Magic Eraser Tool ?

I love using the magic eraser tool. But sometimes something I want to keep is too close in color to what I'm erasing. Does anyone know how to get that back? I've tried using the brush, both black and white and that just puts either a white or black spot on the pic. I've tried the regular eraser, that just keeps erasing. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I never erase anything because I can't get it back if I need to modify some more. There are non-destruction ways to do it:

Selecting areas in PS.

Try a Layer Mask for easy local changes. Post #9:
Airport runway shoot

Assuming you haven't saved the file, after doing your erasing you can drag the Magic Eraser action from the history palette to the trash can. This would undo all of what the magic eraser had done allowing you to start over.

If the file has been saved after the erasing you would have to open your original file to undo it. You are working on a copy of the original, aren't you?

As Photosguy said, using a mask lets you make non-destructive changes. It's a bit more work up front but will often save your butt in the long run. When using a mask you paint with black to reveal the layer below and paint with white to hide the layer below. Once you get in the habit of using masks you'll never go back.

Roach