[mkymic]

This lens has been on sale for a bit. Probably no buyers because of the " Schneideritis " . On line I can only see comments on older lens not modern , especially a Pentax HD 15-30.
So I ask the question, Would you buy this Lens ?

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[cdw2000]

Excuse my ignorance. What is "Schneideritis?

[Fogel70]

It depends on the price. Was it cheap enough I would risk the loss and try to clean it.

[AfterPentax Mark II]

This lens has been on sale for a bit. Probably no buyers because of the " Schneideritis " . On line I can only see comments on older lens not modern , especially a Pentax HD 15-30.
So I ask the question, Would you buy this Lens ?

Should it not be Tamronitis?

Only if it was very very cheap, no more than the price of a paper weight, I should say. But I would not buy it. How did it get to look like that? That is more important and if I was the original owner I likely would bring it in for repair. As the original owner did not do this, or found it too expensive, I would stay away from it. There are better things to do with your hard earned money.

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Last edited by AfterPentax Mark II; 07-08-2021 at 10:54 AM. Reason: Hit the submit button before I was ready

[mlt]

Definitely would not place it near any other good lenses

[zapp]

No and that stuff is contagious.

[boriscleto]

Excuse my ignorance. What is "Schneideritis?

Schneideritis is the flaking/bubbling of black paint used on the bevels of lenses.

[c.a.m]

that stuff is contagious.

Reduce the risk by placing a lens cap on it and the other lenses, and keep them at least 2 metres / 6 feet apart. Don't allow the lens to mingle with lenses from other households. (Sorry, it's been a long 18 months.)

Seriously, now...

@mkymic, it's a tough question to answer. I've seen this flaw in a couple of old lenses that I was restoring. While it's true that most online comments attest that the defect has no affect on image quality, one might ask why the edges of the elements were treated by the manufacturer. The black coating plays a role in the optical integrity of the lens, albeit probably a small one.

If the apparent effect is caused by bubbling or flaking paint/coating, it's possible that some of the flecks could migrate to other parts of the lens. However, I looked at a cross section cutaway of Tamron's version of this lens, and concluded that the edges of the front two elements are well covered by the mounting frame and retaining rings. So, I'd say there's a low risk of migrating flakes. For example: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThingsCutInHalfPorn/comments/2wg8mo/tamron_1530mm_lens_800x600/

As you have found, most reports of Schneideritis apply to older, vintage lenses. I don't recall reading of any issues with relatively new lenses. So, that begs the question -- what caused this unusual flaw in the Pentax 15-30, and could the lens suffer from other defects? I don't know.

Another consideration is the asking price of the lens. I've seen the listing for this lens, and feel the price is a bit high, considering the defect and other potential unknown issues. The seller is selling it for a reason, but good on him for highlighting the (obvious) flaw. His other items don't include any cameras/lenses, so it seems that he's unloading this one lens. Again, hard to say -- you might ask him why he's selling.

A final consideration is whether the elements could be refurbished. Removing and restoring glass elements comes with a risk of potential damage (e.g., scratching or chipping) and possible ill-placement resulting in de-centering. There's also the challenge of finding and applying a proper coating -- a simple 'Sharpie job' would not be the best bet. Although I've restored quite a few lenses, I'd hesitate in tackling this one. It's possible that a professional repair shop could do it.

If you were to buy it but not restore it, be wary of being stuck with a lens that you might not be able to sell in the future.


Sorry I don't have a precise answer, but hope I've given some food for thought.

- Craig

[ramseybuckeye]

How good is the deal? Can you return it? The photo may look worse, or better than it actually is.

[mkymic]

Good Day Gentlemen, The asking price of $1000 Can. I do fell is high C.A.M. and was going to make an offer . But like you mentioned I have not seen to many articles of this flaw
on modern glass. I do not know if he is the original owner because if he was it should have been returned , I would think. Pentax would not want serious flaws in its new glass
out on the market .
I also believe ( from what i have read online ) that it is not a fungus but a manufacturing flaw of the coating to the inner surfaces of the lens, so it should not spread to other lens.
I thought it might make for an interesting subject on the forum . Thank you all

[DWS1]

I would take it if the seller gave it to me for free, and they paid the shipping.

[ProfessorBuzz]

Schneideritis is the flaking/bubbling of black paint used on the bevels of lenses.

Really? I always thought it referred to the balsam glue separation. Didn't know that.

[Wasp]

That is just ghastly. I would not touch it. Even if it could be fixed, dismantling a modern 15-30mm is not exactly an easy DIY job. By the time the bill of a pro has been added, you are looking at the asking price of a pristine example.

[Kwong]

Good Day Gentlemen, The asking price of $1000 Can. I do fell is high C.A.M. and was going to make an offer . But like you mentioned I have not seen to many articles of this flaw
on modern glass. I do not know if he is the original owner because if he was it should have been returned , I would think. Pentax would not want serious flaws in its new glass
out on the market .
I also believe ( from what i have read online ) that it is not a fungus but a manufacturing flaw of the coating to the inner surfaces of the lens, so it should not spread to other lens.
I thought it might make for an interesting subject on the forum . Thank you all

maybe for a 10th of that but not $1000 even if it is CAD

[Not a Number]

Does this affect image quality or is it just a cosmetic issue?