So I got an old lens on eBay. It was advertised as 'clean and clear'. But when I received it, look what I found:
Disgusting fungus. Just looking at it makes my skin crawl. I don't dare get it anywhere close to my cameras or other lenses. Hopefully I can get this lens returned without issues.
Note: I can only see the fungus at certain angles. To get a photo of the fungus, I had to light the lens with direct flash. Here is a shot where the fungus is not at all apparent. Caveat emptor.
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How I Keep Fungus Out
Hard-to-see fungus is eminently cleanable with ordinary lens cleaning fluids and techniques. Because, upon reflection (ha), if the fungus is so light as to be hard to see, then the fungus probably hasn't horribly scarred the lens coating yet. Have you considering, if you're going to trade in used lenses, buying a $25-dollar-odd retaining ring wrench? And getting behind the front glass element? Have fixed (cleaned to satisfying perfection) an old Pentax 50mm lens rear element, with just such a wrench, in about 3 minutes.
ReplyDeleteAm not intending to say that you are wrong to regret that the lens was misrepresented, or that it's 100% certain that you can 100% fix the lens in 3 minutes. But am suggesting the inexpensive retaining ring wrench as another gadget in your bag of tricks.
Too, it'd be kinda fun to rescue an optic with classy roots like a Biogon. And you'll surely write an entertaining post about the repair attempt.
/RussellInCincinnati
Hi Russell! Thanks for the suggestion. Sorry but I'm not the handy type and would not dream of attempting to repair a lens.
DeleteAs for the fungus here, it's easily visible, but from some angles it is not visible. I just wanted to warn our readers that an image of an apparently clean-looking lens is not necessarily a guarantee that it does not have fungus.
(btw it's just a CZJ Biometar.)
Best regards,
Mic
Have you contacted the seller for a refund or replacement, Mic?
ReplyDeleteYes I'm trying to resolve it with the seller, thanks.
DeleteBest regards,
Mic
I have sold some lenses on eBay and I always check them with led light from all possible angles to make sure there is no fungus and that it is perfectly clean before shipping.
ReplyDeleteWhere there actual pictures on the item? Can you share the link?
Thanks!
Thanks for the tip Teo, and I wish all sellers were like you.
DeleteThere were pictures of the item, but not a close-up one of the lens. The seller had a very high rating so I thought his representation would be reliable but apparently not.
Best regards,
Mic
Hi Mic,
ReplyDeleteToo bad, you shouldn't have trouble in returning the lens to seller. This is the exactly reason why I always buy used lens from local seller, at least you got to see it in person.
Good luck,
Xiaoli
Yes buying locally is a great idea. This lens is somewhat exotic though, so there's virtually no chance of finding a lens like it on Craigslist or something.
DeleteFortunately in this case the seller stepped up to the plate and agreed to give me a full refund upon the return, and he would pay for the return shipping (which is a big deal considering that the lens is from Ukraine).
Best regards,
Mic