"blemishes"

[Chrissy_Wissy]

a set of recurring marks and blemishes on photographs obtained using my Sigma 28-200 mm (attached to 5D) has prompted me to get it serviced, however, in the meantime I was wondering if there is a quick fix software tool that might allow me to replace the marks with equivalent clean areas alongside without having to go through convoluted layer routines (I have a lot of photos to fix before printing!)

Thanks

[El_Sid]

Layers?....

I use the clone or healing tools in PhotoShop and never go anywhere near layers...

[Chrissy_Wissy]

Don't have Photoshop hence looking for the quick fix! Thanks anyway

[El_Sid]

What software do you currently have? Most photo-editing software packages have the clone tool or an equivalent at the very least.

Free programs for photo-editing include The GIMP which is very versatile editor comparable with PhotoShop.

Another is Picasa from Google which is much simpler than GIMP but well suited to basic photo editing.

You could also try PhotoPlus6 from Serif which isn't as clever as The GIMP but is adequate for most image editing requirements.

Off the top of my head I can't think of any free programs that will automate the process of blemish/spot clearance. Perhaps someone else can though...

PS are your blemishes quite dark, always in the same place and sharp sometimes and fuzzy at others? If the answer is yes then I suspect you have dust rather than a camera or lens problem. Doubtless these will be cleaned off in the service but I recommend buying a blower such as the Rocket and blow your sensor clean periodically to keep the dust bunnies down. Details of how to access the sensor for cleaning should be in your manual...

[Chrissy_Wissy]

Thanks. I also had the marks with prints obtained using my previous 500si setup which is why I suspected the lens.

[El_Sid]

Ah... More likely the lens in that case...