[Leica] Re: Scratched lens

[lrzeitlin at optonline.net (Lawrence Zeitlin)]

On Nov 24, 2008, at 9:51 AM, Richard wrote:

> So lets say I am looking at a modern Zeiss lens with T* coating, and
> there's a scratch on it. Lets say 1 inch long and definitely at least
> as deep as the coating. The seller claims the pictures are "nice
> without observed effects from the scratch." The lens normally goes
> for $1500, but this one with the scratch is asking for $1200. What do
> you think? Worth $1000?

A shallow scratch on the front surface of a lens usually will not  
impair photographic performance unless shooting into the light. In  
that case the light scattered by the scratch will lower contrast  
slightly. The discussion is reminiscent of the concern raised half a  
century ago by small bubbles in optical glass. Leica's advice was to  
forget about it. Legendary repairman Marty Forscher used to cover  
small lens scratches and chips with a tiny dab of black paint,  
applied by a toothpick, to discourage light scattering. Take it from  
one who often carried lenses uncased in the bottom of a camera bag.

Offer $1000 and see if the seller takes it.

Larry Z