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Fungus !!!


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Hi!

 

I have just bought a used Summicron. When I look at the lens in normal light, it looks ok, but when I do the "flashlight test". I can see the spider web patterns on the outside of the front element.

 

Should I return the lens? Can it be cleaned? Can I try to clean myself by using white vinegar for example?

 

Any answer will be great help!

 

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BTW, I tried to take a few photos with the lens and it produced nice results.

 

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If on the outside of the lens, the marks/blemishes are unlikely to be fungus. The outside of the lens tends to be 'cleaned' - often using incorrect methods/tools - and thus suffers coating degradation. Any exterior fungus would be removed by the cleaning process.

 

The marks which are visible appear to resemble 'blooming' rather than fungus which might be indicative of over zealous cleaning .. or they might be surface deposits/grease which just might wipe off if cleaned properly.

 

If you have a piece of well washed pure cotton or a micro-fibre lens cloth, you could try breathing on the lens and then wiping it clean - but always breathe on the lens first so as to moisten the glass - never wipe a dry lens as this risks scratching the coating.

 

If you examine the lens by holding it in front of a window or a light box, but hold/examine it at various angles, then any interior marks/fungus will become more obvious as will any surface coating marks.

 

Leitz/Leica used to recommend cleaning their lenses using a chamois leather! I never understood why such a tool was recommended - perhaps this lens has been 'chamois-cleaned' in the past. And I've seen some Leica/Leitz lenses , ex-Leica School and offered by authorised dealers as such (ie ex Leica School) , which looked as if the front elements had been cleaned with a Brillo pad! I even bought one (ex Leica School) but did not examine it closely until I arrived home. The front element was covered in fine scratches but it still produced good pictures ... the dealer subsequently exchanged it for a better example.

 

Best wishes

 

dunk

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