Impulse buy: 50mm Summicron Type 2 with FUNGUS!

[bender73]

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I have been buying some older Leica lenses to build my M system and learn which focal lengths will serve me as I begin my rangefinder experience. I don't want to drop a fortune on glass...yet.

 

I grabbed this lens for 3 Benjamins tonight. They seem to be selling for $700-1200 right now so I figured it was not a huge risk. It will be $100 to CLA at the local camera shop.

 

I LOVE the bargain 90mm Elmar-C I got recently so I double-downed.

 

The catch? FUNGUS. What a nasty word. Let's hope the image quality is not drastically affected. I don't think it will be, but I'm sure I'll lose a little contrast. Am I nuts? Maybe.

 

It does not spread to other lenses, that is a myth. Every lens you own has fungal spores on it right now that will only grow in a proper medium and perfect conditions. (I practice medicine as my day job) This lens sat in a damp place for too long un-used. A good CLA should destroy all the fungal spores and whatever damage is done to the coating now will hopefully be minor.

 

I'll post some photos when I get it. Hopefully this will answer some questions/concerns that new folks like me have when it comes to buying classic vintage glass.

 

(fingers crossed)

 

 

 

[TRIago]

I got mine for less than 600 usd at Tamarkin.

Body is in user condition but glass is mint.

 

I never used a lens as sharp as the 50mm rigid.

I also have a 35mm Summicron ASPH, Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM and had a bunch of Canon L in the past. The rigid is the sharper. You can shoot this thing wide open 100% of the time, seriously. It's scary sharp.

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[Lenshacker]

Is it only the front element that has the problem?

 

I sent the front element of a hot-glass Summicron to Focalpoint for polish and recoating. Went in looking like wax paper, came back like new.

[bender73]

Yes, seller says glass looks clear except for those multiple dots with flashlight test. probably a little etching but I assumed that. I think a good CLA will make this lens real nice. If not, a polish and coating will revive the front element (only element with significant issues).

 

If this can be brought even to 90% of its original life for another $150-200, I hear it is a fantastic 50mm.

[james.liam]

Three Benjamins for the glass, another 3 or 4 (or 5) for Focal Point? I don't know if I agree with your math here...

[bender73]

Three Benjamins for the glass, another 3 or 4 (or 5) for Focal Point? I don't know if I agree with your math here...

 

I am only paying for a CLA. For argument sake, people are selling unclean versions of this lens for $800-1200, average market value now. Even if i chose to spend $400 more, that is $700 investment for like new exceptional lens. That said, i bet it will perform spectacular the way it is. Or, I am totally wrong!

[bocaburger]

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Idk. Virtually none of those lenses have 100% perfect glass due to the soft front coatings, and in decent shape they seem to be going for $700 and up. So if Jon @ Focal Point can bring it back to its former glory and you're in under $700 I'd say it's worth it.

 

Another tack would be to shoot the lens first (get a shade, you would want one even for a perfect sample of that lens) and see if you actually see any objectionable artifacts attributable to the front element grunge. Remember, rear element defects will have a much more pronounced effect than front element defects. I've seen shots people made with front elements that were legit cracked, or had 3-4mm chips out of them and the pics looked fine.

 

EDIT: LOL Chris you posted while I was composing.

[Lenshacker]

Three Benjamins for the glass, another 3 or 4 (or 5) for Focal Point? I don't know if I agree with your math here...

 

Or $200, as in the case of my Thorium Glass Collapsible Summicron. I was worried that he would not work on thorium glass.

[geotrupede]

in case of fungus you may want to read this:

 

fungus - The GetDPI Photography Forums

 

Good luck

G.

[james.liam]

John at Focal Point will reject lenses that have already been etched by the fungus. Ridding the surface may not suffice; one thing if it needs to be recoated, but if the glass is pitted, you have to live with whatever comes.

[bender73]

John at Focal Point will reject lenses that have already been etched by the fungus. Ridding the surface may not suffice; one thing if it needs to be recoated, but if the glass is pitted, you have to live with whatever comes.

 

Yes, risk makes life so exciting!

 

I could end up with a gem and the CLA is already scheduled, which could shine it up even more.

 

(or I have a paperweight)

 

[iLikeLeica]

Be careful - fungus can get to your other lenses too!

[bender73]

Be careful - fungus can get to your other lenses too!

 

no, it cannot.

 

Like humans (i practice medicine and photography semi-pro), fungus is all around us and on us. There are fungal spores on and in your lenses now. However, it takes a perfect medium to promote growth. Warm, dark, damp places. Condensation and then leaving your lenses in a bag, etc.

 

I even confirmed that with a camera shop. Zeiss, etc. are paranoid and to be honest, why take a risk when you are dealing with millions of dollars? Statistically speaking, there is almost no risk. Sure, you might transfer a spore, but it won't grow unless you let it, feed it, etc.

 

Just take care of your lenses and you will be fine.

[james.liam]

no, it cannot.

 

Probably not; as you correctly state the spores are all about us.

 

But am I willing to store a lens with visible colonies ready shed billions of spores when it's 'ripe and ready', alongside pristine glass in the same box?

 

No.

[iLikeLeica]

no, it cannot.

 

Like humans (i practice medicine and photography semi-pro), fungus is all around us and on us. There are fungal spores on and in your lenses now. However, it takes a perfect medium to promote growth. Warm, dark, damp places. Condensation and then leaving your lenses in a bag, etc.

 

I even confirmed that with a camera shop. Zeiss, etc. are paranoid and to be honest, why take a risk when you are dealing with millions of dollars? Statistically speaking, there is almost no risk. Sure, you might transfer a spore, but it won't grow unless you let it, feed it, etc.

 

Just take care of your lenses and you will be fine.

 

 

I don't disagree to what you're saying but to your point, it needs the medium - once on the road or in the bag one might create this - without knowing. Guess I wass just advocating the cautious approach.... you don't want to have to send the entire lens kit for CLA in 1 go :-)

[bender73]

I don't disagree to what you're saying but to your point, it needs the medium - once on the road or in the bag one might create this - without knowing. Guess I wass just advocating the cautious approach.... you don't want to have to send the entire lens kit for CLA in 1 go :-)

 

Oh sure, I would not tempt fate until after the CLA. It is getting a full cleaning in the next 2 weeks along with the M3 I got with the lens. Both were sitting in some estate forever. The package deal was way too good to pass up!

[MarkP]

Be careful - fungus can get to your other lenses too!

 

...or in your groin or between your toes .