What is it ?

[subhuman]

I have done a search on this and couldnt find an answer ( I didnt want to ask a question
that had been answered several times)
I have a Canon Rebel T2 with the kit lens 28-90mm. When I look thru the viewfinder
there is all this lint looking stuff on the lens, and it seems to be getting worse.
I have cleaned it(more than once) using a lens cleaning spray and cloth, but its still there.
Is it scratches on the lens? or mold? I keep the lens cover on and in a camera bag at
all times when its not in use , I try to take care of my equipment. It doesn't come out on the pictures.(If that would be possible) Its just annoying, and I'm wondering if it keeps
getting worse it may make it difficult to see thru the lens.....Oh yeah I have another lens
a Tamron 70-300mm that I keep in the same place, no problems.....Thanks I appreciate
the help

[Sebastian]

Is it in the viewfinder or actually on the lens? What worries me is the part about it looking like lint and getting worse. If there's moisture in the bag and it's kept closed then that's a good way to get some mold growing. Do you keep any dessicant gel in there to keep things dry?

[subhuman]

I cant really tell I have cleaned the viewfinder as well as the lens but it doesnt help,
as far as moisture, the bag feels dry, I have even cleaned it out with a cloth,
and as far as keeping gel in it? no, I assume you can get it at a camera shop?
I will get some...... I just think it's strange that it has'nt affected my other lens.....
I hope my whole system (camera and every thing is not jacked up, that would suck)
I will keep working on it Thanks

[Sebastian]

Is it always visible in the viewfinder, or is it only visible when one of the lenses is on?

[subhuman]

As far as I know its just when the lense is on ( I am at work now or I would check it and
give you a better answer) I believe that the lens (28-90mm kit lens) has always had a little bit of lent
looking stuff on it even when it was new. I just assume it was lent or dirt( I live in Texas)
but it has seemed to get worse... I guess I need to take it back to the camera shop where
I bought it in 2004 and see what they think but the place is about 250 miles from here
so I get to go that much

[zrfraser]

Almost sounds like something on the mirror, or in the pentaprism. Look through the lens without the body on it in the sunlight and see if you see any foriegn objects like lint or mold. If its mold you can kill it by keeping in the sunlight for a day or two. If its lint then you can try and deal with it, or take it into a shop and have them take it apart (this could be more than the lens is worth). If its not showing up in your prints then I wouldn't worry about it too much. You can find 29-90 kit lenses for very cheap on ebay, because people tend to get rid of them to buy more expesnsive glass.

Hope you figure it out-Z

[another view]

Make sure to look thru the camera without any lens on it. If this where the problem is, then it won't show up on the film. I get a piece or three of dust in the viewfinder (on the focusing screen and/or mirror) occasionally. Could just need a good cleaning but also check out the other recommendations here too.