Lens error

Anyone who has ever been near the beach knows that as soon as you are within 100ft of the sand you will feel sand in between your toes even with your sneakers and socks on. That's because sand is in the air and contaminates everything. Therefore, if you value your camera, mp3 player, radio, cellular phone PDA, or laptop computer, DO NOT TAKE IT anywhere near the beach. Solution: use an air compressor. Blow air & dust through the hose first. Use clean air to blow out extended lens area. Open and close lens and blow out several times. Firmly jolt the camera into the palm of your hand to dislodge the dirt particle. Use more air. You may notice sratches on the side of the lens cylinder that were created by the particles of sand. 99% pure isopropyl alcohol (91% if you're in a pinch is available at any drug store) can also be used on a Q tip and swabbed around the lens barrel cylinder. Make sure you use a few CLEAN Q tips on the lens. Now go buy a disposible camera and $10 mp3 player for the beach and leave the $200+ camera and IPOD at home or at the hotel room. Now you'll surely have a wonderful time at the beach.