So, i got some new toys, part of which was a 4x5 fixed focus large format camera.

After having removed the camera from its CRT (it photographs a CRT), i noticed this oddity on the lens. I have no idea yet as to what it is, or how to remove it, so i thought i might as well ask you guys about it.

I should probably add this camera (and the equipment it was mounted to) have been in storage in a technical closet for the better part of 20 years. I would have said its rather dry there (at least it was that way when i picked up the equipment this morning), though some rusty screws point to moisture being present at some point throwout the 2 decades its been there.

Click image for larger version.  Name: 20180210_123405.jpg  Views: 169  Size: 43.6 KB  ID: 174566

Has anyone ever encountered something like this before?


edit / note:
I will be putting a sample of this substance under one of my microscopes, and see if its a mold or not, what ever it is, its very odd...