Mamiya 645 N series lens dust advice?

[BennyK]

Hi Folks,

I just bought a Mamiya 645N series 45mm lens. I'm new to medium format.

On receipt and inspection of the lens it looks like new showroom condition with no exterior wear whatsoever.

Upon examining the glass there are two things. There seems to be some dust inside the lens which appears as almost clear.

More importantly there are also two little black specs which are thin , symmetrical and rectangular (not organic...perhaps paint specs?) and are different from the other stuff that I perceive as dust.

The 2 black specs are very noticeable when looking up close onto a white surface through the glass.

My question is how much would this affect the photograph? Particularly when I photograph outdoors with lots of blue sky?

I can return this lens if needed. Advice greatly appreciated.

 

[Ian C]

Small particles such as you’ve described have no effect on the image projected onto the film. If you have small particles of opaque black material inside, those are most likely flakes of the dull, black light-absorbing coating applied to the inside of the lens barrel and are of no consequence, not even when photographing a light colored area.

If you’re uncomfortable with the particles inside the lens and can return it, you should do so and find one that’s satisfactory.

We discussed this about 2009 or 2010 or so in a thread entitled something like “Black Specs on Lens”. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing server issues that thread isn’t currently accessible so I can’t provide a link at this time.

 

[CGW]

I wouldn't sweat it. Dust has to be way beyond random specks to soften an image. The black bits may be paint from the interior of the lens and likely won't affect anything either. Your call.

 

[BennyK]

Thanks for the replies.....upon further inspection the black specs were on the front of the lens and I was able to blow them off very carefully. At first I couldn't so I thought they were inside.

 

[Alan W]

Take a look at this 80mm 2.8 mamiya blue dot lens and the resulting photo taken wide open.Looks good to me,despite the lens separation and particles.After experimenting with this I'm never again gonna be afraid of dust!

 

[Alan W]

Here it is !

 

[olwick]

You may want to read this before worrying about small dust particles. Or large ones. http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2011/08/the-apocalypse-of-lens-dust

 

[jjphoto]

The Mamiya 645 lenses see to have special, it's almost a 'super-power', tendencies for attracting and collecting dust internally.

Does it matter? Not really. Except maybe to haggle on the price a bit...

JJ

 

[jjphoto]

You may want to read this before worrying about small dust particles. Or large ones. http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2011/08/the-apocalypse-of-lens-dust

I live Rogers work. Excellent as always.

JJ