Grease on front lens element?

SalveSlog · Nov 2, 2014

Going further with my learing attempt..
Pictured is the front element of a Voigtländer Vito B. Arond the edge of the lens is something that looks and feels like tar. But what is it? And what am I to do with it?

AgX · Nov 2, 2014

It looks as if the posterior lens element is fixed that way.

nsurit · Nov 2, 2014

It looks like a classic case of, "If it isn't broken, don't try to fix it." It doesn't look like the black stuff will interfer with the functioning of the lens and removal might, so don't mess with it.

RalphLambrecht · Nov 2, 2014

nsurit said:
It looks like a classic case of, "If it isn't broken, don't try to fix it." It doesn't look like the black stuff will interfer with the functioning of the lens and removal might, so don't mess with it.

I agree,Itlooks like lens cement.leave as is.messing with it will only make it potentially worse.if it still bothers you,take it to a camera repair man of your trustbut I don't think it does any harm as is

summicron1 · Nov 2, 2014

you say it feels like tar -- does it rub off like grease, or is it hard?

Just a guess: The rear element protrudes there and someone, in the past, felt a need to blacken the edge of the element to cut down on glare. The Sharpie hadn't been invented yet, so he/she used some black tar, or something similar.

If it doesn't smear on the rear element, and it doesn't do any other harm, leave it be.

SalveSlog · Nov 2, 2014

Thanks, all. I'll leave it.

I have not been able to make this cameras shutter cock. It has big dents both at the bottom and top edges, so that's why I felt I could risk take it apart. And I've learned a lot. And got all parts back together!

Summicron1, it's quite hard but still somewhat tacky.

shutterfinger · Nov 2, 2014

I would remove the black stuff with a single edge razor blade then wipe the lens edge and barrel with a rag moistened with either acetone or lacquer thinner to remove the final traces and clean the surfaces. Once fully clean paint the edge with flat black enamel and a small artist brush. Use the acetone or lacquer thinner sparingly as they may dissolve the cement holding the element to the barrel.

John Koehrer · Nov 3, 2014

shutterfinger said:
I would remove the black stuff with a single edge razor blade then wipe the lens edge and barrel with a rag moistened with either acetone or lacquer thinner to remove the final traces and clean the surfaces. Once fully clean paint the edge with flat black enamel and a small artist brush. Use the acetone or lacquer thinner sparingly as they may dissolve the cement holding the element to the barrel.

Me too, It would bother me no end if I knew it was there.

paul ron · Nov 4, 2014

That is deteriorated edge blackening. Remove it with denatured alcohol then re paint it with krylon ultra flat black paint using a small brush to apply it liberally to ensure an opaque covering. You can apply a second n third coating after a good drying out.

If you get any on the lens surface, just scrape it off with your fingernail.

Grease on front lens element?

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