Should I purchase an old manual lens with 'minor middle element blacking loss.'?

Lindethiel · 12-24-2017, 04:02 AM

Seller says that there's no indication of a loss of performance in the produced shots and is also willing to take some test shots & send them to me so I can see for sure.

My question is, is this something that can worsen over time? Is this something that can be repaired?

I'm getting back into photography after some time away and never really learn't about what goes on inside the lens in terms of engineering, only the way light behaves etc so blacking is something that I don't know much about.

What do you fine folks think?

EDIT: Should have mentioned that it's an SMC 28mm f3.5, K version.

Last edited by Lindethiel; 12-24-2017 at 03:40 PM. Reason: Missing details

**pepperberry farm** · 12-24-2017, 04:18 AM

depends upon which lens - is it a common issue with that lens, or is a common lens that you could pick up a different copy without this issue for a decent price...

Adam · 12-24-2017, 04:30 AM

For me it would also depend on the size of the investment.

**monochrome** · 12-24-2017, 05:57 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Lindethiel

Seller says that there's no indication of a loss of performance in the produced shots and is also willing to take some test shots & send them to me so I can see for sure.

My question is, is this something that can worsen over time? Is this something that can be repaired?

I'm getting back into photography after some time away and never really learn't about what goes on inside the lens in terms of engineering, only the way light behaves etc so blacking is something that I don't know much about.

What do you fine folks think?

I had a m42 CZ Ultron 1,8/50 disassembled and (among other things) an element reblacked, but it was worth it to return that particular lens to as-new operating condition. Our member @dcshooter did the work. Whether the finished lens is worth the money all-in is a personal decision. In my case I probably could have found a better copy for less money if I looked long enough, but then I would have had to look - and wait.

Also, in some weird way I think there is some posterity value to renewing classic old camera gear.

Last edited by monochrome; 12-24-2017 at 08:39 AM.

Lindethiel · 12-24-2017, 03:43 PM

Sorry guys! Forgot to mention that it's an SMC 28mm f3.5 K version. $230 Aussie dollars and relatively local :O

**monochrome** · 12-24-2017, 04:56 PM

Originally posted by Lindethiel

Sorry guys! Forgot to mention that it's an SMC 28mm f3.5 K version. $230 Aussie dollars and relatively local :O

My opinion (cup of coffe, etc.) - shoot the lens you have and if the results are a bother seek a better copy.

Lindethiel · 12-25-2017, 02:23 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

My opinion (cup of coffe, etc.) - shoot the lens you have and if the results are a bother seek a better copy.

I don't have it yet, but the seller said he'd take some shots and send them to me to see. Btw, how much did it cost to get that lens re-furbed?

**monochrome** · 12-25-2017, 06:53 AM

Originally posted by Lindethiel

I don't have it yet, but the seller said he'd take some shots and send them to me to see. Btw, how much did it cost to get that lens re-furbed?

$75 but I think he underpriced himself. IMO you’ll never notice and the K28/3.5 Is wonderful lens.

12-24-2017, 04:02 AM	#1
Lindethiel New Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 24	Should I purchase an old manual lens with 'minor middle element blacking loss.'? Seller says that there's no indication of a loss of performance in the produced shots and is also willing to take some test shots & send them to me so I can see for sure. My question is, is this something that can worsen over time? Is this something that can be repaired? I'm getting back into photography after some time away and never really learn't about what goes on inside the lens in terms of engineering, only the way light behaves etc so blacking is something that I don't know much about. What do you fine folks think? EDIT: Should have mentioned that it's an SMC 28mm f3.5, K version. Last edited by Lindethiel; 12-24-2017 at 03:40 PM. Reason: Missing details

12-24-2017, 04:30 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	For me it would also depend on the size of the investment. 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:

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12-24-2017, 04:18 AM	#2
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,656	depends upon which lens - is it a common issue with that lens, or is a common lens that you could pick up a different copy without this issue for a decent price...

12-24-2017, 05:57 AM - 3 Likes	#4
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Lindethiel Seller says that there's no indication of a loss of performance in the produced shots and is also willing to take some test shots & send them to me so I can see for sure. My question is, is this something that can worsen over time? Is this something that can be repaired? I'm getting back into photography after some time away and never really learn't about what goes on inside the lens in terms of engineering, only the way light behaves etc so blacking is something that I don't know much about. What do you fine folks think? I had a m42 CZ Ultron 1,8/50 disassembled and (among other things) an element reblacked, but it was worth it to return that particular lens to as-new operating condition. Our member @dcshooter did the work. Whether the finished lens is worth the money all-in is a personal decision. In my case I probably could have found a better copy for less money if I looked long enough, but then I would have had to look - and wait. Also, in some weird way I think there is some posterity value to renewing classic old camera gear. Last edited by monochrome; 12-24-2017 at 08:39 AM.

12-24-2017, 03:43 PM	#5
Lindethiel New Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 24 Original Poster	Sorry guys! Forgot to mention that it's an SMC 28mm f3.5 K version. $230 Aussie dollars and relatively local :O

12-24-2017, 04:56 PM	#6
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Lindethiel Sorry guys! Forgot to mention that it's an SMC 28mm f3.5 K version. $230 Aussie dollars and relatively local :O My opinion (cup of coffe, etc.) - shoot the lens you have and if the results are a bother seek a better copy.

12-25-2017, 02:23 AM	#7
Lindethiel New Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 24 Original Poster	Originally posted by monochrome My opinion (cup of coffe, etc.) - shoot the lens you have and if the results are a bother seek a better copy. I don't have it yet, but the seller said he'd take some shots and send them to me to see. Btw, how much did it cost to get that lens re-furbed?

12-25-2017, 06:53 AM	#8
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Lindethiel I don't have it yet, but the seller said he'd take some shots and send them to me to see. Btw, how much did it cost to get that lens re-furbed? $75 but I think he underpriced himself. IMO you’ll never notice and the K28/3.5 Is wonderful lens.

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