Are these ring spots fungus in this viewfinder?

[waigx]

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Hey there,

I purchased a "New 21mm Leica Viewfinder 12008" on eBay and overall happy with the purchase. The seller says it is never used.

However under close inspection, I found ring spots appear inside the glass elements (see the image), but they are not super visible in most viewing angles.

I understand it is an old item might be stored for a long time. But are these fungus?

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Edited July 26, 2022 by waigx

[pippy]

1 hour ago, waigx said:

...I found ring spots appear inside the glass elements...are these fungus?

No.

I can't say with 100% certainty what they are but if you don't know what fungus in a lens looks like simply google 'Old Lens Fungus' and look at the 'Image' results.

Philip.

[waigx]

15 minutes ago, pippy said:

No.

I can't say with 100% certainty what they are but if you don't know what fungus in a lens looks like simply google 'Old Lens Fungus' and look at the 'Image' results.

Philip.

Thanks Philip. Yeah fungus I saw from others' photos are either "web" or "perfect circle". These look like water droplets on glasses but somehow inside the elements.

[farnz]

These look like the residue from droplets of condensation as a result of temperature fluctuations where it's been stored.  They don't look like fungus to me.  I recommend leaving the viewfinder face up in sunlight* for a day or two in case there is fungus that you haven't noticed - fungus shouldn't survive that if there is any.

Pete.

*Take care that the light passing through the viewfinder doesn't focus on something flammable and start a fire of course.

[waigx]

6 hours ago, farnz said:

These look like the residue from droplets of condensation as a result of temperature fluctuations where it's been stored.  They don't look like fungus to me.  I recommend leaving the viewfinder face up in sunlight* for a day or two in case there is fungus that you haven't noticed - fungus shouldn't survive that if there is any.

Pete.

*Take care that the light passing through the viewfinder doesn't focus on something flammable and start a fire of course.

Hey Pete,

Thanks for the analysis and tips! Now I feel they are most likely traces of condensation. I will be keep an eye when leave it to a sunbath.

Edited July 27, 2022 by waigx