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View Full Version : Is what I'm seeing a fungal problem or something else?



newmoon2night
15-Jun-2009, 13:00
I've just bought a used Nikon 90mm F8 lens, and noticed immediately what looked like a fingerprint somewhere between the front and rear elements (hopefully I'm using the right technical term in calling them elements).
Having removed both parts from the copal shutter I've located the problem on the small diameter back element on the front portion of the lens.
Having cleaned this very carefully the marks on the outside of the element have come off, but there remain some marks which are on the inside of the small back element.
There is also a minute mark on the front element which could be on the inside also, or could be a very small ding on the outside (I just can't tell ... even with a loupe). This is so small that I'm not overly worried about it.
The marks on the inside of the back of the front portion of the lens are mainly around the perimeter edge to about 15% into the centre, and are like smudges for want of a better description.
These are of greater concern.
So what's the solution, apart from returning the lens ... which is not what I want to do, as apart from anything I'm in the UK and the seller is in the US, and it is a private seller.
Will the marks be noticeable in normal shots (i.e if I don't start to specialise in shots of 100% shots of clear blue sky!)?
If I leave it will it get worse and cause greater damage?
If I send it for repair will a repairer be able to rectify the problem - can they remove or even replace elements, and would the cost be prohibitive?
Finally who to recommend in the UK? Will Nikon UK still be able to get parts if needed? I've used a company called Camserve for an SLR zoom mechanism fault before, and they were really good (but I don't know if they can deal with this).
Thanks for any advice on this.

D. Bryant
15-Jun-2009, 13:08
I've just bought a used Nikon 90mm F8 lens, and noticed immediately what looked like a fingerprint somewhere between the front and rear elements (hopefully I'm using the right technical term in calling them elements).
Having removed both parts from the copal shutter I've located the problem on the small diameter back element on the front portion of the lens.
Having cleaned this very carefully the marks on the outside of the element have come off, but there remain some marks which are on the inside of the small back element.
There is also a minute mark on the front element which could be on the inside also, or could be a very small ding on the outside (I just can't tell ... even with a loupe). This is so small that I'm not overly worried about it.
The marks on the inside of the back of the front portion of the lens are mainly around the perimeter edge to about 15% into the centre, and are like smudges for want of a better description.
These are of greater concern.
So what's the solution, apart from returning the lens ... which is not what I want to do, as apart from anything I'm in the UK and the seller is in the US, and it is a private seller.
Will the marks be noticeable in normal shots (i.e if I don't start to specialise in shots of 100% shots of clear blue sky!)?
If I leave it will it get worse and cause greater damage?
If I send it for repair will a repairer be able to rectify the problem - can they remove or even replace elements, and would the cost be prohibitive?
Finally who to recommend in the UK? Will Nikon UK still be able to get parts if needed? I've used a company called Camserve for an SLR zoom mechanism fault before, and they were really good (but I don't know if they can deal with this).
Thanks for any advice on this.

Without seeing the lens it's hard to speculate. If it is indeed fungus damage then that kind of damage usually can't be repaired unless the element is replaced which may not be cost effective.

Perhaps one of our optics experts can be more informative.

Don Bryant

ic-racer
15-Jun-2009, 13:31
I'd recommend sending both the lens and shutter a CLA. If you paid a lot for the lens and it has evidence it has been taken apart I'd get my money back.