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02-10-2014, 06:21 PM   #1
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Is it fungus?

Hey guys,

I wanted to sell this lens on ebay. At first, I was not sure that this was present. Then I realized, it may be just oil or "discoloration" in the lens. Now I am thinking, possibly, it may be fungus...? I have never seen a lens with fungus in it, so I need help identifying the problem. I wanna cover my bases before I sell it... I appreciate any help!

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02-10-2014, 06:26 PM - 1 Like   #2
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Doesn't look like fungus to me, but rather the lens coating starting to deteriorate.

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02-10-2014, 06:30 PM - 1 Like   #3
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It's hard to tell, fungus can appear in several different forms, but it almost looks like lens separation to me.
02-10-2014, 06:30 PM - 1 Like   #4
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I agree with adam, but do you have a close up or macro shot of the defect?

02-10-2014, 06:33 PM - 1 Like   #5
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Looks like separation of some form, either the coating or a glued element separating. At this point it will not affect image quality, but does affect value.

Kiron 80-200 f4?
02-10-2014, 06:35 PM - 1 Like   #6
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To me it looks like typical signs of balsam separation - very early stage though - lens still is usable but really can't be described as faultless I think . Lens separation looks like there was something leaking inside the glass , with feerie colors - kind a like oily stains on a water with shiny reflective surface when looked at from a certain angle - but often not visible when looked at from another. Lens with this condition should be still fully usable and capable on APCS - and even on full frame the degradation will probably be minimal, and only in flare/contrast plus only at wide apertures probably. I wouldn't worry too much - I myself have a lens 85mm f1.8 that will never sell and it has serious balsam separation - still produces awesome shots --manntax
02-10-2014, 06:53 PM - 1 Like   #7
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Very likely element separation. Sorry :/

02-10-2014, 06:54 PM   #8
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Thank you all for a fast response! It helps me decide what to do with an ongoing auction...

QuoteOriginally posted by j2photos Quote
I agree with adam, but do you have a close up or macro shot of the defect?
Yes. Please see attached!

QuoteOriginally posted by elliott Quote
Kiron 80-200 f4?
Yes, it is...
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02-10-2014, 06:55 PM   #9
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Definitely not fungus!
02-10-2014, 06:58 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by j2photos Quote
Definitely not fungus!
Yes, you really have to light the lens appropriately to be able to see it. And the images are perfectly fine.
02-10-2014, 06:59 PM   #11
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The front element of the 80-200 f4 is glued, so it looks like a definite case of separation.

I failed miserably at cleaning the fungus and repairing the aperture blades of one of those a while ago.
02-10-2014, 07:00 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by yomaosh Quote
Yes, you really have to light the lens appropriately to be able to see it. And the images are perfectly fine.
Ill have to agree with the others, looks like element separation,
02-10-2014, 07:21 PM   #13
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What can I say about the condition of the lens now for eBay? Is it "ugly", "bargain"? Do I end the auction and give it to the highest bidder for free, since I made a mistake of not inspecting it closely before listing? I would hate to be a liar and bad sport...
02-10-2014, 07:23 PM   #14
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You have listed this already and stated it is in good condition?
02-10-2014, 07:25 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by j2photos Quote
You have listed this already and stated it is in good condition?
Yes... :-/
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