Help with assessing a used lens

[midnhtsun]

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I'm testing a 50mm summicron-sl asphalt lens that I can pick up at a cheap price (800) off. It's described as well used, the body looks in great shape the only issue I see are small specks on the lens. l've cleaned it already and I've only tested it on an overcast day and so far the images don't seem affected. Here are some close up shots of the lens. What do you all think, anything to worry about? Thanks

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[mujk]

Assuming you mean aspherical (not asphalt 🙂).

It is hard to determine from your pictures what exactly the specks are. If they are only on the outer surface of the front lens and don't go away even by wet cleaning they may indicate some sort of damage on the lens coating. In that case they should not affect image quality and I would not try to remove them (possibly risking more damage). It's of course an interesting question what conditions caused such damage. 

If the specks appear to be on the inner surface of the front glass (or any other internal lens surface) and look like dust they should not have any bigger effect either, unless there is really a lot of them. Removing them would require opening the lens.

But if the specks are on an internal lens surface and don't look like dust they could be an indication of something worse, e.g. mold. In that case I would maybe not buy the lens. 

 

[spydrxx]

At $800 discount I wouldn't worry unless you see signs of other issues.