Galaxy S5 Front Camera Not Operating Properly

[yorefodder]

Front camera in my S5 recently developed rather defined black area across about 1/3 of top of screen/photo in selfie mode. This is recent phenomenon (after 1 1/2 years); and, is not occasioned by any drops or installation of any exotic apps. Only unusual occurrence is updates. On that score, did note that update before last caused a loss of a number of my contacts; and, voila, the last update restored them multiple times (ended up with 4 or 5 listings of same contact. With upcoming release of S8 causing S7 prices to drop substantially, have ordered S7, but wanted to gift S5 to friend. If it clears up when I do factory reset, will report same. Meanwhile, any thoughts.