Schneider 4.5\80 XL white mist

Ian Leake · Nov 10, 2024

I dug out one of my old unused lenses: a Schneider XL 4.5/80. One of the internal front surfaces is covered in a white mist. Any idea what this could be? Is it repairable? Or am I right to assume the lens is now useless?

ic-racer · Nov 10, 2024

Sometimes it wipes off, sometimes it doesn't.

I'll guess that is permanent, but you might be able to reduce it somewhat like this:

Ian Leake · Nov 10, 2024

I'll give it a try. Nothing to loose, I suppose

Ian Leake · Nov 10, 2024

There's a retaining ring on the front, which came off easily. However, behind that the lens component seems to be bonded into the housing. The white stuff is inside it. I guess it's a write-off. :-(

ic-racer · Nov 10, 2024

Try tapping in on the workbench, I think the elements should come out.

This is the Fujinon Superwide shown above. There were just two groups (the rear being glued together) and the fog was behind the front element. Your superwide might be similar.

MARTIE · Nov 10, 2024

I don't wish to over simplify, but might it just be a bit of condensation?

I've had lenses that seemed to 'steam up' but after leaving the cells out and acclimatising all was well when put back together.

Ian Leake · Nov 10, 2024

MARTIE said:
I don't wish to over simplify, but might it just be a bit of condensation?

I've had lenses that seemed to 'steam up' but after leaving the cells out and acclimatising all was well when put back together.

Thanks, but no. It's been in the same moderate climate for the last 2-3 years

abruzzi · Nov 10, 2024

I would guess that it is unlikely to affect the image once stopped down. So if you intend to shoot at ƒ4.5 then find it a new home, but if you are going to shoot at ƒ22, I don't think it would have any impact.

AERO · Nov 11, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=white+mist++inside+a++lens

xkaes · Nov 11, 2024

It's simple to test it out before you write it off. Compare the results to another lens with the same subject. You might be surprised.

therepairman · Nov 13, 2024

Ian Leake said:
I dug out one of my old unused lenses: a Schneider XL 4.5/80. One of the internal front surfaces is covered in a white mist. Any idea what this could be? Is it repairable? Or am I right to assume the lens is now useless?

View attachment 383087

I'm a vintage camera repairman and restorer.
These kind of issues may be repairable, unless the crystal is eroded.
I strongly recommend to send the lens to a professional and ask for his/her assessment.

Ian Leake · Nov 13, 2024

I found this entry on eBay: Schneider 80mm Super Symmar XL f/4.5 105° aspheric large format lens (read). The seller writes, "This is a well documented issue to do with outgassing of new lenses, and can often be cleaned..."

The photo of the problem looks the same as my lens. So yes, hopefully it's repairable. As I haven't used this lens in 10 years, I think I'll offer it for sale at a nice discount for someone who wants to try repairing it or using it stopped down.

ic-racer · Nov 13, 2024

You gave up? The lens elements won't come out? That is not good. Maybe not so 'easily cleaned...'

therepairman · Nov 13, 2024

Lens elements should come out by just reversing the whole lens toward your palm.
Or, try pushing gently from back, blades wide open, after removing the optical back group.

maruti660 · Jan 28, 2025

Oh! That's a sad sight. My friend had previously purchased this XL80mm lens and had the same problem. It seems to be the effect of the adhesive that Schneider uses on this lens. It can be removed by grinding, but that would remove the coating...

DREW WILEY · Jan 28, 2025

Earlier serial numbers of both 80 and 110 XL's had defective cementing. It's not easily remediated. Schneider offered a limited quantity of replacement lenses; but that warranty opportunity is long gone by now.

Schneider 4.5\80 XL white mist

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