Crack in G.Zuiko 42/1.7 inner element?

[Swift1]

Hi all, I've been a member here for awhile but I've mostly just been lurking.
I recently purchased an Olympus 35 SPn for not exactly a low price. I received it today and the camera appears in fine condition, everything appears to be in working order, except there is what looks like a 3/8" long crack inside the lens, in one of the inner elements.
It is hairline but doesn't appear to be a scratch.
How could an inner element get cracked?
There is a slight indent next to the hotshoe and the plastic window over the CDS cell is loose, but the lens or camera don't appear to have received any serious impact.
Have any of you run across something like this before?

I imagine it would significantly reduce the cameras value?

How much might it affect IQ?

Thanks in advance,

Colton

 

[farlymac]

Could be the previous owner either had it worked on, or tried to repair it himself, and the rear element retainer was overtightened. And it depends on where in the element the crack is running, as to whether it will affect the image. If it intrudes into the center of the lens, then it will be a problem. If it is in a semi-circle towards the outer perifery, you may get some occasional flaring, unless the lens is stopped down.

My suggestion is to return it for a full refund, because right now, it's a parts camera.

PF

 

[Swift1]

I will most likely return it for refund.
The crack is along the circumference on an inner element.
Pity, other than that, the camera seems to be fully functioning.

Colton

 

[dtcls100]

If it is on the edge of the element, it could also be the beginning of lens separation, which could get worse. I would return it. I unfortunately had to return a rare Olympus 35 UC for lens separation issues.

 

[sevo]

It will most likely be separation, perhaps also starting fungus or traces of past water immersion, but no crack - tangential or circular cracks in glass are extremely unusual.

 

[Swift1]

It will most likely be separation, perhaps also starting fungus or traces of past water immersion, but no crack - tangential or circular cracks in glass are extremely unusual.

It sure looks like a crack to me. Looked at straight on it is almost slightly jagged. Looked at from the side in bright light, it almost reflects light like it has depth.
If it is separation, is it repairable?

 

[farlymac]

I've got a Zeiss Contina III with a crack that runs right through the center of the middle element. Now that's what I call some serious seperation.

PF

 

[Frontman]

The camera might have been exposed to extreme cold, or pressure changes during shipment. I have some spare 42mm G Zuiko front lens groups if you want one. The front lens group can be swapped out with a minimum of tools.

 

[Swift1]

The camera might have been exposed to extreme cold, or pressure changes during shipment. I have some spare 42mm G Zuiko front lens groups if you want one. The front lens group can be swapped out with a minimum of tools.

Thank for your kind offer but I've decide to return the camera.

Colton

 

[farlymac]

The camera might have been exposed to extreme cold, or pressure changes during shipment. I have some spare 42mm G Zuiko front lens groups if you want one. The front lens group can be swapped out with a minimum of tools.

While we are talking front elements and such, would the front group in a Yashica GL be the same as the one in the GX? If so, I think I've just come up with a plan for that parts GX I got off you last year.

PF