Should I get a new 80mm lens?

[brainmonster]

When I look through my Vega 12-B (90mm 2.8) from the back it doesn't look too bad, but looking at it from the front, you can see a number of small scratches. Here's looking through a light. Actually looking at it, it looks kind of dusty and maybe worth a cleaning...

Should I get a new lens, will these kinds of defects, even after cleaning, effect image quality? I've attached an image taken with my Kiev 6c below it. The results so far are "OK", but no flocking inside the camera either. I'm thinking of getting a Volna, maybe it will have less scratches with better multi-coating, and being newer.

Actually I've heard these lenses are comparable, but probably differences between the condition of models will make the most difference. I haven't tried doesn't portraits yet but I'm worried it will make a difference.

 

[Neil Grant]

..it doesn't look hugely dusty, but cleaning it will reduce flare - more noticeable 'against the light'. Can you easily remove the outer elements to get to the lens interior?

 

[shutterfinger]

Small scratches on the front will have little or no noticeable effect on images made with the lens. Scratches on the rear element will affect images made with the lens. Internal haze will reduce overall contrast or cause flare in some lighting conditions.

 

[ic-racer]

I have been around the block a few times and seen a lot. If I hold all my lenses to the light like that, I'd have to throw most of them out. I'd keep using that like you are.
I also recently purchased a late model Rollei lens here on apug that otherwise was like new with some known fine scratches on it. I'm very happy with the lens performance and laughed all the way to the bank. The lens was 1/10 the price of a new one.

 

[brainmonster]

OK. In my experience small scratches don't affect image quality much, so it sounds like a newer lens may not have much of an effect.

This image is looking at it from the front, looking into the front element towards the rear element. I think this means that the scratches are on the rear element though, so might they affect IQ more?

If I look through the rear element towards the front, into the light, I don't see any scratches.

I have been around the block a few times and seen a lot. If I hold all my lenses to the light like that, I'd have to throw most of them out. I'd keep using that like you are.
I also recently purchased a late model Rollei lens here on apug that otherwise was like new with some known fine scratches on it. I'm very happy with the lens performance and laughed all the way to the bank. The lens was 1/10 the price of a new one.

 

[moto-uno]

There are a few articles on the web , where a fellow increasingly marks and damages a lens and shows the pics . It's absolutely shocking
how damaged that lens was before the pictures actually showed anything . YMMV . Peter

 

[Ariston]

Your lens doesn't look that bad to me. In my experience, haze is the worst offender for affecting image quality.