Fungi on Nikkor 50mm AF 1.8

allohse · Mar 4, 2022

So, this lens is very dusty on the outside and I'll try to deal with it, but it also has fungus. Cleaning it will cost about $60 and I'll get to it eventually.

But I'm wondering, if I tried to shoot with it like that, what would happen to the pictures?

mshchem · Mar 4, 2022

Use it, probably won't make a big difference. These are nice lenses.

shutterfinger · Mar 4, 2022

Set it in direct sunlight for 2 to 3 days with the sun shinning on the fungus element(s). The UV light will kill the fungus.
You might see some slight lowering of contrast or flare in harsh lighting depending on how critical of an eye you have.

RalphLambrecht · Mar 4, 2022

allohse said:
So, this lens is very dusty on the outside and I'll try to deal with it, but it also has fungus. Cleaning it will cost about $60 and I'll get to it eventually.

But I'm wondering, if I tried to shoot with it like that, what would happen to the pictures?

make sure, the fungus doesn't spread to th rest of your equipment. kill it while you can!

gone · Mar 4, 2022

Kill the fungus w/ the UV, get a hood, and avoid pointing it at the sun as if you were Dracula, you should be fine.

If that's on the back element, those are often easy to get out and clean.

Moose22 · Mar 5, 2022

Those are super easy to take apart, BTW. One of the easiest lenses if someone wants to see how a Nikon AF lens goes together.

As for fixing it, you could just kill the fungus that's there. It won't affect image quality noticeably when not pointed into the sun but... it isn't much of a loss if you want to try and clean it. I mean, I paid less than $70 for a fungus free copy of that lens a few months ago, they're everywhere for $100 or so new. An absolute bargain considering how sharp they are. If you have trouble getting it back together hit the ebay and get another one for the price that you would have had to pay a pro to CLR that one.

jimgalli · Mar 5, 2022

If you've had it near the rest of your lenses and cameras it will spread like Covid 19. If I were you I'd partition off whatever room that lens is in and board it up and walk away. Maybe even move to a different neighborhood.

shutterfinger · Mar 5, 2022

Years ago I had a Nikon 35-135 f3.5-f4.5 AF Zoom develop fungus. I disassembled it, sat the affected elements in a window that got direct sunlight 6 hours a day for a week. I reassembled it and it worked like new. That was 18 years ago and the fungus has not spread or grown.
A few days in direct sun will not harm anything while several weeks might.

Nitroplait · Mar 5, 2022

allohse said:
So, this lens is very dusty on the outside and I'll try to deal with it, but it also has fungus. Cleaning it will cost about $60 and I'll get to it eventually.

But I'm wondering, if I tried to shoot with it like that, what would happen to the pictures?

You are wondering? But if I understand you correctly, you own the lens, right? Then there is one obvious way to find out what would happen to the pictures - that will give you the exact answer, not other peoples speculations.

On the other hand, if I misunderstood and you don't own it, then don't buy it.

I am beginning to see a pattern in your posts and I have to say that I think it is false economy to buy stuff in poor condition that you already know or suspect will need repair.

allohse · Mar 5, 2022

Well, I'll try and put it in the sun. The fungus is only on the back, so I shouldn't need to disassemble it, right? As for testing it, everyone is saying the fungus will spread like hell so I'm not sure if I should?

allohse · Mar 5, 2022

I do own it tho. There's a lot of old stuff that was my father's in here, most of it not exactly in top condition. I'm parsing trough all of it, albeit slowly.

Don_ih · Mar 5, 2022

If the fungus is on the surface, wipe it off. There's no reason to not clean the accessible surface of a lens. Blow the dust off, a soft brush to get what won't blow off, then clean it with a soft cloth and some lens cleaner. Even spit will work.

allohse · Mar 5, 2022

It isn't on the surface, as far as I can see.

Just so I can be sure, if I do try to kill the fungus with UV light, could the lens still be (properly) cleaned later? And avoid those problems with flare and such? Not that it seems worth it, but...

allohse · Mar 5, 2022

Well, I tested it on a DSLR and it kinda... looks just fine. It looks OK. Even with all the dust. When it gets sunny I'll try what y'all suggested.

Tel · Mar 5, 2022

Even if it shoots fine as is, do your best to kill the fungus. As others advised, if you ignore it, it may spread. I had a lens that got fungus in it and I left it in a storage closet with other lenses and it spread to a really valuable anamorphic zoom lens. I got that lens repaired but it cost a bundle.

Moose22 · Mar 5, 2022

allohse said:
It isn't on the surface, as far as I can see.

Just so I can be sure, if I do try to kill the fungus with UV light, could the lens still be (properly) cleaned later? And avoid those problems with flare and such? Not that it seems worth it, but...

You CAN properly clean it later, yes. Absolutely.

But, at $60 --- well, you can get a NEW lens for $105. Or a used one with no fungus marks on the glass for $70.

shutterfinger · Mar 5, 2022

There is a Nikon Factory Service Manual available for FREE download for the 50mm f1.8 AF at http://arcticwolfs.net/

allohse · Mar 5, 2022

Alright, thank you! I'll do some reading about it, but if the fungus is in the back (actually, it's in the middle part that moves), should I point the lens towards the sun, or have it come at the back? Either way it will get to the fungus, I guess, so does it matter?

shutterfinger · Mar 5, 2022

If the fungus is in the center then whichever side gives the largest view of the fungus, likely the front.

Don_ih · Mar 6, 2022

Make sure the lens isn't focusing the sun onto something flammable....

allohse · Mar 6, 2022

Don Heisz said:
Make sure the lens isn't focusing the sun onto something flammable....

Does it happen often?

I put the lens in the sun, The metal (?) parts are really hot btw.

shutterfinger · Mar 6, 2022

allohse said:
Does it happen often?

No.

shutterfinger · Mar 6, 2022

allohse said:
I put the lens in the sun, The metal (?) parts are really hot btw.

How long in the sun? How many hours do the location the lens is in get sun?

__Brian · Mar 6, 2022

I use a UV lamp to kill fungus and cure yellowed lenses. If the lens gets too hot- it will dry out the lubricants, and possibly cause them to outgas and spread. I've seen it happen, bought a a Hot-Glass Summicron that was "Sun-Bleached". Was also Sun-Baked.

allohse · Mar 6, 2022

Any cheap UV light would work? How long should I let the lens in the light?

Fungi on Nikkor 50mm AF 1.8

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