romualdo Posted March 3 Share #1  Posted March 3 Advertisement (gone after registration) Just noticed these internal changes, close to the rear lens of my early Elmar 5cm (139761, 1932) The structures appear to be crystalline in nature (under close examination - difficult to reproduce image via pic) & not filamentous (ie fungal hyphae) - these were not present the last time I looked closely (ie last year or so). Even though the lens resides in Brisbane, Australia (hot/humid climate) it is always kept in a sealed container with a regularly replaced moisture absorber What are we dealing with here - it doesn't appear fungal (crystalline & non-biological imho) - what about lens separation or lens glue related. It doesn't appear to be affecting image quality. Any input would be greatly appreciated Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/419629-changes-on-early-elmar-glass-internal-rear/?do=findComment&comment=5766543'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 3 Posted March 3 Hi romualdo, Take a look here Changes on early Elmar glass (internal rear). I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
250swb Posted March 3 Share #2 Â Posted March 3 (edited) Lens separation I think. Edited March 3 by 250swb Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
romualdo Posted March 3 Author Share #3 Â Posted March 3 4 hours ago, 250swb said: Lens separation I think. cheers - that was my likely diagnosis Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted March 3 Share #4 Â Posted March 3 2 hours ago, romualdo said: cheers - that was my likely diagnosis It would have been better if it was fungus, but I think fungus would be dots or tendrils while separation forms distinct patterns. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitroplait Posted March 3 Share #5  Posted March 3 A while back I think @jerzy diagnosed something similar looking as separation. Maybe he knows if it is fixable? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted March 3 Share #6 Â Posted March 3 Lens separation of that vintage lens is certainly fixable (separate the Balsam cemented elements, clean and reglue in correct alignment - DAG can do it), but is specialized and usually expensive. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
romualdo Posted March 9 Author Share #7 Â Posted March 9 Advertisement (gone after registration) On 3/4/2025 at 3:48 AM, TomB_tx said: Lens separation of that vintage lens is certainly fixable (separate the Balsam cemented elements, clean and reglue in correct alignment - DAG can do it), but is specialized and usually expensive. I did contact Don & he confirmed it was lens separation - still tossing up as to which way to go at this stage "Yes, that's separation but not bad, cost to re-cement the inner lens element group is $185.00 plus shipping, not too sure if its economically feasible". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerzy Posted March 9 Share #8  Posted March 9 sometimes DYI works (if you have skills and tools to dismantle the lens). Rear part consists of lens 3 that is screwed in and cemented 4+5, they are fixed mounted in brass mount. Unscrewing 3 and putting 4+5 (with the mount) into oven at 110C helps sometimes that canada balsam becomes liquid again and fill in completly space between 2 cemented lenses. But as mentioned, does not always work Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!  1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!  ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/419629-changes-on-early-elmar-glass-internal-rear/?do=findComment&comment=5769584'>More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted March 9 Share #9  Posted March 9 Have you considered cemented lens elements separation (via heating or by using solvent) by experimenting with an old low value lens? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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