Cleaning a Hazed Sonnar

[rover]

This is actually a good news story. I picked up a 50/2 Sonnar from ebay, and was pretty disappointed with it when I looked at it. The barrel is fine, but the glass was pretty dirty. I threw it on the bed in my guest bed room with the intent of returning it, but then got to thinking. Friday night I got the spanner wrench out and started taking off rings, I got her disassembled, but couldn't get the elements out. Yesterday morning I went on a search, found some good info and went at it again. A little force here, some pushing there, and I disassembled the lens!!!!!

Well, I was able to do a good job cleaning the rear and inner elements, but there is still some haze on the inside of the front element (group), which now will seem like cake to get too.

So, my question, what do you guys use to clean lens haze? This is a CZO T coated lens. If I can get in there with a better wash I may be able to make this lens pretty good, not great, still with a little character, but OK.

And no, I am not returning it to the seller in better condition how I received it. And perhaps the best news is that I was able to reassemble the lens with out any extra parts!!!

 

[dexdog]

Rover, my favorite general purpose cleaner is Windex, with Ronsonol as a backup for oily and greasy crud.

Did you have to tap the lens elements out using a dowel? I have seen a web site (perhaps Mike Kovacs or Mike Elek) where someone did this, but I am not that brave.

 

[rover]

Yes, the post and sites of the Mikes are the ones I found yesterday to get my guts up again to work on it.

The front and rear groups came out with a little prying. Same with the inner, but ultimately I put on a cotton glove and gave it a little push, no need for a dowel.

 

[rover]

I used eyeglass cleaner yesterday, I will be a little more aggressive next time I take the element out.

Now, as for Barbie toys, my son doesn't even allow me to enter that isle. 😉