Dust or fungus?

[akptc]

I have this gorgeous (to the naked eye, under sunlight) 50mm lens that is a stunning performer, especially wide open. Earlier today I got hold of a good point light source and peeked through the glass to discover this:

The "dirt" appears to be closer to the rear of the lens.

I am in Arizona and don't recall ever having fungus on any gear. What does this look like to you? I got this lens from Norway nearly a year ago but never checked it under strong light, wonder if this "dirt" has been there all along and just got dried up in the desert climate. Frankly, not a clue.

Btw, where would you recommend I send it to be cleaned?

I'd appreciate any and all advice.

 

[Chris101]

Usually fungus has a more filiment like look to it, which this does not have. This looks more like elements becoming de-cemented to me.

 

[alexnotalex]

Most old lenses look scary with the flashlight test, but mostly it's not a problem.

Concentrate on the results you're getting... if you think they are still "stunning" even after the shock that your lens has had some "extra features" then do you really have a problem?

Have fun!

Alex

 

[sevo]

Not fungus proper (fungus is more filamentous). It might be condensation, or condensation overgrown by single-cell organisms (algae or bacteria). I would not even rule out Schneideritis (edge paint separation), as there are lens edges visible among the spots.

 

[cambolt]

Lenses are for taking pictures through, not for shining torches through 😛

 

[Neare]

I believe they call those artifacts "character".

 

[akptc]

Most old lenses look scary with the flashlight test, but mostly it's not a problem. Concentrate on the results you're getting... if you think they are still "stunning" even after the shock that your lens has had some "extra features" then do you really have a problem? Have fun! Alex

That's funny: I just spoke with a well-known RF repair place and that's almost exactly what they said 🙂

What makes me want to pursue cleaning options though is the fact that the front element on this classic old lens is perfectly preserved, i.e. pretty much flawless, and this just spoils the image for me, so to speak 🙂

 

[Kent]

Not fungus proper (fungus is more filamentous). It might be condensation, or condensation overgrown by single-cell organisms (algae or bacteria). I would not even rule out Schneideritis (edge paint separation), as there are lens edges visible among the spots.

That sounds like a good explanation.
As others have said, it's not what fungus normally looks like.

 

[akptc]

Well, the lens is off to Youxin, crossing my fingers ..