'blacking' edges of lens elements

Neil Grant · Jun 1, 2021

- sorry for reposting this: 'camera repairs and mods' couldn't help. I've removed the front element of a Mamiya Sekor 150mm f/3.5 lens for the 645. It's ground edge is unpainted. What could i paint it with?? I thought all lens elements had 'blackened edges'
thanks if you can help.

Nodda Duma · Jun 1, 2021

Blackening edges of lenses increase contrast — sometimes significantly. It’s not always an improvement. If you like the contrast you get off that lens then I’d be hesitant to blacken it.

If you have already considered this, and want to increase the contrast of the lens by blackening the edges, then Speedball India Ink applied with a fine paint brush does well. Clean off overpaint with alcohol.

Matthew K · Jun 1, 2021

I was going to suggest India ink as well. I've use it on a Schneider angulon 90mm with the black portion flaking off of the lens elements. The India ink I used was a bit thin so it took a few coats, but it looks great now.

Neil Grant · Jun 3, 2021

..what about a primer or lens preparation?

Matthew K · Jun 3, 2021

I cleaned off the flaking pieces with some alcohol and let that dry (doesn't take long). That was all the lens seemed to need in my case.

Robert Maxey · Jul 17, 2021

Well, you can try Kodak Brushing Lacquer. Always a great product for this application. Try eBay. If not, and if you are adventurous, I know the formula in general terms.

Bob

zanxion72 · Jul 17, 2021

Be careful with the cemented elements. Lacquer can seriously damage them. Besides, the gain in contrast will be barely noticeable. This has more use in low light applications such as the lenses of a telescope. It is not worth the trouble on a camera lens.

Nodda Duma · Jul 17, 2021

zanxion72 said:
Be careful with the cemented elements. Lacquer can seriously damage them. Besides, the gain in contrast will be barely noticeable. This has more use in low light applications such as the lenses of a telescope. It is not worth the trouble on a camera lens.

I have to disagree. The effect is noticeable for most lenses, even two group designs such as a Dagor.

E. von Hoegh · Jul 31, 2021

Nodda Duma said:
I have to disagree. The effect is noticeable for most lenses, even two group designs such as a Dagor.

+1 on the Dagor.

Flattening shiny shutter/aperture blades can make a big difference too, depending on the lens. I gave the aperture blades of a H-103 a flat black coating, and it made a noticeable improvement in an already fine lens. Yes, a Helios 103.

AgX · Jul 31, 2021

By using a varnish or by doing a chemical blackening?

E. von Hoegh · Jul 31, 2021

Chemical on the aperture blades.

maltfalc · Aug 8, 2021

a regular permanent marker will do the job if you don't have india ink handy. avoid any sort of thick paint that could interfere with reinserting already tight fitting lens elements.

AgX · Aug 8, 2021

However why the varnish disattaches from the glass, by this in combination with the edge being ground leading to a sparkling effect, has not yet been explained. It is not flipping off, rather letting air under.

'blacking' edges of lens elements

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency