Help me identify what is wrong with a lens I purchased.

Radost · May 7, 2022

Just purchased a camera that came with this lens as a bonus.
Something is wrong with the front glass.
Have you seen this before? Who can I send it to to be CLAd?
Thank You

Sirius Glass · May 7, 2022

I have been happy with Carol Flutot's work. https://flutotscamerarepair.com/

dxqcanada · May 7, 2022

That front lens element exhibits surface scratches and internal haze.
Possibly could be cleaned ... but I do not think can without re-polishing.

summicron1 · May 7, 2022

have you tried cleaning it? I mean--coupla drops of windex and gently wipe around and see what comes off?

Withut more info no way to help you with this, but that's where you start. If the front glass is etched like that you either have to find someone who can replace the front element, or you have a paper weight.

gone · May 7, 2022

See them 2 holes on either side of the front trim ring? get a sharp pointed pair of long nose pliers or something, unscrew it, and the front element might just be removable. If that ugly stuff is between cemented elements, return it or sell it.

xkaes · May 7, 2022

That lens looks like it has every possible problem -- except scratches. Looks like water damage, fungus, element separation, mold, coating deterioration.........Should I go on?

John Koehrer · May 7, 2022

It looks like water damage to me too. Can you see the aperture blades? If you can, and there's rust
on them it's a peachy paper weight. The cost of repair on it will far exceed the price of a new used one.

Radost · May 7, 2022

I got the lens as a free bonus but won’t be mad if I clean it to use. I have the Minolta 90mm F4 2nd gen and I like it a lot.

xkaes · May 7, 2022

Isn't this the lens that was just recovered from the wreck of the Endurance -- used by the photographer on Shackleton's ill-fated Antarctic trek 100 years ago?

Ian Grant · May 8, 2022

True Lens Services in the UK could probably repair it. Their location in Leicester would indicate possible loose ties to Cooke Optics, although they are a separate company. However, I'd guess they are expensive, one of the example lenses repaired is around £25,000 new.

Ian

AgX · May 8, 2022

dxqcanada said:
That front lens element exhibits surface scratches and internal haze.

I do not see this.
There either has taken place front surface corrosion, or some sort of deposition.
See the deposit along the edge of the retaining ring.

Nitroplait · May 8, 2022

Radost said:
I got the lens as a free bonus but won’t be mad if I clean it to use. I have the Minolta 90mm F4 2nd gen and I like it a lot.

It was obviously free for a reason, but doesn't harm asking someone for an estimate - but my guess is that the person who gave it to you already did.

Don_ih · May 8, 2022

I'd just take it apart and see if it can be cleaned. I'd expect whatever caused the front to look that way is throughout the lens, though - and that it would be a total mess inside.

bdial · May 8, 2022

Member @Nodda Duma has experience in fixing lenses. Though this one looks like it needs a miracle.

Sirius Glass · May 8, 2022

Keep in mind that the lens is "free" so that if the repairs are too expensive, find another one. There are plenty of lenses available.

Huss · May 8, 2022

Lens looks good to me.

Radost · May 8, 2022

Sirius Glass said:
Keep in mind that the lens is "free" so that if the repairs are too expensive, find another one. There are plenty of lenses available.

Yes pretty much if I can not fix it it will go on my camera shelf

Sirius Glass · May 8, 2022

Radost said:
Yes pretty much if I can not fix it it will go on my camera shelf

Use it as a paper weight, then at least it will be doing something useful.

GregY · May 8, 2022

It is a beautiful paperweight.... i wish i still had my first 'fat' Tele-elmarit.

grat · May 8, 2022

I would guess deposits as well. If they haven't affected the coating (if there is any), then it should be recoverable, although I think as someone else suggested, I'd unscrew the front plate, and see if the lens can be removed.

I've seen some surprisingly nasty lenses and filters clean up quite well.

Maybe soak the element in some distilled water, brush it down with a lint-free cloth, and then clean with windex / alcohol or similar.

jnamia · May 8, 2022

Radost said:
Just purchased a camera that came with this lens as a bonus.
Something is wrong with the front glass.
Have you seen this before? Who can I send it to to be CLAd?
Thank You

View attachment 304916

Hi Radost

I'd take the beauty ring off and clean that glass with a little warm water and dish soap, a little spit and cigarette ash so you can get light to go through it I wouldn't worry about the aperture. .. put it on a camera and see what it does. looks to be a nice secret weapon.

Nodda Duma · May 9, 2022

Radost said:
Yes pretty much if I can not fix it it will go on my camera shelf

Be happy to take a look. I can repolish and recoat if needed. Send me a PM.

-Jason

Saganich · May 9, 2022

The T-E's are known for etching from mold on rear elements, which rendered them useless. This appears to be the case on the front element, which should be cleanable. That said I personally wouldn't spend any money on this lens.

Steve906 · May 11, 2022

Ian Grant said:
True Lens Services in the UK could probably repair it. Their location in Leicester would indicate possible loose ties to Cooke Optics, although they are a separate company. However, I'd guess they are expensive, one of the example lenses repaired is around £25,000 new.

Ian

Hi, I worked there for the past 8 years, Also Cooke and Taylor Hobson previously, would love to have go at this just for the challenge.!!!

Radost · May 12, 2022

Just received the lens tried to wash with warm water. Got cleaned a little bit but still does not show clear glass

Help me identify what is wrong with a lens I purchased.

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