better because it's removing the coating.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2
squito said:
Never try and fix a scratch its not paint it can't be fixed! so putting toothpase on your phone will only help ruin it further. !
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Click to collapse
Rubbish, yes you can, I have done it loads of times with metal polish such as brasso!
I have removed scratches from glass, plastic, LCD screens, phone camera lenses, watch lenses, all successfully with this method.
Didol123 said:
i watched videos where people got rid of this problem by using a toothpaste.I tried the same method but my camera went even worse than it used to be
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look very closely, does it appear that the coating is just getting more scratched (which is the intent, for the toothpaste to abrade the coating and remove it) or the camera glass is actually getting scratched.
Similar to a previous response, my guess is that you are just scratching the anti-glare coating (not the glass) and actually need to rub it more.
Mine appeared to be just the coating being scratched. Used this method and it worked great. I still have to get some of the coating off at the edges but 95% of it is gone and my lens is clear of these scratches now. Plus it gives your phone that minty fresh feeling.
Anyone know if this lens is gorilla glass?
theandies said:
Mine appeared to be just the coating being scratched. Used this method and it worked great. I still have to get some of the coating off at the edges but 95% of it is gone and my lens is clear of these scratches now. Plus it gives your phone that minty fresh feeling.
Anyone know if this lens is gorilla glass?
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Click to collapse
I read where one guy used a magic eraser (Mr Clean brand??) and he said that worked the best for him. I wonder if they "fixed" the issue with the coating on newer phones?? I have had mine for a few weeks now...always carry it in my pocket(s) and do not use any case and all three of my lenses have zero scratches on them?? I have been watching closely to make sure since I've read about all those having this issue on three different forums.
jaseman said:
I read where one guy used a magic eraser (Mr Clean brand??) and he said that worked the best for him. I wonder if they "fixed" the issue with the coating on newer phones?? I have had mine for a few weeks now...always carry it in my pocket(s) and do not use any case and all three of my lenses have zero scratches on them?? I have been watching closely to make sure since I've read about all those having this issue on three different forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my phone at the end of July so yours probably has the coating. I didn't notice the "scratches" until I wanted to take a picture the other day and I always wipe the lens with my shirt to get finger prints off after taking it out of my pocket. If the lens glass itself is gorilla glass I'm not too worried about it scratching in the future because I dedicate my pocket to my phone and nothing else goes in that pocket.
jaseman said:
I read where one guy used a magic eraser (Mr Clean brand??) and he said that worked the best for him. I wonder if they "fixed" the issue with the coating on newer phones?? I have had mine for a few weeks now...always carry it in my pocket(s) and do not use any case and all three of my lenses have zero scratches on them?? I have been watching closely to make sure since I've read about all those having this issue on three different forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1on the magic eraser it worked like a charm no need to use toothpaste all scratches gone. Just wet the magic eraser, squeeze the water out, lay phone screen on flat surface " soft magazine " with camera facing you, I would get a bright lamp to point and the surface you going to scrub the camera lens cover, and use magic eraser in a circular motion and you will see the coating come off. Hope this helps anybody who has the scratches.
Sent from my M8 using XDA Free mobile app
treIII said:
I've done three m8 cameras with toothpaste. It just takes time. It gets worse as you rub then gets better because it's removing the coating.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm this works. Also a clean pencil eraser. It takes about 20mins though. I used toothpaste too, and freaked out when I saw how badly it got scratched. Tried the eraser method for around 5mins and figured my cam was screwed. The next day I started rubbing with the eraser and didn't stop. I had time and nothing to lose. Cleared everything right up except the extreme edges. DO IT!

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