Lens separation- influence on image quality?

sandermarijn · Apr 14, 2011

Hi All,

I came across a very nice Rollie TLR, unfortunately with some separation in the taking lens. Will this affect image quality? Loss of contrast perhaps? Would it help to stop down?

Thanks, Sander

greybeard · Apr 14, 2011

If the dark area is the region of separation, then it might not be too bad. But if that is the remaining unseparated zone, then it will probably be disastrous. I was once offered the use of a Rollei with a separated taking lens, and the images were useless even for a 1960s offset-printed newspaper (probably a 60- or 100-line halftone screen).

You could do a test, but be aware that the condition is not going to fix itself, and will probably get worse with time.

sandermarijn · Apr 14, 2011

The dark area is the separation. It will indeed probably get worse, yes. But I'm just wondering about the now for now.

greybeard · Apr 14, 2011

It would only cost one roll of film (assuming that you have access to the camera) to find out. Be sure to try closeup, infinity, backlight, flat field (like a brick wall) and straight lines (really good brick wall, or the equivalent). Color if that your area of interest. It is possible that there are mechanical issues within the lens besides the visible separation, so various type of correction could be compromised.

sandermarijn · Apr 14, 2011

I don't have the camera at hand, unfortunately. Thanks for the tips though.

dpurdy · Apr 14, 2011

That separation won't affect the image quality. And the getting worse part will probably take many years.

Klainmeister · Apr 14, 2011

Separation can be strange. I have owned a lens with very similar separation and it took fine images for about 2 years, wherein the shutter died and i couldn't justify saving it. That said, i don't know how quickly it can spread. If it's a steal of a deal, get it, use it and if things get bad, then you have a nice shelf item (or future investment in lens repair seeing as though those cameras aren't being made anymore).

sandermarijn · Apr 15, 2011

dpurdy said:
That separation won't affect the image quality. And the getting worse part will probably take many years.

Thanks, that's obviously what I wanted to here

sandermarijn · Apr 15, 2011

Klainmeister said:
(or future investment in lens repair seeing as though those cameras aren't being made anymore).

I have asked a well-respected Rollei repair man to give me a rough quote of the repair cost, but he seems a bit slow to answer. I'm expecting something in the 150-250 USD range, although honestly I really don't have a clue how much this type of repair costs.

Dr.Pain-MD · Apr 15, 2011

Can a lens like that be repaired? If so, then I'm sure you can get a great deal on the Rollei.

sandermarijn · Apr 15, 2011

Just got word: it cannot be repaired

(or at least not by this repair man)

dpurdy · Apr 15, 2011

Yes it can be repaired. The lens can be un cemented and then re cemented and re coated. It will cost something in the 300 dollar range, I think it was a bit under that when I had it done to my 2.8 F Rolleiflex with the Planar.
The repairman's name is John Van Stelten
his web site:
http://www.focalpointlens.com/fp_intro.html
he is very reputable.

sandermarijn · Apr 16, 2011

Thanks for the link, but I'm in Europe, which makes this option prohibitively expensive.

dpurdy · Apr 16, 2011

Maybe do some research. I read on another thread someplace that there is a place in France.
Dennis

sandermarijn · Apr 18, 2011

Thanks Dennis. I've given up on this lens though. Repair will be too expensive.

Lens separation- influence on image quality?

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