Schneider-itis: The Perennial Problem

[Ari]

One of my last, great 8x10 lenses, a 210XL, is still working very well, but I recently noticed last time I used it that contrast could have been better.
Sure enough, it's got the Schneider-itis.
I wasn't using it much last year, so the infection got ahead of me. Here it is:

IMG_6770 by Ari4000, on Flickr

Given it's a very valuable and expensive lens, I would like to solicit some opinions about what I can do next.
I ordered some Black 3.0 paint for another lens with inner reflection issues, and I'm wondering if I can use that paint on the inside of the 210.
I feel pretty good taking the lens apart. And I don't plan on ever selling it (never say never), so if the repair is ugly, but it works, I'm a happy guy.

Other suggestions? Repair costs? Is there a pro out there who would tackle this and do a good job?
Thanks

[Daniel Unkefer]

Jason Lane (the dry plate Guy) could help you out I'll wager. Over Christmas he bought himself an optical polishing machine. Ask him.

[Bernice Loui]

Send this lens to Schneider for service. HUGE risk by trying to DIY...

~Curious, "contrast could have been better?"
in what way?

Bernice

[Ari]

Thanks, will look into both suggestions.

[Alan9940]

Most of my Schneider and Fuji LF lenses are "infected" with the "-itis." Never worried about it as I've never noticed it affecting image quality. If shooting B&W, you could simply develop the film a little longer? No idea what to do for color as I don't shoot it.

[Ari]

I never worried about it either, Alan.
But I noticed in my other lens how a lack of proper black flocking will cause a "veil" on the image, something that extra processing won't correct.
That's an inexpensive projector lens, no harm done, and it's pretty easy to paint the inside black.
I don't want to get to that point with the 210.

[John Layton]

I've often wondered about this...that the number of those little white specks might reach a "critical mass," beyond which the contrast performance may begin to suffer a bit.

[Ari]

I think this is it, John. I can see the white specks reflecting against the edges of the lens, so it's starting to affect performance, or it will soon.
I'll call Schneider and my lens guy on Monday.

[xkaes]

I've got a 65mm Fujinon with a little bit of this, but maybe 5% of what you have, so I'm not worried.

If I were in your shoes, I'd do a controlled test -- this lens against the best opponent you have handy. Devise a test that would maximize any image deterioration -- we could offer suggestions. Take one exposure with each lens and compare the results on the negative or in a print for flare, contrast, whatever.

Your problem may be bigger or smaller than you think. A lot might depend on how much of the image circle you typically use.

[Nodda Duma]

Definitely impacts contrast, yep.

You would have to take the old stuff off with a soak in solvent (denatured alcohol or acetone), clean off the rest, then reapply. It is not easy to get it right, but practice makes perfect.

One note: gloss black works better than flat black.