Crossword Genius

Picture oddly smeary in viewfinder (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

canvasser

'viewfinder' is the definition.

'picture oddly smeary' is the wordplay.
'picture' becomes 'canvas' (canvas is a kind of picture).
'oddly' indicates alternate letters.
The alternate letters of 'smeary' are 'ser'.
'canvas'+'ser'='CANVASSER'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for canvasser that I've seen before include "collector of views" , "One soliciting votes" , "employed during an election" , "Seeker of opinions" , "Petitioner who seeks sales or votes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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