What causes fungus on camera lenses?

3 years 9 months ago #688580 by Joe Vertz
I just noticed that on my 50mm lens which I haven't used in a long time, it has some fungus growing on the front element behind the lens cap.  I thought this only happens with crazy old lenses?  What causes fungus?

I just used spray cleaner on cloth and it cleaned up.  Greenish black muck.  


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3 years 9 months ago #688581 by Nikon Shooter
A fungus spreads with spores finding their way in or depositing
on different objects.

It is only after a very long time that they will scar glass. Hydrogen
peroxide blend with ammonia is a good method. Vinegar + water
is an other solution to remedy the fungus problem.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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3 years 9 months ago #688586 by fmw
Fungus results from moisture, usually in the form of humidity.  If it is on your front element then it should be fairly trivial to resolve.  I would simply remove the front element and clean it up with with hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or both.  You don't want to ignore it.  It will get worse and get into the elements that actually form the image that are much harder to remove and replace.  The front element just gathers light and aims it toward the focal point. so it is the least important element in terms of image quality.

If this doesn't sound like something you want to do, then send the lens to a repair shop.  Don't ignore it.


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3 years 9 months ago #688600 by Joe Vertz
OK, thank you guys.  Going to clean this.  Is there any permanent way to prevent this?


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3 years 9 months ago - 3 years 9 months ago #688602 by Nikon Shooter

Joe Vertz wrote: Is there any permanent way to prevent this?


Yes…

1, never unpack and use your gear! :(
2, don't leave your stuff at rest for too long:
    get out and shoot more! :)

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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