Lens cleaning/resealing

t-arad · 06-03-2012, 02:29 AM

Got my hands on an old SMC Pentax 85 f 1.4 IF. Beautiful lens, but it seems that dust/impurities may have found its way in between the lenses (I believe there are 8 layers).
Is the condition curable? ideally, a knowledgeable and crafty person would take the thing apart, clean it, reseal and reassemble it.
I am sure I can take it apart myself. I am also sure I'd ruin it irremediably.
Am I dreaming? Are there such services? In Taiwan? (which is where I live)
Or, should I send it to Pentax in Japan?

Cheers
Thomas

DSims · 06-03-2012, 04:03 AM

Hopefully it's not actually fungus. If you search the web you can find some examples of what it looks like.

If it's just dust, leave it alone. It won't noticeably affect your picture quality except in extreme cases.

If it's fungus, even cleaning may not be a good cure - it can come back. Ideally the actual lens elements would be replaced.

It appears you're speaking of the FA* 85mm lens - a lens I also have. It's an excellent lens, and is worth considering repairing if needed. Being an FA lens, spare parts may still be available from Pentax - possibly only from Japan. What this means is that you might be able to get someone (or Pentax Japan themselves) to take it apart, because anything they break during the process can be replaced. If spare parts are not available, few if any repairmen will touch it. I've gone through a similar issue with an F lens I have - parts are not available anywhere except maybe in Japan.

Probably you should see about sending it there, or use it as is. But again, it may not need repair at all. If your images are fantastic, it may be no problem.

t-arad · 06-03-2012, 05:26 AM

Thanks DSims for the quick answer

Nope, it's not fungus, I'm pretty positive.
I agree - the lens is worth fixing- I'll try to get a hold of Pentax Japan and have the job done professionally there.
Not sure they stock any parts though- apparently, last these were made was back in 2004

Cheers!

**interested_observer** · 06-03-2012, 05:37 AM - **1 Like**

If you really intend to keep it and want it repaired, then I would try a couple of routs. First there is Eric. I would email him and get his opinion and see if he can do it.

Home

Based on his opinion and experience, and he might be able to tell you if Pentax Japan can do it, or whether or not its best to just leave it alone. If no one will touch it and you still want something done, then you might inquire if these folks will look at it.

The Zeiss Ikon Contax Camera Repair Website - Overhauling A Contax IIA/IIIA - Lenses

Good Luck...

t-arad · 06-03-2012, 05:38 AM

Already asked Eric and waiting for his confirmation.
Thing is: I live in Taiwan and Japan is more convenient.

06-03-2012, 02:29 AM	#1
t-arad New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 5	Lens cleaning/resealing Got my hands on an old SMC Pentax 85 f 1.4 IF. Beautiful lens, but it seems that dust/impurities may have found its way in between the lenses (I believe there are 8 layers). Is the condition curable? ideally, a knowledgeable and crafty person would take the thing apart, clean it, reseal and reassemble it. I am sure I can take it apart myself. I am also sure I'd ruin it irremediably. Am I dreaming? Are there such services? In Taiwan? (which is where I live) Or, should I send it to Pentax in Japan? Cheers Thomas

06-03-2012, 04:03 AM	#2
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Hopefully it's not actually fungus. If you search the web you can find some examples of what it looks like. If it's just dust, leave it alone. It won't noticeably affect your picture quality except in extreme cases. If it's fungus, even cleaning may not be a good cure - it can come back. Ideally the actual lens elements would be replaced. It appears you're speaking of the FA* 85mm lens - a lens I also have. It's an excellent lens, and is worth considering repairing if needed. Being an FA lens, spare parts may still be available from Pentax - possibly only from Japan. What this means is that you might be able to get someone (or Pentax Japan themselves) to take it apart, because anything they break during the process can be replaced. If spare parts are not available, few if any repairmen will touch it. I've gone through a similar issue with an F lens I have - parts are not available anywhere except maybe in Japan. Probably you should see about sending it there, or use it as is. But again, it may not need repair at all. If your images are fantastic, it may be no problem. Last edited by DSims; 06-03-2012 at 04:11 AM.

06-03-2012, 05:37 AM - 1 Like	#4
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	If you really intend to keep it and want it repaired, then I would try a couple of routs. First there is Eric. I would email him and get his opinion and see if he can do it. Home Based on his opinion and experience, and he might be able to tell you if Pentax Japan can do it, or whether or not its best to just leave it alone. If no one will touch it and you still want something done, then you might inquire if these folks will look at it. The Zeiss Ikon Contax Camera Repair Website - Overhauling A Contax IIA/IIIA - Lenses Good Luck...

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06-03-2012, 05:26 AM	#3
t-arad New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 5 Original Poster	Thanks DSims for the quick answer Nope, it's not fungus, I'm pretty positive. I agree - the lens is worth fixing- I'll try to get a hold of Pentax Japan and have the job done professionally there. Not sure they stock any parts though- apparently, last these were made was back in 2004 Cheers!

06-03-2012, 05:38 AM	#5
t-arad New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 5 Original Poster	Already asked Eric and waiting for his confirmation. Thing is: I live in Taiwan and Japan is more convenient.