Newbee question about internal issue with newly purchased LF lens

[tscholton]

Hey I am new to LF and I just started purchasing a few lenses to get started. I just bought and received a Caltar 115mm lens from KEH. I got it for $360 shipped and it was rated as excellent. The body is excellent but there are issues with the glass.

When I got the lens I inspected the front and rear elements. Inside the front element between the outer glass and the first lens below that there appears to be a small (4mm x 4mm) area of possible fungus. It could also be scratches but I have no idea how it would get there and be shaped like it is. On the rear element there is a smaller, similar issue between the elements. In both cases the issues are on the outside periphery of the elements. I have an RMA to return the lens but I am on the fence about keeping it or not regardless of the issues.

I understand that if it is fungus I can expose it to UV to kill it and stop its growth and that it might make my images soft in those areas. I also accept that you folks can't see the issues as you can't inspect the lens. I just need some advice.

My question (finally) is simply this. Should I keep the otherwise excellent looking/working lens and copal shutter or return it based on the issues present?

Thanks for any advice or help.

[Alan9940]

Personally, I'd return it.

[BrianShaw]

I'd most likely return it also. It would be different if the price was bargain-basement but that's not so much the case in this situation.

[Kevin Crisp]

Sounds like you paid to dollar. I'd return it.

[Bob Salomon]

How are the pictures you shot with it to test it?

[xkaes]

That's a great price on that lens -- and the fungus is probably the reason why. You didn't mention what film format you use, and that makes a difference. If, as you say, the fungus is near the edges, and you shoot 4x5", the fungus will never get close to the image area. On the other hand, with larger formats it might.

It's easy to run a test or two, but if you are using 4x5", I'd choose a different, smaller, lighter lens.

[tscholton]

I am still shopping for a camera. So, no shots yet. Again I'm just starting out. I'm going to start with 4x5 then 6x17.

[xkaes]

Thanks for that info. You'll get a lot of suggestions for better lenses for those two formats, such as a 105mm f5.6 for 4x5 & a 120mm f8 for 6x17. Check back frequently.

[Doremus Scudder]

Maybe see if you can make a photo or two of the problem to post here. That would help immensely.

Doremus

[Mark J]

Yes.
$360 is v.good if it's the black Copal shutter.

[maltfalc]

you're not even sure what it is, so you need to get some pictures if you want proper advice, but here's what i can tell you. the uv thing is total bs, as are most of the fungus treatments people regurgitate on photography forums. the frequencies of uv that can kill fungus don't penetrate glass, let alone the metal parts of the lens that would likely also be contaminated with fungus and spores. the good news is, all you ever need to do to kill fungus and prevent new fungus from growing is avoid high humidity. store your gear at around 50% humidity or lower and you'll never get fungus.

[tscholton]

Thanks for all the replies. I took advantage of the RMA and I returned the lens today. I'll keep looking. I appreciate everyone's help and suggestions.

[ic-racer]

If you are not happy with the lens, return it and look for "New," "Like New," or "Like New Minus" lenses if you don't want to deal with issues on the glass. Otherwise, you got a good deal on a lens that likely will give you excellent results.

https://www.keh.com/expert-advice/photography/education/understanding-keh-cameras-grading-system/

[jnantz]

If KEH still has the return policy they used to have, I'd just return it and get something else; there's a lot of lenses out there to be bought. The classifieds section here might have a lens or eBay and as long as you buy with PayPal you will be able to return something within 90 days. have fun with your LF adventure

[Mal Paso]

The only Caltar 115 I know is the Rodenstock Grandagon N which should sell for $700 based on capability but usually goes for $350 as it is obscure and doesn't quite cover 8x10.

[neil poulsen]

Definitely return it. I personally don't go near any lens that has even a spec of fungus.