p.1 #1 · Looking for Help Understanding Lens Issue
Hey all,
I was hoping to get some help identifying a lens issue I noticed recently. I've attached some photos here as well.
Recently I noticed some haze/coloring on the back of my Voigtlander 40mm Ultron F2 (original SL version if it's helpful) that I hadn't seen before. At first glance the markings looked to me to be something like balsam separation, they had that distinct rainbow/iridescent color that looked like oil. However, on further inspection, I am not quite as sure. The marking is on the inside of the rear element - I've tried removing it with a microfiber etc and it remained unchanged.
The issue hasn't started exclusively on the edges of the lens, and it doesn't look like most photos of balsam separation I've seen. Additionally, it's a somewhat newer lens and my understanding is that these issues are less common on new lenses (though definitely not impossible).
All of this is particularly important to me because this is my favorite lens I own and it's been with me everywhere. If the issue is balsam separation then I would imagine the lens is shot (if you know of anyone who fixes lenses with this please let me know) however if the issue is haze or some sort of oil, I would imagine a pretty standard lens CLA could fix that issue. I realize that without physical inspection it's hard to say with complete confidence, I am just eager for some information before I decide what to do next. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
p.1 #2 · Looking for Help Understanding Lens Issue
Have you ever left the camera laying around without the front cap with a wide open aperture where the sun might have crossed into it's view? Just taking a shot man, I really have no idea, but it reminds me of putting a torch to metal to add patina....
p.1 #3 · Looking for Help Understanding Lens Issue
Appreciate the response - any and all thoughts are welcome as I am currently pretty stumped! I fully acknowledge that it could have happened, though when and where I wouldn't know. Adding to my confusion is that I only noticed this because I was swapping lenses (which I rarely do) and the light bounced off the lens at a really specific angle which caught my eye. So it could have been on the lens for months without me noticing.
I'm also aware that this is common with lens issues, but the light has to catch the lens in a very specific way for me to notice it. I was trying to investigate more by shining a light through my lens and struggled a lot to identify it.
p.1 #4 · Looking for Help Understanding Lens Issue
Hi Davis,
I agree that it's not separation, because (i) it doesn't look like separation and, (ii) the SL II S optical diagram (below) shows there are no cemented elements near the rear element. I assume the original Ultron SL has the same optical arrangement as the SL II S.
To me, it looks like a combination of high temperature and oily residue. If it was my lens, I'd pop off the rear element and have a look. Chances are good that a spring or two might escape, which could be annoying, but at least there's no electrical stuff in there.
If you hesitate to crack open the lens, then a professional CLA would be a good next step.
p.1 #5 · Looking for Help Understanding Lens Issue
Agree with Jim above. It looks like oil residue that creeped on to the rear element. I purchased recently an old vintage lens and it has similar issue. Yet to open mine and clean the rear element.
Sreedhar.
p.1 #6 · Looking for Help Understanding Lens Issue
@jimcolwell guywithgas Thank you so much, this is exactly the information I was looking for, so I really appreciate the help digging it up. This is a obviously pretty big relief as a standard CLA should be sufficient to resolve this (I'm not sure I feel comfortable enough to open up the lens myself and clean the rear element). Plus a CLA can never hurt just to get the lens to top shape.
Final question: any suggestions or recommendations for a good place for an affordable lens CLA?
