LF Lens Separation

[davetravis]

I'm shopping for 4x5 lens on the bay, and I see mention of LS? They describe it all throughout the exterior surfaces.
On the edges, etc.
Has anyone used one of these?
How much does it affect edge to edge sharpness?
Can you just "work around" the problem?
Thanks.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Yes.

Sometimes a lot, sometimes not much.

Sometimes.

Given free choice, don't buy a lens with separations.

 

[Ole]

A little bit of edge separation is quite common in old lenses (pre-WWII), and will generally only hurt sales price.

Newer (post 1970's) lenses with separation are not worth the trouble, IMO - it will only get worse.

Angulons with separation are an absolute no-no. Don't even think of buying one. The lens cement is the only thing holding the elements together, so if the separation spreads they will quite literally drop off!