collecting uncoated vs coated lens

Tom1956 said:

I have always wondered what would be entailed in coating lenses at home. Seems like a handy fellow could do some sort of coating.

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Vacuum pump, bell jar, magnesium flouride and a way to vaporise it within the bell jar, temperature controlled oven to bake (harden) the coating. Miscellaneous stuff to clean and prepare the glass, as well as facilities to de- and re- cement lenses.

I think it's doable, if someone wants to devote the time and effort. I want to try it, I've had good success silvering a telescope mirror... only took two tries.

Lenses you don't value to practice on.
Oh yes, a lot of skill and time to practice.

Dan Fromm said:

E, have you seen a Sonnar cross-section? 6 air-glass interfaces, the same as the highly flare-resistant Tessar.

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Yes I have. I've also used coated and uncoated Tessars, I much prefer the coated ones. Dagors, Protars, and Rapid Rectilinears are about the only uncoated lenses I've used which I like, all have two internal surfaces rather than the Tessar's four.

Just seems like something I could do. Time and again in my life I've undertaken service, repair, restoration projects on, that I had previously never even seen done; and ended up with expert-quality results. It's all in the mentality I suppose. I've always held a standard for myself that there's 2 grades of work--perfect or knucklehead.

Just another dumb idea I'll never have the money to fool with.