Leica 90mm glass scratches

[jglass]

I just got a bargain 90mm tele-elmarit from KEH. There are a number of light, more or less superficial scratches on the front element. The lens was rated "Bargain" but this seems more like "ugly" to me, when combined with the rather worn and scratched cosmetics and the sticky aperture ring.

I'm testing it now, but am inclined to send it back. People are all the time saying those kind of scratches don't affect image quality, but it bugs me and I can't believe it does not have some effect. I really don't know how to test it bcs I don't have another clean lens to test it against.

These lenses don't come along that often and I hate shopping, but I'll probably send it back.

Anyone want to weigh in and tell me their experience with scratched front elements on Leica lenses?

 

[Xmas]

I just got a bargain 90mm tele-elmarit from KEH. There are a number of light, more or less superficial scratches on the front element. The lens was rated "Bargain" but this seems more like "ugly" to me, when combined with the rather worn and scratched cosmetics and the sticky aperture ring.

I'm testing it now, but am inclined to send it back. People are all the time saying those kind of scratches don't affect image quality, but it bugs me and I can't believe it does not have some effect. I really don't know how to test it bcs I don't have another clean lens to test it against.

These lenses don't come along that often and I hate shopping, but I'll probably send it back.

Anyone want to weigh in and tell me their experience with scratched front elements on Leica lenses?

Hi

Scratches will reduce the contrast but you wont be able to detect this, (fog if the lens has it) would kill the contrast. If you are using B&W the shadows will be easier to print, color the shades more pastel.

If you wanted a collector you should have bought a higher grade. If you cant afford better then a CV 90 mm + LTM/M adapter probably have better optical performance and should be cheaper, but that wont be a Leica.

Noel

 

[Ian Grant]

Sometimes early coated lenses have superficial cleaning marks which are the coating itself rather than the glass, this was once common because the coatings are relatively soft, later multi-coated surfaces are very significantly tougher and far less prone to cleaning marks.

I've seen and used Leitz lenses like this and there's was no drop in image quality at all, nor should any be expected. However if the glass itself is scratched then that's a different matter.

Ian

 

[lxdude]

Though their bargain stuff usually is very clean, sometimes it is true to the grade description. I've gotten a few BGN items that were definitely not conformant to a higher grade. I got one lens that I think was either mislabeled or was misgraded due to lack of careful inspection, and should have been an UG (very worn finish, a web of fine scratches covering the front element, a really mistreated lens). I sent that one back, no problem.

The aperture ring should not be sticking. They guarantee their stuff to work. If you're not happy I think you should send it back. Maybe after checking it they will agree with you and decide to lower the price.

 

[elekm]

My own experience is "it depends." You have to shoot some photos to tell. That's always the best test.

On an overcast day, it might not have any effect. It might be more noticeable on a sunny day.

But I agree that if you're not happy, you should return it. There are some downsides to bottom feeding.

 

[jglass]

Yes, I agree about bottom feeding, though Bargain grade at KEH is usually quite good and glass is usu. much better than this. That said, the first negatives I've looked at from this lens looked pretty good although it's difficult to tell what they would look like without scratches. I'll probably send it back, primarily because of the sticky focus and a picture rings and the extent of cleaning marks on the glass. Thanks for your comments.

 

[lxdude]

I'll probably send it back, primarily because of the sticky focus and a picture rings and the extent of cleaning marks on the glass.

Hey, those a picture rings are very uncommon! Just turn it, you're guaranteed a picture. A nice feature for the more klutzy among us.


Seriously, if the focus ring sticks too, I'd return it. If you're laying out substantial money you should be happy with your purchase at the outset, IMO.