Saving a lens

[Carlsen Highway]

I have a Zeiss Sonnar 50mm collapsable that came with my Contax IIa. From the serial number I think it is from 1936. It doesnt look like its coated though.

Anyway, my problem, is that the lens has obviously has some fungus in under the front element at some stage. The rear element is fine.
I believe that it has been cleaned out becasue the leafs of the aperture when they move you can see some oil on there...plus the fungus is gone, just the remaining damage perhaps.

Its got some lightish marks that are visable and the lens overall doesnt seem to be very contrasy compared to looking at my others held to the light.

I have read mentioned on this site and others about "reconditioning" or repolishing lenses....is this an option or not? I dont know how much can be achieved with this type of thing since I only just learned of it.

I have so far relogated this lens to " Soft focus portraits" (which I never take). But its just a shame,.....I wish there was something that could be done.
I have half a roll taken with it but havnt developed it yet.

just thinking out loud. Does anybody have any experiences with fixing lenses like this? Is it even possible?

 

[marcust101]

Carlsen,

I emailed DAG about geting a lens repolished, he told me it was possible but expensive. You could ask him though it may take a while to get a response. All that said I don't know if he does Contax, I'm sure somone else does though

best of luck

Marcus

 

[xayraa33]

the lens might be a better performer than you think.
I would wait till you see the prints, you might be surprised on how good it really is.

 

[Hacker]

http://www.focalpointlens.com/ (recoat)

http://www.zeisscamera.com/ (overhaul)

 

[Roger Hicks]

http://www.optil.co.uk/

They've done work for me, and they're Ministry of Defence contractors, and they're very good. Contact 'em!

Cheers,

R.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Wow....great links!!

Thanks.

Ray

 

[ferider]

John at Focalpoint has recoated two lenses for me. He does great work. It only works though, to replace existing coating, he can not "fix" damage to the glass.

Best,

Roland.

 

[Carlsen Highway]

Thanks for those links you guys.