Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/03/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Chris- I recently got a 4x5 enlarger that happily had a Rodenstock Omegaron 150mm f5,6 lens that appeared at first to have fungus and lens separation. Since it seem quite extensive, I decided to try to clean it. Fortunately the fungus had not grown between the elements, but rather on the surface, and had not etched the coating. I took about a teaspoon of Clorox, and a spoon of water, and using an almost dry cotton swab, cleaned the fungus- this should kill it. To neutralize the bleach, I swabbed with a swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide until there was no more bubbling ( when mixed they evolve oxygen and form a saline solution) I then took a microfiber cloth and some alcohol based lens cleaner and scrubbed until it was squeaky clean, checked for residual moisture, blew it off with compress air, and screwed it back together. It looks marvelous! Only time will tell if the fungus comes back, but I've never had a problem with the stuff I keep out in the light, with good ventilation. Good luck. Dan - -----Original Message----- From: Christopher Nauta <summarex@hotmail.com> To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> Date: Wednesday, March 24, 1999 9:36 PM Subject: [Leica] Fungus >- > Offered to me is a 35/2 with the built-in eyes for the M3. >Unfortunately, the rear element has some white, wispy fungus happily >living on what appears to be the inside of the rear element. Otherwise >perfect, price is 400$ give or take. > The only experience I have with fungus-ridden glass is one of my view >lenses- a Goerz 16in tele-megor. I have never seen a noticeable >depreciation in the image quality with this lens, however I suspect the >size of the format may mitigate the effects anyway. Also the fungus is >colorless, and grows in a less lattice-like structure. I have used every >reasonable cleaner to remedy this and failed. > Is there a chemical or guerrilla tactic to removing fungus, or does >the glass need to be polished- likely introducing excess curvature? Even >after cleaning, do spores remain in the barrell, waiting for prime >conditions to re-infect the glass? > > Fungally, > Chris >- >Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com