Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/05/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]If all that has ever touched the lens is lens tissue then the glass is not scratched just the coating. Send the lens off to your favourite lens coating expert and you will soon have a pristine lens again. Leica's lens coatings from that period were notoriously soft as they were almost literally "painted" or "dripped" on. There are numerous accounts in the archives on how much and where so have a look there first. Cheers, John Collier PS: Leica lens coatings today are very hard and UV filters are only required for psychological reasons (which are just as valid as any other) unless you photograph in extreme conditions (yes, a birthday party for any two year old is indeed an extreme condition and requires union photographers to receive an extra hourly premium for danger pay). I do not use them anymore but my little guy is now three. > From: Mark Bohrer <lurchl@ix.netcom.com> > > All I know is that my 1954-vintage 50mm F1.5 Summarit ended up with a very > scratched front element after repeated cleanings with lens tissue over many > years of use (1969-1975). It was pristine when I found it in my parents > basement. If I'd bought and used an E41 UV filter, it would have stayed > pristine. Yes, reflections and possible flare are reduced without the UV > filter on there. But be careful!