Macro Photography

[pixie1339]

You can buy adapters that let you mount your lens on backwards. Turns any lens into a macro, but you lose all focus and aperture control. Just moved closer, farther for focus. New lenses may be wide open. Do that in conjunction with an old cheapie lens you could pick up at a thrift store, and you'll be good.
Mineral deposits should come off the just normal water. Think of it as salt you need to dissolve. Try deionized water that one uses in car batteries, which has all minerals removed, which can absorb more salts.

Interesting idea! I'll look into it, and also the deionized water. I tried cleaning my lens with water and a couple different kinds of lens cleaner already.

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Are the spots on the lens affecting the image?

 

[pixie1339]

Are the spots on the lens affecting the image?

Yes, at some angles you don't notice them, but at others it's very noticeable.