50mm 1.4 SSC lens separation?

[Alex Thorne]

Some of you may have seen this question on another forum, but please excuse me for trying to get some more helpful responses here.

I’ve had two of these lenses that had what I believe is called lens separation. When I look into the front of the lens, around the edge of the rear element there are cracks around the edge in the adhesive. By comparison, I have an FD 50mm 1.4 non-SSC from the same era that looks perfect.

Is this a common issue with the SSC version? Should I be concerned about this?

Thanks

 

[Alex Thorne]

Also, would it be expensive to have this repaired? Other then this issue, this lens is pretty much in mint condition.

 

[Whiteymorange]

I believe you are right about what is happening to your lens, and I would think that it would be far more than the lens is worth to re-cement it. Though I too love that particular lens, there are more of them out there - in SSC and non-SSC versions, for reasonable amounts of money. I paid $20 for the one I bought last summer, and it came with a camera attached.

I would suggest that you keep using it as is until the "problem" manifests itself in your images, not simply in a close (too close?) inspection of the lens itself. It appears to be a very small issue at the moment and, if my experience is anything to go on, it will be years before you notice any change in your photos.

 

[Arvee]

I got a quote from the company in CO to repair an enlarger lens with separation. $200.00.

-Fred

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I agree with Whitey. It's not worth the expense to repair it, and it shouldn't be much of a problem anyway at this point.

 

[2F/2F]

Are your prints affected? If so, probably not enough to make it worth scrapping. They are [excellent] $20 - $50 lenses...and for $50 it should be MINT, with original caps, hood, and case. Maybe even less on the Internet. It is my first lens, and my favorite all-around small format lens that I have ever used. I have not heard of or experienced this being an issue with them. I have owned seven of them, in various forms. They are common to find on a body that you buy, or in a lot with various other equipment. Out of all these, I either gave away or sold all but two: my first one, an S.S.C., and a near-mint-condition FDn model. My first one, which is still my favorite, has fungus around the edges, yet shoots negs that are extremely sharp at 8x12. A place wanted $45 for a CLA, and I said forget it...I'll shoot with it as is.

In short, shoot away and see what you get. If it is not acceptable, use them for special purposes (sandpaper, vaseline, break the front element, for instance), give them away, or sell them...but don't waste your money fixing them, IMO.

 

[Terry Again]

Maybe IF you have the money to invest in a repair once the lens defect effects you photos and save the lens for the future time and these lens are sought after ones? And maybe sell for a profit or at least recoup your repair money or what ever. It'll be like buying stocks you win some and you can lose big depends on how much you know and how good your info is!! Film,the one thing you can shoot and no one gets hurt or Killed!!

 

[benjiboy]

I think the lens separation is caused by the Canada Balsam the lens elements are cemented together with coming apart with age, as most other members have said as long as it's use able, use it,after that it's cheap enough to replace.