Lens Haze - Recommend a Repair Facility

[Old-N-Feeble]

I recently purchased a pricey 360mm Fujinon-A and there's minor haze inside both cell groups. I want to keep the lens if I can afford the repair because it's otherwise very nice. I would be very disappointed if I must return it.

I received a 'guess' regarding repair from Focal Point (recommended by Flutot's) of US$200-300 if the haze is on air-glass surfaces or US$500-600 if the haze is between cemented elements. The prices don't included two-way shipping. I can live with the smaller figure but the costlier fee would be very painful and would increase total cost of the lens far beyond its reasonable value.

CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A GOOD REPAIR FACILITY THAT CAN DO THIS WORK AT AFFORDABLE PRICE?

 

[bdial]

I don't have any other sources, but I can highly recommend Focal Point, based on a re-coat and clean they did for me.
I would think that there are few shops that could separate cemented elements and get them back together properly collimated.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

Thank you... that's a mix of both good news and bad. I shudder to think of a $600-700 repair bill, including shipping/handling. That would hurt very badly and drive the total price of the lens far beyond its fair value.

 

[paul ron]

CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A GOOD REPAIR FACILITY THAT CAN DO THIS WORK AT AFFORDABLE PRICE?

hahahaha its not easy anymore. most of the repair guys retired or dead. so the few left are capitalising on a dead market.

 

[Jim Noel]

Return it.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Mike, I just took a look at a Fuji lens. Not a 360 A, so what I saw may not be true for your lens.

The lens I looked at has an inner group that's held in place by a ring with two slots for a spanner. Its outer group is held in place by a ring that has two slots for a spanner. The slots are partially hidden by the trim ring.

If you have the spanner needed and the haze is not in the cement (unlikely with modern cements, Schneider's problems notwithstanding) you should be able to do the job yourself.

Alternatively, send the lens to Focal Point or Flutot's for an estimate. They've already guessed what might be wrong, but guessing is no substitute for an inspection that will identify the problem. I'd be surprised if either charges you for looking at the lens. For that matter, can't you look at it to determine where the haze is?

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

Dan, you're always very helpful and generous with your knowledge. Thank you.

I do have spanner wrenches but can no longer trust myself not to cause damage to the lens groups. My hands simply aren't steady enough and the strength is leaving my hands.

Flutot's informed me they don't do this type of work. Focal Point's lowest 'guess' is $200-300 if the fog is on air-glass surfaces and $500-600 or more if in the cement.

I don't know if either company will charge for an estimate... I didn't ask and neither stated such. I realize that guessing is just that... a guess. I can't tell from assembled visual inspection where the fog is located. I can post pics if that helps.