Question on scratches of front element of lens

[Lucas Yan]

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I have a Summicron 28mm ASPH and noticed when cleaning with lens wipes, that the front element has a small mark on it (seems to be on the coating). Will this affect the image quality at all and will it significantly decrease the value of the lens (I know it would be less than if the lens was unmarked, just wondering by how much)?

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[jaapv]

It will have no effect on the image quality at all and will reduce the value of the lens  should you want to sell it. How much? Depends on the market and the buyer. Think a number of hundreds of dollars.

[farnz]

Hi Lucas, if it's a scratch then the only negative effect it is likely to have on image quality is causing flare when shooting towards the light.

If, as you've mentioned, it's something on the coating then a solvent such as Zeiss lens cleaning fluid should remove it without damaging the coating.

Pete.