Fungus bloom

Jim R · 02-27-2009, 01:47 PM

Hello, all! I have the usual collection of screwmount lenses from the 60's/70's and all are in excellent "adult driven" condition except my 135/3.5. All have had the same storage, care, etc but this one has a bloom of fugus on an internal element. Watching the fleabay auctions, it doesn't seem to command much of a price but I was more concerned about using it, cleaning it, or whatever to retain it.
I have shot a number of pictures with it on my K20D, and to these old eyes it still looks like a keeper. I'm not a pixel peeper, but the image quality will probably increase with a clean lens, so what would it take to get it cleaned? Who/where to send it?
Jim

Ben_Edict · 02-27-2009, 02:02 PM

Originally posted by Jim R

Hello, all! I have the usual collection of screwmount lenses from the 60's/70's and all are in excellent "adult driven" condition except my 135/3.5. All have had the same storage, care, etc but this one has a bloom of fugus on an internal element. Watching the fleabay auctions, it doesn't seem to command much of a price but I was more concerned about using it, cleaning it, or whatever to retain it.
I have shot a number of pictures with it on my K20D, and to these old eyes it still looks like a keeper. I'm not a pixel peeper, but the image quality will probably increase with a clean lens, so what would it take to get it cleaned? Who/where to send it?
Jim

If you use the search function for fungus, you will find some not too ancient threads. It is more or less a DIY job, as firstly a professional cleaning is too expensive, unless you know a repairshop, that will do it out of a friendly mood. And secondly with such a simple lens, it should not be too demanding. If you succeeded, you will be very happy about what you have achieved!

Ben

Jim R · 02-27-2009, 02:47 PM

Thanks, Ben. I'll do a more complete search. I used to be a tool and die maker, so the repair might not be too difficult for me. It's the ancient eyes! I'll be sure to post a reply if the operation is successful. You can't break what doesn't work, right?
I've read about leaving it out in the sun on a hot day, but it just seems like abuse of the lens to me.
Jim

wildlifephotog · 02-27-2009, 03:02 PM

Is it a front element or rear?

Rome, Ohio
Ah yes. Rte.6 and 45. Regular route to the lake.

Ben_Edict · 02-27-2009, 03:19 PM

Originally posted by Jim R

Thanks, Ben. I'll do a more complete search. I used to be a tool and die maker, so the repair might not be too difficult for me. It's the ancient eyes! I'll be sure to post a reply if the operation is successful. You can't break what doesn't work, right?
I've read about leaving it out in the sun on a hot day, but it just seems like abuse of the lens to me.
Jim

Leaving it in the hot sun may perhaps kill the fungus, but not the spores (in fact its the UV that is sterilising it), though I wouldn't be sure a single day is enough. Nevertheless you would have to disassemble and clean the lens, as the dead fungus will still cling to the lens.

I am sure, you won't find cleaning too much of a challenge with your experience!

Ben

Jim R · 02-27-2009, 03:38 PM

Thanks again, Ben. I have written to Eric and will let him give me an estimate first. I would prefer a pro repair. I don't know which element, more visible from front , but behind front glass.
Wildlifephotog, I'm actually in the major metropolis of Hartsgrove (gas station, bar, restaurant, road kill) so I can assume you live near-by. 3/4 mile east of the circle at 534, tan ranch, split rail fence; the old fart on the tractor cutting grass when the weather permits.
Coffee is always hot. sometimes old, but hot.
Jim

wildlifephotog · 02-27-2009, 04:06 PM

Eric is the best. Turn around should be pretty fast.

Still has a gas station.

GEli · 02-27-2009, 10:01 PM

If you do opt for a UV treatment, make sure you're actually getting some UV radiation - a window will filter out a huge portion of the UV radiation in the sunlight coming coming through it.

If you're worried about the thermal damage to the lens associated with leaving it in the sun, consider using a UV lamp instead (be careful about skin contact/eye protection, though).

**Just1MoreDave** · 02-27-2009, 10:42 PM

If I remember right, the rear elements are a little easier to get to - so of course the fungus is in the front.

Ask if you end up going for DIY repair.

Raybo · 02-27-2009, 11:12 PM

You could always grow mushrooms on your lens.

xjjohnno · 02-28-2009, 04:42 AM

I'd be guessing that a strip down and using a non reactive to polycarbonates alchohol would do the trick. Being a tool maker you should be able to figure out the assembly/ re assembly easily enough without wrecking any crucial parts. Just make sure you don't need to rely on botching tools for the disassembly/ assembly.

fwcetus · 02-28-2009, 07:34 AM

I don't understand why such an inexpensive lens is worth working on. Well, OK, I do understand that you might like the satisfaction of a successful DIY.

However, spores from that lens, especially if ~you~ open it in your home, present a possibility of spreading fungal spores (and then, with a little moisture sometime in the future, spreading fungus from those germinating spores as well) to some of ~your~ other lenses.

Speaking just for myself, if I had a fungus-infested lens, and it were a really special lens, I'd send it out to be worked on, but, if it were a 135/3.5, I'd just get rid of it, leaving its fungus and spores encapsulated inside.

Just my two f-stops worth ...

02-27-2009, 01:47 PM	#1
Jim R New Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rome, in Northeast Ohio Photos: Gallery Posts: 14	Fungus bloom Hello, all! I have the usual collection of screwmount lenses from the 60's/70's and all are in excellent "adult driven" condition except my 135/3.5. All have had the same storage, care, etc but this one has a bloom of fugus on an internal element. Watching the fleabay auctions, it doesn't seem to command much of a price but I was more concerned about using it, cleaning it, or whatever to retain it. I have shot a number of pictures with it on my K20D, and to these old eyes it still looks like a keeper. I'm not a pixel peeper, but the image quality will probably increase with a clean lens, so what would it take to get it cleaned? Who/where to send it? Jim

02-27-2009, 02:47 PM	#3
Jim R New Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rome, in Northeast Ohio Photos: Gallery Posts: 14 Original Poster	fugus Thanks, Ben. I'll do a more complete search. I used to be a tool and die maker, so the repair might not be too difficult for me. It's the ancient eyes! I'll be sure to post a reply if the operation is successful. You can't break what doesn't work, right? I've read about leaving it out in the sun on a hot day, but it just seems like abuse of the lens to me. Jim

02-27-2009, 03:38 PM	#6
Jim R New Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rome, in Northeast Ohio Photos: Gallery Posts: 14 Original Poster	Thanks again, Ben. I have written to Eric and will let him give me an estimate first. I would prefer a pro repair. I don't know which element, more visible from front , but behind front glass. Wildlifephotog, I'm actually in the major metropolis of Hartsgrove (gas station, bar, restaurant, road kill) so I can assume you live near-by. 3/4 mile east of the circle at 534, tan ranch, split rail fence; the old fart on the tractor cutting grass when the weather permits. Coffee is always hot. sometimes old, but hot. Jim Last edited by Jim R; 02-27-2009 at 03:41 PM. Reason: additional info

02-28-2009, 07:34 AM	#12
fwcetus Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New England Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,286	I don't understand why such an inexpensive lens is worth working on. Well, OK, I do understand that you might like the satisfaction of a successful DIY. However, spores from that lens, especially if ~you~ open it in your home, present a possibility of spreading fungal spores (and then, with a little moisture sometime in the future, spreading fungus from those germinating spores as well) to some of ~your~ other lenses. Speaking just for myself, if I had a fungus-infested lens, and it were a really special lens, I'd send it out to be worked on, but, if it were a 135/3.5, I'd just get rid of it, leaving its fungus and spores encapsulated inside. Just my two f-stops worth ... Last edited by fwcetus; 02-28-2009 at 08:31 AM.

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02-27-2009, 02:02 PM	#2
Ben_Edict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SouthWest "Regio" Photos: Albums Posts: 3,309	Originally posted by Jim R Hello, all! I have the usual collection of screwmount lenses from the 60's/70's and all are in excellent "adult driven" condition except my 135/3.5. All have had the same storage, care, etc but this one has a bloom of fugus on an internal element. Watching the fleabay auctions, it doesn't seem to command much of a price but I was more concerned about using it, cleaning it, or whatever to retain it. I have shot a number of pictures with it on my K20D, and to these old eyes it still looks like a keeper. I'm not a pixel peeper, but the image quality will probably increase with a clean lens, so what would it take to get it cleaned? Who/where to send it? Jim If you use the search function for fungus, you will find some not too ancient threads. It is more or less a DIY job, as firstly a professional cleaning is too expensive, unless you know a repairshop, that will do it out of a friendly mood. And secondly with such a simple lens, it should not be too demanding. If you succeeded, you will be very happy about what you have achieved! Ben

02-27-2009, 03:02 PM	#4
wildlifephotog Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 924	Is it a front element or rear? Rome, Ohio Ah yes. Rte.6 and 45. Regular route to the lake.

02-27-2009, 03:19 PM	#5
Ben_Edict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SouthWest "Regio" Photos: Albums Posts: 3,309	Originally posted by Jim R Thanks, Ben. I'll do a more complete search. I used to be a tool and die maker, so the repair might not be too difficult for me. It's the ancient eyes! I'll be sure to post a reply if the operation is successful. You can't break what doesn't work, right? I've read about leaving it out in the sun on a hot day, but it just seems like abuse of the lens to me. Jim Leaving it in the hot sun may perhaps kill the fungus, but not the spores (in fact its the UV that is sterilising it), though I wouldn't be sure a single day is enough. Nevertheless you would have to disassemble and clean the lens, as the dead fungus will still cling to the lens. I am sure, you won't find cleaning too much of a challenge with your experience! Ben

02-27-2009, 04:06 PM	#7
wildlifephotog Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 924	Eric is the best. Turn around should be pretty fast. Still has a gas station.

02-27-2009, 10:01 PM	#8
GEli Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Winnipeg, MB Posts: 51	If you do opt for a UV treatment, make sure you're actually getting some UV radiation - a window will filter out a huge portion of the UV radiation in the sunlight coming coming through it. If you're worried about the thermal damage to the lens associated with leaving it in the sun, consider using a UV lamp instead (be careful about skin contact/eye protection, though).

02-27-2009, 10:42 PM	#9
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	If I remember right, the rear elements are a little easier to get to - so of course the fungus is in the front. Ask if you end up going for DIY repair.

02-27-2009, 11:12 PM	#10
Raybo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 872	You could always grow mushrooms on your lens.

02-28-2009, 04:42 AM	#11
xjjohnno Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,115	I'd be guessing that a strip down and using a non reactive to polycarbonates alchohol would do the trick. Being a tool maker you should be able to figure out the assembly/ re assembly easily enough without wrecking any crucial parts. Just make sure you don't need to rely on botching tools for the disassembly/ assembly.