Fongus or Lens Separation?

[Helios 1984]

Hi folks,
Earlier today, I was given a Pentax SF1 & an SMC-F 35-135mm, however, as you can see, the front element is busted. I've never encountered lens separation before and stumbled on fungus only ounce which is why I'm unsure what this is.

(Click to enlarge)

 

[gone]

Fungus usually doesn't look like that, nor does lens separation, but that's my guess anyway. Some sort of balsam issue, possibly between the elements. Might be easy to get the front element off and have a look.

 

[mshchem]

My opinion is it's a fungus. I've been, lucky. I have seen enlarging lenses that show something similar, I've always seen a trail of sorts.

 

[shutterfinger]

Fungus.

 

[AnselMortensen]

There's a fungus among us.

 

[Helios 1984]

My opinion is it's a fungus. I've been, lucky. I have seen enlarging lenses that show something similar, I've always seen a trail of sorts.

Should I dump the lens altogether or look for a replacement front element?

 

[mshchem]

Should I dump the lens altogether or look for a replacement front element?

I would try it. It's definitely going to effect contrast. Depends on how much time you want to spend.

 

[Helios 1984]

I would try it. It's definitely going to effect contrast. Depends on how much time you want to spend.

The other elements look good, it's really localized in-between the front one.

P.S: At least, the camera is in decent shape so there's that.

 

[mshchem]

The other elements look good, it's really localized in-between the front one.

P.S: At least, the camera is in decent shape so there's that.

If you stop down to f8 you might not notice a big issue.

 

[Europan]

Delamination, not fungus. Have the group recemented. I can do that for you with Canada balsam.

 

[Helios 1984]

For the moment, as you can see, I've left everything near the window so It can bathe in sunlight for a couple of days (or weeks).
As I said before, the rest of the lens looks fine but it doesn't hurt to be extra careful. Ideally, It would be great if I could find a cheap junker with a good front element.