Can I Clean Out Fungus in LF Lenses

[DavidClapp]

I’ve not used my Chamonix LF camera for a while and I’ve just found fungus in all four of my beloved Nikkor lenses 65 / 90 / 150 / 300

The fungus on the front and rear element wiped off easily, but there is some on the elements on the inside of each lens.

As these are seen relatively simple lenses, is this something I could clean myself with some care?

I thought I would ask before amateur attempts ended in disaster!

 

[MattKing]

Thread moved to the Camera Repair sub-forum.

 

[Dan Daniel]

If the lens groups unscrew, you get access to the center surfaces. See what happens. This is a simple unscrew/screw assembly. No special tools. Pay attention for any shim washers, though.

If the fungus is on an inner surface, there are usually ways to disassemble the lenses and get access. Difficulty and tool needs are increased.

 

[OAPOli]

You can unscrew the cells to clean the inside surfaces. Also wipe the surfaces of the shutter (not the shutter or aperture blades) and of the lenses' housings to remove unseen spores.

 

[DavidClapp]

SUCCESS! I had no idea it would be that simple. I have got rid of all the fungus, using a lens wipe / soft cloth / blower bush before reassembly. What a relief

 

[Dan Daniel]

Now wipe down the exterior, clean the drawer, and find a way to store them so it doesn't happen again?

 

[DavidClapp]

Now wipe down the exterior, clean the drawer, and find a way to store them so it doesn't happen again?

It has happened because I live in an 18th century cob wall house in the UK. I bought a dehumidifier after mould started showing up on the walls at the back door, in a space where I stored camera kit. I immediately moved all the kit to a different room upstairs but it had all seeped in by that point. I’ve now got a cupboard with too many silica gel bags where I store my camera kit.

 

[Dan Daniel]

There are cabinets with humidifiers built in. Not cheap, of course... And I don't know how they dispose of the water collected. For example-

Best dry cabinet for cameras in 2025: keep your kit safe in a climatically-controlled store

Protect your valuable camera gear from humidity, with the best dry cabinet for cameras and lenses

www.digitalcameraworld.com

 

[wiltw]

It has happened because I live in an 18th century cob wall house in the UK. I bought a dehumidifier after mould started showing up on the walls at the back door, in a space where I stored camera kit. I immediately moved all the kit to a different room upstairs but it had all seeped in by that point. I’ve now got a cupboard with too many silica gel bags where I store my camera kit.

Silica gel will saturate quickly and need to be baked to dry and re-active. Put an incandescent light bulb near the bottom section of the cupboard and keep it lit to drive out moisture.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

SUCCESS! I had no idea it would be that simple. I have got rid of all the fungus, using a lens wipe / soft cloth / blower bush before reassembly. What a relief

View attachment 394539

congrats.You are a braver man than I wouldhave beenbut I can't argue with success!

 

[loccdor]

A forced air heating system is great to dehumidfy the air. In winter the humidity in this house gets down to 25%. Incredibly itchy for the human skin however, apparently especially so if you have Irish heritage...

 

[DavidClapp]

congrats.You are a braver man than I wouldhave beenbut I can't argue with success!

I have to say it was really straightforward. Each lens comes apart in two sections either side of the mounting board (or whatever its called). It was only on these surfaces thankfully, so I wiped each lens element down and screwed it all back together.

 

[OAPOli]

When the fungus is "fresh" it is very easy to remove. If it lingers for a long time it might etch the coating. You should clean it with ammonia or Hydrogen peroxyde to make sure you've killed the fungus.

 

[DavidClapp]

When the fungus is "fresh" it is very easy to remove. If it lingers for a long time it might etch the coating. You should clean it with ammonia or Hydrogen peroxyde to make sure you've killed the fungus.

Thank you for that - sound advice