Are Camera Stores Known to do this when fixing lenses?

thephototruth · 06-15-2014, 06:39 PM

I found on eBay a Super Takumar 50mm F1.4 ( 8 Element version) in near mint condition. Well unscrewing an adapter I accidentally ripped off the a piece of the front of the lens, some metal piece. It just had to be glued back on. For some reason I don't know what the camera store did but the image quality coming out of it is not as sharp as it used to be. Almost as if they switched mine out for the 7 element version because they couldn't fix it. The only problem on that accusation is the labels all over the lens are in the exact same spots as the 8 element version such as the orange aperture arrow being in the right spot.

I even used a geiger counter and the back is now slightly radio active. Never tested it before but should the 8 element be a little radio-active. Not nearly as bad as I've seen on youtube for this lens but its slightly radio active. Could they have switched out the elements or something. Maybe cleaned it harshly and worn out the finish on it. All I know is that I'm not getting Tak Sharp images anymore from this lens. Thanks!

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Adam · 06-15-2014, 06:45 PM

I'd be more inclined to suspect that the lens mount was somehow damaged. Did you have any trouble when mounting the lens?

Did you check the serial number to make sure you received the same lens?

Also, both the 7 and 8 element versions of this lens are very sharp, so the issue must lie elsewhere.

**boriscleto** · 06-15-2014, 07:16 PM

Can't tell from the pic, does the rear element protrude past the mount or is it flat?

Nick Siebers · 06-15-2014, 07:46 PM

That looks like a 7 element to me. (That's the early one, right?) So maybe they sent you back the wrong one?

**boriscleto** · 06-15-2014, 07:56 PM

Originally posted by Nick Siebers

That looks like a 7 element to me. (That's the early one, right?) So maybe they sent you back the wrong one?

The 8-element is the early one...

Nick Siebers · 06-15-2014, 08:49 PM

Oops! It has been a while since I was up on those, sorry. It is definitely the early version.

Originally posted by boriscleto

The 8-element is the early one...

**Digitalis** · 06-16-2014, 01:53 AM

it wouldn't be impossible to do this - it is simply a lot of hard work which could have been avoided if they had repaired the lens properly. i'm looking at the rear element of the lens in your photo - either that haze is caused by condensation from your hand onto a cold lens or you have separated lens elements or one serious fungus problem - or both.

**interested_observer** · 06-16-2014, 03:31 AM

Eric who is a living legend can probably help you out.

Home

Here is a bit about him.....

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/105296-penta...ndrickson.html

stevebrot · 06-16-2014, 09:56 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

i'm looking at the rear element of the lens in your photo - either that haze is caused by condensation from your hand onto a cold lens or you have separated lens elements or one serious fungus problem - or both.

My first thoughts as well. That is one nasty-looking rear element.

Steve

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-16-2014, 10:54 AM

Just a simple comment here, but what kind of glue? Some glues / adhesives use solvents that attack lens coatings, and others may have solvents that will condense and deposit layers on lenses. You need to be careful

06-15-2014, 06:45 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	I'd be more inclined to suspect that the lens mount was somehow damaged. Did you have any trouble when mounting the lens? Did you check the serial number to make sure you received the same lens? Also, both the 7 and 8 element versions of this lens are very sharp, so the issue must lie elsewhere. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

06-16-2014, 03:31 AM	#8
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Eric who is a living legend can probably help you out. Home Here is a bit about him..... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/105296-penta...ndrickson.html

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06-15-2014, 07:16 PM	#3
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Can't tell from the pic, does the rear element protrude past the mount or is it flat?

06-15-2014, 07:46 PM	#4
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	That looks like a 7 element to me. (That's the early one, right?) So maybe they sent you back the wrong one?

06-15-2014, 07:56 PM	#5
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by Nick Siebers That looks like a 7 element to me. (That's the early one, right?) So maybe they sent you back the wrong one? The 8-element is the early one...

06-15-2014, 08:49 PM	#6
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	Oops! It has been a while since I was up on those, sorry. It is definitely the early version. Originally posted by boriscleto The 8-element is the early one...

06-16-2014, 01:53 AM	#7
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	it wouldn't be impossible to do this - it is simply a lot of hard work which could have been avoided if they had repaired the lens properly. i'm looking at the rear element of the lens in your photo - either that haze is caused by condensation from your hand onto a cold lens or you have separated lens elements or one serious fungus problem - or both.

06-16-2014, 09:56 AM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Digitalis i'm looking at the rear element of the lens in your photo - either that haze is caused by condensation from your hand onto a cold lens or you have separated lens elements or one serious fungus problem - or both. My first thoughts as well. That is one nasty-looking rear element. Steve

06-16-2014, 10:54 AM	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	Just a simple comment here, but what kind of glue? Some glues / adhesives use solvents that attack lens coatings, and others may have solvents that will condense and deposit layers on lenses. You need to be careful