On 27 Sep 2001 22:06:18 -0700, ovediproductions@msn.com (Oved) wrote:

>I have had my VX-2000 for a couple of months now, and have been very
>happy with it's performance. But, At certain times when the light
>comes in depending on the angle I have the camera at, I can see stains
>on the lens. These are Permanent Stains (Purple Dots). Two of all
>those Purple Dots are connected by a smear. Recently I recorded a 15th
>Birthday Party and I got some disliking results several times. The
>whole party was not ruined, like I said, these stains are not always
>visible. However, they can't be cleaned off either, I've tried all the
>cloths available. If you can, please check out the pictures and please
>give your opinion..
>
>www.ovediproductions.com
>
>Click on "PHOTOS" and click on pictures to enlarge.

Before seeing the images, my guess would have been quite
different... These appear to be on the lens rear element
or on some other surface near the CCDs (the marks positions
remain fixed - if they were on the front, it is unlikely
they would be imaged the consistent way they have been
[or at all...]). Best guess: condensation on an internal surface
(that ran in one case), then dried. Great care is needed
when carrying the camera from one temperture/humidity
environment to another. Another possibility (but the shapes
make this unlikely: mold [never store optical gear in sealed
containers/bags]). Looks like a repair is needed, alas...