Possible Damaged Lens?

[Realist_classic]

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I recently took delivery of an used Leica Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 (third version) and just noticed that there is something amiss with my lens.

 

There appears to be a white streak on an internal lens element (not on the lens surface), which can be clearly seen if the lens was tilted at a certain angle. In my limited shooting on an M8, it doesn't seem to affect image quality.

 

Is this normal? If not, then could it be a potential problem down the road. I would really appreciate if someone can tell me what this mark is, and whether I should send the lens back.

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[tobey bilek]

Keep a close eye on it to see if it gets worse. It may be an element separation starting or something else. My amateur opinion is separation which could get worse over time..

 

If there is a warrantee, have it repaired now. If not, wait a see.

[gravastar]

It looks as if the black anti reflection/flare paint the ground edges of lens elements and groups are coated with has either flaked off or been chipped. It could have happened during original assembly or if the lens has been disassembled for cleaning at some time. You can see where a thin black curved line of paint has been retained where two elements have been cemented together. There's usually a small chamfer on adjacent edges to prevent chipping and separation which retains paint.

 

In practice it probably won't cause a problem. However I do have a 40mm Distagon (medium format) with a similar defect and under rare circumstances when focused sunlight hits the edge it introduces a curved patch of flare.

 

Bob.

[mby]

Yes, that's the coating color having disappeared; saw a similar issue on an Elmarit-M 21mm and it appears as if this might happen over time with some types of lenses (at least that's what they told me at Leica CS, they gave a very high estimate for the repair)...

 

Best regards,

Michael

[Realist_classic]

Tobey, Bob, and Michael,

Thank you all very much for your ideas and suggestions!

 

Question for Michael: Did the problem noticeably affect the results from your Elmarit 21mm? Unfortunately, there is so little sun at the moment which prevents me from testing for flare.

 

I am definitely concerned about the time-bomb aspect of the problem, and in somewhat of a panic, I consulted a knowledgeable salesperson at my local camera shop for advice. He said that this was a common problem and was certain that it would have zero effect on picture quality.

[mby]

With the lens I saw, it was in the last element (closest to the sensor) and only very small; Leica CS meant that this one in general it won't affect the image quality to a noticeable level.

 

I guess only Leica CS will be able to give you a somewhat precise answer.

 

Best regards,

Michael

 

P.S.: Solms is only 177km from Bochum, so I'd drive by (call first) and ask them face to face...

[menos I M6]

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I would contact the seller, find a solution with him either reducing the purchase price by an estimated repair of the lens or ship it back.

 

It doesn't matter, if it does affect image quality for you now.

You paid presumably an equivalent of a non damaged lens and you will have a reduced resell value, if no repair is carried out.

 

This is one reason, why I am very happy, to find lenses at certain local dealers in shops, where I can inspect, try and buy second hand gear, rather than buying by mail.

[Realist_classic]

Michael: In my case, the problem is near the front, and according to the sales person, that should have zero effect on my images. I think a trip to Solms might be a good idea in the near future (hopefully they're done with renovation), dependent on how negotiations go between me and the seller.

 

Thank you, Dirk, I'm currently in contact with the seller. He's unaware of the problem at the time, but seems willing to resolve the issue. You've given me a few good arguments to advance.