Re: Leica Alternatives--Fogging -Reply

[Steve <cameras@jetlink.net>]

Greg Reddick wrote:
> 
> Where can one get these lenses cleaned for $30

The I quoted is the wholesale price I pay.  Retail price is $50.

Search for retired repairman in your area who doesn't have the overhead
of a shop. 
This is probably one of your best bets for low repair or cleaning
prices. 

Stephen Gandy

> 
> >>> Steve <cameras@jetlink.net> 03/22/97 10:55pm >>>
> Marc James Small wrote:
> >  > At 05:27 PM 3/22/97 -0800, Stephen Gandy wrote:
> > >If you think I am imagining the fogging problem,  call Don Chatterton.
> > >He will likely  be as amused by your attitude as I am.   If you don't
> > >know about it, it doesn't exist.
> > >Right you are Ted.
> > >
> >  > I have discussed this with Chatterton who denies there is such a
> problem.
> > The conversation was in the fall of 1995.
> 
>   Pick up the phone Monday, as will I, and call Don.  Ask him why he
> walks around with a small flashlight to examine optics at shows.   Don is
> a friend of mine, and this problem is a common topic of conversation.  He
> was the one who told me it was caused by the condensation of the
> whale oil.
> 
> While you are at it, also ask Tac or John of MAC Camera, or Leslie Bell of
> Fuji.  All are experienced buyers, and I find it hard to believe they will not
> confirm that Leitz lens from the 50's and 60's having a serious fogging
> problem--they deal with it every day and pay less for lenses with that
> problem.
> 
> Perhaps I should clarify "fogging."  I am not talking about glass which is
> fogged over and opaque.  And I am not talking about dust or fungus.  The
> condition which necessitates cleaning, costing an average of $30 or
> more per lens, is OFTEN NOT VISIBLE by simply holding the lens up to the
> nearest light or window.
> 
> To see it, you need a small powerful flashlight---sometimes even then the
> problem can only be seen in one direction.  So shine the light  through
> both ends of the lens to check it properly.   For lack of a better
> description, ANY light fog or smoke like effect on any of the elements, is
> what requires the cleaning and is commonly known in the camera
> business as "Fog" or "Haze."
> 
> To get a better  idea of what I am talking about, take a brand new lens
> and do the light test as described.  You will see nothing but clear glass.
> That clear glass effect is what you are looking for in ANY lens
> regardless of how old,  because if its not crystal clear------you get
> internal light reflections and loss of contrast.
> 
> Nikon and Canon lenses from the 50's/60's are usually  clear.  The same
> vintage lenses from Leitz usually need to plan a trip to the repair shop.
> 
> If ANY fog/smoke/haze (whatever you want to call it) is visible with that
> light, it needs a cleaning.
> 
> While I agree with you that LA air quality sucks, I have also found the
> same problem with lenses I bought in the Midwest  and the East coast.
> 
> Stephen Gandy