Hello, I just received a lens I bought on eBay. I was surprised and pleased to find it was a "Production Standard Quality Control" lens, but found that it has what may be a serious problem. It looks as if you are looking into an eye when you look into the front component of the lens with the shutter closed. There is a dark circle about a 1/2" in diameter just off center, surrounded by a lighter, mis-shapen circle. When looking through the lens, into the light, with the shutter open, these circles are faint, but visible. They appear to be below the surface of the glass. Several people I've discussed this with (they haven't seen the lens) have suggested that it may be that the elements have de-cemented. The lens is a 13" Wollensak Series 1A Raptar for my 8x10, which has 4 elements in the front component. It appears that this de-cementing, if that is the problem, may have affected two of the elements in the group. I have put the lens on the camera, and the image on the GG looked good, but I have been told the problem may transfer to the film. Of course, the best way to know if and to what extent the problem will manifest on the film is to test, which I will do. However, I am interested to know if anyone has had this type of situation? Did it have an affect on picture quality? Is it a condition that gets worse? Any information would be helpful. I'm not particulary afraid of less than pristine lenses. I have had some very good results with some pretty crappy lenses, but those results can not always be relied on with a bad lens. Again, any information and experience shared is appreciated. Thank you.
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