how to take photos of scratches on glass?

[anonymous-user]

I've got an issue with scratches on my car's windows, and I need to take some photos to send to the dealer, but I'm having problems getting any sort of image of them - although I can see them by eye very easily the camera either auto-focusses on the interior or reflections. I've tried black and white paper as a backing but that doesn't seem to help at all. I thought perhaps of trying tonight in the dark with the flash turned on.

Does anyone know of a trick to get reasonable photos of the surface of the glass?

[Simpo Two]

I could probably do it but can't describe it in text; too many variables. Can you not take the car to the dealer?

[tex200]

does your camera have a manual focus option? this should help - also try various angles.

[cbcbcb]

Put some paper (ideally with text, or something with lots of contrast) on the window next to the scratches, and focus on the paper. Do it in the middle of the day with plenty of light, and switch the flash off.

[MysteryLemon]

You'll either need to use your camera in manual focus (if possible) or if it's really struggling to focus on the window, could use the method above. Just bringing the camera really close.. It will probably find it easy to pick out the glass instead of what's behind it.

If you can see the scratch then the camera will be able to too, so make sure you hold it at an angle where the scratch is highlighted by a reflection somewhere.

[tenohfive]

I find taking photo's at about 45 degrees rather than straight on to the glass helps.

[bashful]

You could try putting a torch or other light source up to the edge of the glass, if you have access to it (roll-down window) to edge-illuminate it - it might make the scratches show up better.

[Voldemort]

Dust the glass with a fine powder. The powder goes in the scratches...

[creampuff]

Or put some coloured tape near the scratches. The camera will focus on the edges of the tape and the scratches will also be in focus.

[ReaderScars]

Take the glass out of the car and take it with you to the dealer.

[anonymous-user]

Some interesting suggestions there

Putting an object near to force the auto-focus seems to have worked quite well so thanks for that.
The dry powder one I've just seen, that's a good one, if necessary I will try that later.

thanks again

[Dave 500]

ReaderScars said:

Take the glass out of the car and take it with you to the dealer.