Mold in lenses

8 years 4 months ago #463219 by ShutterPal
I'm buying some older manual lenses.  The seller has told me that a few of them have some mold in them.  How does this happen and how can this be removed.  Better yet, if not practical to remove, will it interfere with image quality?  


Photo Comments
,
8 years 4 months ago #463231 by Tim Dordeck
Well yes, if the mold is growing on the glass elements.  


Photo Comments
,
8 years 4 months ago - 8 years 4 months ago #463268 by effron
Lens fungus isn't good, not a death knell every time either....
photo.stackexchange.com/questions/14794/...how-to-get-rid-of-it

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
8 years 4 months ago #463510 by Roblane
Yeah, unless you got an absolutely killer deal on these, I wouldn't bother.  


Photo Comments
,
8 years 4 months ago #463895 by Colorado Mike
Unless it's a block of cheese, mold in anything is bad news.   I'd pass.  


Photo Comments
,
8 years 4 months ago #463985 by Frisco

Roblane wrote: Yeah, unless you got an absolutely killer deal on these, I wouldn't bother.  



I was thinking the same thing, even with a killer deal.  Still might not be worth it.  

Nikon 18-55mm VR, Nikon 70-200mm VRII f/2.8, Nikon 50mm f/1.8, Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, SB-700 & SB-800
Photo Comments
,
8 years 4 months ago #464171 by Duncan K
So how does the mold get in the start with?


,
8 years 4 months ago #464254 by Don Fischer
I bought my RB67 and it's lens's used and there was mold in one of the lens's. I took it all to a camera shop and had them service everything including cleaning the lens's out, mild all gone. If I remember right it cost me something like $500 to do it but I got the camera I wanted.


,
8 years 4 months ago #464255 by Don Fischer
I bought my RB67 and it's lens's used and there was mold in one of the lens's. I took it all to a camera shop and had them service everything including cleaning the lens's out, mild all gone. If I remember right it cost me something like $500 to do it but I got the camera I wanted.


,
8 years 4 months ago #464257 by Screamin Scott
The correct answer is "it depends". How bad is the fungus?. Extensive cases can etch the glass causing the images to be soft. A small amount may be cleaned & you would never notice the difference.... I've had lenses with fungus. The images can be salvaged in post to some degree. If it's not a bad case of fungus & the price is right, it may be worth it, otherwise, pass...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

Photo Comments
,
8 years 4 months ago #464345 by Ben Vanderbilt
Although I agree, it depends on the amount of mold.  However if you want a good indicator as to what the lens is worth.  Call up someone like KEH.com and tell them you have a lens with mold in it, and see what they offer you for it.  


Photo Comments
,
8 years 4 months ago #464349 by effron
A thread like this can get some people worked up, and all photographers should read this article. Not all mold, fungus, scratches, spots, etc are the same.....
www.kenrockwell.com/tech/flashlight-test.htm

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Using leading lines in photography helps improve the composition by drawing viewers in and leading their eye from the foreground to the background. Explore some fine examples of this in this guide!

Apr 24, 2024

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024