DIY RZ67 Lens Fungus Removal?

[laroygreen]

Hi all,

18 months ago I moved to a very hot and humid coastal town, and although I thought I packed away my gear carefully before moving, I discovered that 3 of my RZ67 lenses in storage now have fungus. I found a pretty detailed video on Youtube where a lens is being cleaned and it seems straight forward once you have the basic tools used.

I was wondering is there any risk to doing this yourself (optical issues, etc.)? Quick photos I've taken with these lenses don't seem to show any issues so I am more concerned about the long term effect of not dealing with the issue sooner rather than later. I've been giving the lenses heavy doses of UV light and direct sunlight to hopefully stop the growth.

N.B. Sending the lenses for proper cleaning is not an option due to shipping and customs issues specific to where I live.

 

[awty]

Fungus is usually easy to clean off if you can get to the elements. Some RZ's are hard to get to the inner elements, if its only on the outer elements its not a hard job. Of course you need to take all the precautions not to damage any thing and mark each element and note its orientation for putting back together.
Also make yourself a dehumidifier cabinet to store your gear.

 

[MattKing]

The lenses also have shutters too - an environment conducive to growth of fungus isn't good for shutters. Can you afford to lose use of the lenses?

 

[laroygreen]

@awty - a cabinet sounds like a good idea. I was relying on those little silica packs but I am guessing that even those are not effective if I don't put them in a properly sealed containers (I was using a padded camera bag in a larger box). I would record the disassemble and then just reverse those steps to hopefully be able to put things back together correctly. Additionally, I'll make sure I have the tools for the job first and test it out and the lens I use the least just in case!

@MattKing - I prefer not to lose use of them but I don't use them in a professional sense if that is what you mean. I think the shutters are good for the time being and only the lens elements are impacted. Following @awty comment above, I think a dehumidifier cabinet might do the trick.

** I meant aperture not shutter.

 

[swchris]

To prevent further fungus growth, put the lenses under UV light. Let the sun on a bright sunny day shine into the lens for some hours.

 

[gone]

Fungus can occur in dry climates too. I've seen it between two lens elements, it was eating the glue between them. The fungus starts off small, and will slowly spread else unless the lens is set in high noon sun for a few days.

Doesn't have to be noon sun, but that's usually when it's the brightest. Just go outside and reorient the lens now and then to make sure it's still facing the sun directly. If the fungus has etched lines into the glass, you're stuck w/ those, but a good cleaning will help out w/ the contrast.