Canon 50/1.8 - supposed to be this soft??

[TheHub]

Last year I picked up a Canon P with 50/1.8 lens and original case for a pretty good price. I noticed with the lens that it's soft ... like VERY soft. Here's an example: http://flickr.com/photos/nagoya_boston/2533825136/

Notice especially up at the top how soft the sunshine is.

Another sample is here: http://www.pbase.com/nickinnagoya/image/89341645 again, notice how soft it is around the lights.

I'm wondering if this is because the lens is dirty or scratched or old or something. Even if it is I'm not going to get it fixed because I love the effect, especially with slide flim at night: http://flickr.com/photos/nagoya_boston/2460860120/in/set-72157604975150662

Still, it has me wondering ...

 

[TheHub]

This link here: http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/6109/clean.htm mentions using soapy water to remove haze. If it's really that easy I just might try it! 🙂

 

[payasam]

I had a Serenar 50/1.8 for 17 years, and it was good and sharp.

 

[Pherdinand]

indicates haze, as said above.
Not necessarily a bad thing. Can come out very interesting with bright colours (on colour film of course). Try it before u clean it.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I just cleaned a 50/1.8- haze on the rear surface, the one behind the aperture. It "usually" comes off, I use ammonia based eye-glass cleaner. You'll need a spanner, or at least a set of needle-nosed pliers.

 

[Shac]

Shine a flashlight through the lens - this should give you a good idea of the extent of the haze/fungus.
I have a Canon 1.8 - it had haze and I was able to open it and clean it without problems. It's a lovely sharp little lens