Originally posted by Wild Mark Littledreamer,
From the photos of the lens I can see it is the eight element. The serial number is perhaps the confirming piece of evidence. That said, I can confirm that all eight element lenses I've seen (15-20) do not have yellowing elements and it is widely accepted that the eight element does not have thoriated glass.
OK then there is the thought that the elements have been swapped with a latter thoriated model in a repair. My answer to that is no. I have tried swapping out elements to create frankenstein lenses and it is not possible.
What I am trying to say is the lens for sale has a 'yellow' appearance because of its coatings not the thoriated glass. The coatings are designed to improve light transmittance and colour not denature it like the thoriated glass elements (after decay). So, if the lens is an eight element as claimed (and I agree) then you will be pleasantly surprised to find that there is no element yellowing, rather a clear beautiful set of elements that delivers wonderful images.
Perhaps the only failing of the eight element is the coatings. It is super coated, not SMC, so colours and contrast can be less than latter models. But those are two things that PPing can EASILY fix.
Hope this helps.
and a bump for a very fine lens.
Thanks for the thoughts and the free bump.I have a second 8 element Tak that looks identical to this one.It may just be the coating that gives it the tint that I see,as you mentioned.I was under the impression that these yellowed like the non 8 element super tak's.I'll take it out for a spin tomorrow and post some samples here.
---------- Post added 02-05-2016 at 10:01 PM ----------
Originally posted by lithedreamer Thanks Mark! In that case, PMed!
PM reply sent re: sample photos
---------- Post added 02-06-2016 at 09:51 AM ----------
Added photos.Barn @ f16 other @ f1.4