Scratched rear element = ruined lens?

[Horatio]

Recently came across a lens for sale that has several visible scratches on the rear element. How badly would this compromise IQ? I saw a YouTube video last year where someone deliberately scratched the front element of a lens until the IQ became objectionable. IIRC, it took quite a lot of abuse before IQ suffered. I’ll try to post a photo later.

 

[awty]

Depends where it is and how badly. Wide open it may increase flare. If its in the middle it might affect image when stopped down. Usually rear element has much more impact on the image than the front element.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Try it out. If you don't like what it does, fill the scratches with India ink.

 

[Horatio]

 

[BrianShaw]

I’d donate that lens to a dumpster.

 

[Horatio]

Try it out. If you don't like what it does, fill the scratches with India ink.

I’m unfamiliar with that trick.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

 

[Horatio]

I’d donate that lens to a dumpster.

The seller is asking $200.

 

[awty]

Tell him he's dreaming.

 

[Horatio]

Tell him he's dreaming.

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

Depending on the Nikkor it may still be able to locate another rear element.

 

[Horatio]

Depending on the Nikkor it may still be able to locate another rear element.

It’s a 20mm f2.8 AF-D.

 

[Horatio]

Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

I googled it. If it’s good enough for Leica...

 

[awty]

It’s a 20mm f2.8 AF-D.

Thats a great lens, my favorite nikkor wide. I paid $12 for mine and it came with a F4 and hb-4.

 

[BrianShaw]

The seller is asking $200.

Avert your eyes. Look elsewhere!

 

[Horatio]

Thats a great lens, my favorite nikkor wide. I paid $12 for mine and it came with a F4 and hb-4.

Sounds like you got quite a deal!

 

[KinoGrafx]

Keh has one that’s not all scratched up right now for $237, just for reference

 

[Horatio]

Keh has one that’s not all scratched up right now for $237, just for reference

Thanks. Not sure I need something that wide anyway. I have a nice Nikkor 24mm f2.8, but its non-AI.

 

[awty]

yes you do, you need all the lenses.

 

[removedacct1]

View attachment 269632

This amount of damage will have practically zero effect on image quality. However, that price is a bit high for a lens with conspicuous damage to one of the surfaces.

 

[Nitroplait]

I would buy it for $100 just for fun if I didn’t already own one. Scratches on wide lenses are more likely to impact results - and on the rear element even more so. The results from this lens will be negatively impacted, the question is just how much.
$200? Move along.

 

[Huss]

yes you do, you need all the lenses.

I approve of this message.

 

[Huss]

Scratches on the front element - at worst it can increase flaring if the sun/light source is angled just so.
Scratches/marks on the back element? A huge deal. That definitely will cause image degradation.
You can test this yourself by putting a piece of lint/hair/make a mark with a removable marker in a non destructive way if you wish on the back element of your test lens.
It will be noticeable.

$200 is the going rate for this lens if it is in great shape from a private seller.

This guy is asking $210 for one in great shape:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1687178/0?keyword=20mm#15499303

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Are those scratches right in the glass, or just on the coating?

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I have a Cooke Series II 10.4" Anastigmat that has significant scratches to the glass on both front and rear elements, and the barrel looks like a very patient dog eventually got tired of chewing on it. But it is capable of this:

and this:

and even this:

So if you can get the price down on that lens, I'd use it in good health.