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Archive 2010Is this fungus?
p.1 #1Is this fungus?
So I get the lens today (Oly OM 24mm 2,0), and first thing I notice is that there is NO FRONT lens cap.
So i go out to Shutterbug (a local shop here in Portland), and the kid behind the counter is enticed about this lens and couldn't believe I got it for a "great" price. First thing he notices (I got the lens today and didn't use it until a few minutes ago) is there is a dark spot in the middle of the lens. It doesn't show up on the shots I have taken with it (maybe like 5 or 6).
Upon getting home and closer inspection, I see a TON of dust. Not a huge problem, but in the eBay ad, the dude says it could pass as new with no dust or anything in the optics.
I am afraid the said dark spot could be fungus. It is the size of a pen head. I took some pictures of it with my girlfriends' point and shoot, so forgive the quality.
Since I have no experience with this type of stuff, I am asking here.
Can dust and fungus be removed from a lens? I would obviously sent this to a shop capable of doing this.
Here are the images of the lens, and some taken with it.
I contacted the dude on eBay and informed him that he needs to pay attention to his shiest when listing. In the ebay link to the auction, you can see from the description that he states the lens is virtually new; and why I am a bit mad. If i can get this repaired for relatively cheap (if it isn't fungus, I won't be too worried and probably won't spend money to get the dust cleaned if it costs a ton, especially if it doesn't show up in images), I will keep it, and maybe he can refund some of the money as well. I want this lens, no doubt. I feel I got duped, and that is what I am mad about. I have 160+ 100% feedback on ebay (and here too), and I couldn't imagine doing someone like that.
THE LENS
So i go out to Shutterbug (a local shop here in Portland), and the kid behind the counter is enticed about this lens and couldn't believe I got it for a "great" price. First thing he notices (I got the lens today and didn't use it until a few minutes ago) is there is a dark spot in the middle of the lens. It doesn't show up on the shots I have taken with it (maybe like 5 or 6).
Upon getting home and closer inspection, I see a TON of dust. Not a huge problem, but in the eBay ad, the dude says it could pass as new with no dust or anything in the optics.
I am afraid the said dark spot could be fungus. It is the size of a pen head. I took some pictures of it with my girlfriends' point and shoot, so forgive the quality.
Since I have no experience with this type of stuff, I am asking here.
Can dust and fungus be removed from a lens? I would obviously sent this to a shop capable of doing this.
Here are the images of the lens, and some taken with it.
I contacted the dude on eBay and informed him that he needs to pay attention to his shiest when listing. In the ebay link to the auction, you can see from the description that he states the lens is virtually new; and why I am a bit mad. If i can get this repaired for relatively cheap (if it isn't fungus, I won't be too worried and probably won't spend money to get the dust cleaned if it costs a ton, especially if it doesn't show up in images), I will keep it, and maybe he can refund some of the money as well. I want this lens, no doubt. I feel I got duped, and that is what I am mad about. I have 160+ 100% feedback on ebay (and here too), and I couldn't imagine doing someone like that.
THE LENS
Aug 30, 2010 at 06:10 PM
p.1 #2Is this fungus?
It's impossible to judge anything from the photo you've posted of the spot on the lens. You need to get a close up of the part of the lens that you think might have fungus, real close. It might just be dust, which is often cheap and easy to clean.
JJ
JJ
Aug 30, 2010 at 06:19 PM
p.1 #3Is this fungus?
Impossible to tell. You must show the surface of the element clearly, and this requires high magnification, along the lines of a macro shot. Google "lens fungus" and look at the images to see what lens fungus looks like, and the kind of images that show the affected surfaces.
Aug 30, 2010 at 06:27 PM
p.1 #4Is this fungus?
Set the lens on a table with a piece of white paper behind it. Shine a bright light (e.g., flashlight) through the lens. Use a macro lens and use manual focus, if possible.
My initial suspicion is that the circular dot is indeed fungus, because there is a halo around the dark speck, and that is not characteristic of dust. Furthermore, the second image shows a mottled appearance on the left side, which is very much like fungal growth. If that is indeed present in the lens and not an artifact of the picture taking process, then I am 99% sure this lens has fungus.
In any case, DO NOT store the lens with any of your other equipment. Quarantine it and do not use it.
My initial suspicion is that the circular dot is indeed fungus, because there is a halo around the dark speck, and that is not characteristic of dust. Furthermore, the second image shows a mottled appearance on the left side, which is very much like fungal growth. If that is indeed present in the lens and not an artifact of the picture taking process, then I am 99% sure this lens has fungus.
In any case, DO NOT store the lens with any of your other equipment. Quarantine it and do not use it.
Aug 30, 2010 at 06:34 PM
p.1 #5Is this fungus?
Thanks for the advice!!!
The guy emailed me back and said that if i get work done on it, that it is my option - but he won't pay for it. He said if I want a refund, he will do it, but I send the lens back. He said if i want it fixed at his expense, I will send it back to him and he will have his "tech" look at it and fix it and then send it back.
I replied and told him that I want the lens, and that if he can split the repair with me, i would be happy with that, as long as the repair isn't $200 or something crazy. I stated that I know i got the lens for an excellent price and don't want the lens for free, BUT i also didn't knowingly pay for a lens that was HARDLY as described. I told him I am easy to deal with and that me spending $10 to send it back to him, the time it takes for it to be fixed (and who knows if it will be fixed by a repair shop), and then the cost for him to send it to me isn't cost effective. Might as well refund me some of the money it is going to cost to get fixed.
Even if he doesn't agree to this and it only costs me like $70 to get this fixed, i still got a great deal (I hope...)
The guy emailed me back and said that if i get work done on it, that it is my option - but he won't pay for it. He said if I want a refund, he will do it, but I send the lens back. He said if i want it fixed at his expense, I will send it back to him and he will have his "tech" look at it and fix it and then send it back.
I replied and told him that I want the lens, and that if he can split the repair with me, i would be happy with that, as long as the repair isn't $200 or something crazy. I stated that I know i got the lens for an excellent price and don't want the lens for free, BUT i also didn't knowingly pay for a lens that was HARDLY as described. I told him I am easy to deal with and that me spending $10 to send it back to him, the time it takes for it to be fixed (and who knows if it will be fixed by a repair shop), and then the cost for him to send it to me isn't cost effective. Might as well refund me some of the money it is going to cost to get fixed.
Even if he doesn't agree to this and it only costs me like $70 to get this fixed, i still got a great deal (I hope...)
Aug 30, 2010 at 07:03 PM
p.1 #6Is this fungus?
The general description I hear about lens fungus is that it looks like a bunch of spider webs are in the front element. That 1 speck may be oil.
Aug 30, 2010 at 07:46 PM
p.1 #7Is this fungus?
kakomu wrote:
The general description I hear about lens fungus is that it looks like a bunch of spider webs are in the front element. That 1 speck may be oil.
Not always. Fungi have different growth habits and different structures. Some fungi show up as lots of little circular dots. Only on very high magnification do they resolve into something more web-like. Just google it and you'll see the variety in the way lens fungus manifests itself.
The general description I hear about lens fungus is that it looks like a bunch of spider webs are in the front element. That 1 speck may be oil.
Not always. Fungi have different growth habits and different structures. Some fungi show up as lots of little circular dots. Only on very high magnification do they resolve into something more web-like. Just google it and you'll see the variety in the way lens fungus manifests itself.
Aug 30, 2010 at 08:08 PM
p.1 #8Is this fungus?
looks like fungus to me... best of luck in your decision
Aug 30, 2010 at 08:25 PM
p.1 #9Is this fungus?
Thanks everyone for your help/info/advice! The buyer replied and stated he was sorry and apologized. He is going to give me $25 back and I will go get it repaired. I paid a hair over $200 plus shipping. So i basically got a 24mm f/2 in pretty good physical shape for less than $200. Once it is repaired, i will be happy..as long as it can be repaired and not too expensive. I am going to get a quote tomorrow and hopefully send her in.
I cannot see any ill effects in the images. Lets' hope i caught it in time.
I cannot see any ill effects in the images. Lets' hope i caught it in time.
Aug 30, 2010 at 09:03 PM
p.1 #10Is this fungus?
It doesn't look serious to me...I have a lens with worse fungus (got it cheap...half the cheapest I'd seen...so the fungus is the price I've paid)...
...and then this lens whose images do not seem ill-effected by the spots (that may be like yours?)...but it's an 85, and yours is a 24....
http://a.imageshack.us/img838/3030/spts.jpg
...and then this lens whose images do not seem ill-effected by the spots (that may be like yours?)...but it's an 85, and yours is a 24....
http://a.imageshack.us/img838/3030/spts.jpg
Aug 30, 2010 at 09:06 PM
p.1 #11Is this fungus?
wickerprints wrote:
Just google it and you'll see the variety in the way lens fungus manifests itself.
I did, only a couple weeks ago. Two lenses of mine had crud inside the elements and I did a search to see exactly what to look for in lens fungus and the spider web description is what i saw over and over again.
Just google it and you'll see the variety in the way lens fungus manifests itself.
I did, only a couple weeks ago. Two lenses of mine had crud inside the elements and I did a search to see exactly what to look for in lens fungus and the spider web description is what i saw over and over again.
Aug 31, 2010 at 06:09 AM
p.1 #12Is this fungus?
That is fungus in the 24/2.0 no question. $25 isn't going to cover repairing that. If the element coating is damaged, there may be no real repair options, as undoubtedly parts are nearly impossible to find. Zuiko.com is your best bet on repair.
-Ed
-Ed
Aug 31, 2010 at 11:05 AM
p.1 #13Is this fungus?
I am going to take this down to a place today to see what the damage is. I was quoted from a local place (via online) that fungus removal varies from $69 to $89. If the fungus is in a sealed element, they won't be able to repair it. I figured it would cost in this price range. Hopefully it is not in the sealed element... If it is, I will probably return the lens.. .
Aug 31, 2010 at 12:31 PM
p.1 #14Is this fungus?
The problem is sometimes the fungus can etch the coatings and then the lens is useless except for a loupe to look at chromes with.
Don't agree to anything yet if you can have someone that knows check it out. The description was misleading and 25.00 isn't fair on a 200.00 item imo.
Don't agree to anything yet if you can have someone that knows check it out. The description was misleading and 25.00 isn't fair on a 200.00 item imo.
Aug 31, 2010 at 12:40 PM
p.1 #15Is this fungus?
He hasn't returned $25 as of yet. I am on the way to the camera place to have them look at it. If they can remove it all, I will be super happy.
Aug 31, 2010 at 01:29 PM
p.1 #16Is this fungus?
I wouldn't let just any local 'repair' shop have at a lens like this. Most have no skills/talent and would end up making a mess of it. Do it right, get a quote from John @ zuiko.com
-Ed
-Ed
Aug 31, 2010 at 01:33 PM
p.1 #17Is this fungus?
Worse than the mold, this lens has separation bubbles:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/58/463358.jpg
Niether that spec of mold nor the separation will degrade the images in a directly noticeable way with typical images. The mold spec(s) look removable with a mini-buffing wheel - people will tell you it's not removable but I've now done it on 4 or 5 lenses. The separation bubbles are not removable. You can get to them usually but to remove them you need to polish it down a few micrometers into the glass and if you do that wrong the results are actually worse.
The separation bubbles will show up is some kinds of images. You'll see a soft halo around bright areas and occasionally close focus shots will seem like they were taken on a soft-focus lens.
The mold spec may show up at the lens's closest focus distance if the area is solid, gradient and/or patternless.
In all, you got ripped off. Although it's a $400 ~ $500 lens in mint condition, in it's current condition it's only worth about $20. The 24mm/2.8 btw, will be better on your camera (better IQ) and can be found regularly in mint condition for about $150 ~ $200.
If it were me I would demand my money back. $208.50 is too much to lose on an auction liar (IMO).
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/58/463358.jpg
Niether that spec of mold nor the separation will degrade the images in a directly noticeable way with typical images. The mold spec(s) look removable with a mini-buffing wheel - people will tell you it's not removable but I've now done it on 4 or 5 lenses. The separation bubbles are not removable. You can get to them usually but to remove them you need to polish it down a few micrometers into the glass and if you do that wrong the results are actually worse.
The separation bubbles will show up is some kinds of images. You'll see a soft halo around bright areas and occasionally close focus shots will seem like they were taken on a soft-focus lens.
The mold spec may show up at the lens's closest focus distance if the area is solid, gradient and/or patternless.
In all, you got ripped off. Although it's a $400 ~ $500 lens in mint condition, in it's current condition it's only worth about $20. The 24mm/2.8 btw, will be better on your camera (better IQ) and can be found regularly in mint condition for about $150 ~ $200.
If it were me I would demand my money back. $208.50 is too much to lose on an auction liar (IMO).
Aug 31, 2010 at 01:59 PM
p.1 #18Is this fungus?
Interesting thread. I find it very educational.
I find it interesting that the seller was describing it as like new. In my opion the lens seems pretty beat up. I would rate it BGN.
What do you think keh.com would rate it?
Good luck to the original poster in whatever he decides to do with it.
I find it interesting that the seller was describing it as like new. In my opion the lens seems pretty beat up. I would rate it BGN.
What do you think keh.com would rate it?
Good luck to the original poster in whatever he decides to do with it.
Aug 31, 2010 at 02:48 PM
p.1 #19Is this fungus?
HBOC wrote:
I am going to take this down to a place today to see what the damage is. I was quoted from a local place (via online) that fungus removal varies from $69 to $89. If the fungus is in a sealed element, they won't be able to repair it. I figured it would cost in this price range. Hopefully it is not in the sealed element... If it is, I will probably return the lens.. .
Perhaps this link gives some relevant information:
http://www.zeiss.at/c12567a8003b58b9/Contents-Frame/29cd78d56723da79c12571180042df52
I am going to take this down to a place today to see what the damage is. I was quoted from a local place (via online) that fungus removal varies from $69 to $89. If the fungus is in a sealed element, they won't be able to repair it. I figured it would cost in this price range. Hopefully it is not in the sealed element... If it is, I will probably return the lens.. .
Perhaps this link gives some relevant information:
http://www.zeiss.at/c12567a8003b58b9/Contents-Frame/29cd78d56723da79c12571180042df52
Aug 31, 2010 at 02:52 PM
p.1 #20Is this fungus?
I would return this lens. I would not mind pay a bit more for a lens that can last me many years, especially if this is the lens that you have been seeking. The auction description is definitely misleading. I can't see how it can be ranked "mint" given the condition of the filter ring.
As the seller is misleading, I would suggest that you take the strongest measure rather than negotiate to get your money back. Immediately go to your Paypal account and file a dispute. This automatically causes the seller Paypal account to be blocked from receiving payments. For a seller who sells a lot like him, this is a very strong motivation to seek a solution acceptable to you. Goodluck.
As the seller is misleading, I would suggest that you take the strongest measure rather than negotiate to get your money back. Immediately go to your Paypal account and file a dispute. This automatically causes the seller Paypal account to be blocked from receiving payments. For a seller who sells a lot like him, this is a very strong motivation to seek a solution acceptable to you. Goodluck.
Aug 31, 2010 at 03:18 PM