Originally posted by SunnyG. Hmmm understood! I wasn't talking from a collectors perspective. I was rather talking from a photographers perspective. Suppose this lens had a SMC coating, how would it perform. That's my main goal.
Originally posted by SunnyG. I was referring to DULCOS. Sorry for the caps. But I have heard that they do a really good job, of polishing and Recoating lenses.
Originally posted by SunnyG. 150$ for polishing!
Re DULCOS... looking at their website, one of the things they do is to re-lap and polish the lens elements. Immediately, this changes the optical performance of the lens. Now, they might do a really good job, and the end result might be pleasing, but this re-lapping and re-polishing of a lens will result in an entirely different product in terms of optical performance.
So far as new coatings are concerned... I understand your interest in them, and clearly you're entitled to do whatever you want with any lens you own. Indeed, if those lenses were mass-produced models that are commonly available at affordable prices, one might see little harm in the endeavour. But it's worth pointing out how unsympathetic
non-reversible modification and servicing is gradually reducing the number of good vintage lenses out there, with prices of original examples (even those in poor condition) rising accordingly. I collect Soviet lenses, and some that I've acquired cost me significantly (in some cases,
several times) more than they would have done even just ten years ago, because so many have been poorly serviced and / or modified. That's a great shame... since, in addition to being photographic tools for enjoyment, these are also historical artefacts.
Imagine someone who buys a nice, original but tired-looking 1970s Maserati and has it repainted in a colour they like, has the suspension replaced with third party components, has the interior re-trimmed and maybe some new seats in a sportier but more comfortable design, some different dials in the dashboard... The end result might be more enjoyable or practical to drive, but the car is effectively ruined in terms of originality and value to any potential future owners.
Again, I completely understand and accept that you can and should be able to do whatever you like with any lens you own or buy. But I'd implore you - if it has any vintage value whatsoever - to
consider keeping it original for future owners and generations to enjoy