Originally posted by monochrome IDK whether this kind of alteration / customization is really so objectionable. A fair number of members have had lenses de-anodized* and re-lettered as part of a CLA. Certainly it would be wrong to misrepresent a silvered lens’ provenance, but having it done shouldn’t be a problem.
* I have two (A50/1.2 and K135/2.5) both of which had significant ‘road rash’ before their restomods.
I've seen your lenses.... at least, I know I've seen the A50/1.2, and it's beautiful.
Perhaps I should have been a little more specific. I don't mind classy restorations, even resto-mods - especially if the item could be restored back, or close, to original if next owner so desired. My pet hate is when vintage, collectable items (lenses in particular, because that's my "thing") are polished so heavily with enough material removed that engravings start to disappear and square edges become rounded.
I don't have a problem with folks liking and buying those sorts of items. It's their money, and if they get enjoyment from their purchases, that's great. But as a collector, I cringe when I see a perfectly serviceable lens in original condition tarted up with a heavy-handed polishing job (like
THIS - a nice 13 blade Helios-44 done up like a dog's dinner
). The problem is mine, I realise. But I can't help it