Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/11/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Fernando- You describe what is commonly known, at least in English, as 'flare'; I have always been taught that if a bright light source is included in the field of view- as you describe, that reflections between the elements, and within the body of the lens form images on the film. In the cases of really old lenses it can be a factor of 'hazing' where the lens element itself needs cleaning. All lenses will do it to some degree, but the newer lenses demonstrate less because of modern coatings. The Leica lenses show even less by their design. I too have the 135 Elmarit-R. It was a two-cam version converted to three, so it is an older version. To be honest with you, I have not noticed an undue amount of flair in mine, though I don't shoot into light sources as a general practice! I would suggest that you shine a small light source, like a small 'pen-light' through the rear of the lens and look into the front. If there appears to be a 'haze' diffusing the light, the lens may just need cleaning. The impurities however slight would interfere with the anti reflection coating, but not be apparent to the naked eye- or seem to effect images made without a specular light source in them. Ciao! Dan dwpost@msn.com