Lens Mould/Fungus

[DeanoH]

I'm looking at buying a second hand lens but am wary of the pitfalls. Mention is often made of mould/fungus but I'm unsure if I would recognise this, especially on the inner elements of a lens.
I found this description on the internet...............If its fairly large, fluffy and sponge like then its mold. If its feathery with semi transparent 'tendrils' going all over the place usually in a star pattern then its Fungi and the lens is scrap.
Is it this simple or can it be difficult to spot ? Any chance of a photo showing what I'm looking for ?

Deano

[Offender90]

Generally more of a problem in humid areas, or if it was used in intermittent hot/cold (i.e. indoor / outdoor) environments, where frequent internal condensation would occur.

Both mould and fungus are relatively easy to spot on the glass elements by carefully ispecting the lens through their zoom range. Point the lens up to to a light source, and looking through the glass, look for any dark spots / shapes.

Mould can also grow on the internal walls, which are not as easy to spot, but mould can be removed. Damage by fungus is generally terminal, as fungus byproducts actually etch the glass. They have a white "snowflake" or strand like appearance on the glass surface. Mould on the other hand is usually green and forms in shapes that are generally lacking sharp angles.

No photos of either sorry. Have you tried doing a google image search?

[Chucaro]

Deano call Vintech, they are in
Level 5,
358 Lonsdale St,
Melbourne, Vic, 3000
Ph: (03) 9602 1820

or go to the page HERE (http://www.vintechcamerarepairs.com.au/)

[long stroke]

There is a tiny bit of mold forming in to sections on the inside of the lense of our camera, should we send it away to get it cleaned?

[Chucaro]

There is a tiny bit of mold forming in to sections on the inside of the lense of our camera, should we send it away to get it cleaned?

I would, mold spread like cancer on your gear. It will be cheaper to do it now. Ask for a quote ;)

[long stroke]

I would, mold spread like cancer on your gear. It will be cheaper to do it now. Ask for a quote ;)

Ok, thanks:thumbsup:

[Chucaro]

Long stroke, you are in NSW so you can ring the Camera Service Centre in Sydney
The details are HERE (http://www.cameraservicecentre.powerup.com.au/)

Cheers

[long stroke]

Long stroke, you are in NSW so you can ring the Camera Service Centre in Sydney
The details are HERE (http://www.cameraservicecentre.powerup.com.au/)

Cheers

Sweet, thanks again Chuc:cool:

[DeanoH]

You're a bloody champion Chucaro! Exactly what I want at a good price without the risk. You've got more contacts than Arfur Daley. Thanks again.

Deano