Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/05/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Vick, That sounds like fungus to me. It grows in both the cemented areas between elements, and on the surface of elements. It can appear as spider web lines that look like scratches, or small spots with a radial design. Fungus will lower both contrast and resolution. You might find this makes for a nice portrait lens, with an old time feel. You might want to return the lens, as repair is probably more costly than replacement. Shining a light through the lens from behind often reveals these issues more clearly. regards, Phil Stiles NH USA Vick Ko wrote: > > I just received a 90mm collapsible Elmar. It was bought cheap - > advertised as "dusty" - and after close examination, I can see > why. Not only is it dusty, it has 5 to 6 long scratches on an > interior lens. > > I have a couple questions: > > - were the interior surfaces so fragile that they would > get scratched? I assume someone did a botched > SLA (scratch, lube and adjust) on it. > > - what effect will this do on pictures? > > - what can I do to make the best of this lens? > Get a lens hood? Use it in only certain light > conditions? > > Thanks for any help provided. > > Vick