Fungus

[Debbie Jordan]

Ok why do these cameras get fungus. I never heard of this?
I know I am just learning about this.

I have had this camera for about 15 yrs and never did anything with it until now.

I actually bought a electro 35 on ebay now I am nervous about this fungus thing

 

[b1bmsgt]

The fungus that is referred to is found on the lenses. Apparently some fungi like the coatings on the lenses and decide to make their homes there. It can be removed fairly easily, but often leaves marks on the lenses where it has etched its way through the coating. Unless it is a massive infestation that has covered the entire lens, you will never notice anything on your pictures.

Hope this helps...

Russ

 

[Debbie Jordan]

Thanks to both of you
Now I get it. The camera lived on LI for it's life time and now 3 yrs in a climate controled apartment in NC

I think I will be OK

I just have to check out what I bought on ebay.

 

[Pablito]

fungus grows on the glass in humid and DARK conditions. To avoid it keep the cameras and lenses dry but also keep them without caps in the LIGHT. I disagree with #3, even a moderate infestation can reduce contrast. It can be cleaned but if it's etched itself into the glass the only way to make a real repair is to replace the lens element.

 

[b1bmsgt]

I disagree with #3, even a moderate infestation can reduce contrast

I respectfully disagree with your disagreement. 😀

I have several cameras that I removed fungus from and the pix from them look great, at least to me.


Of course, your mileage may vary...


EDIT: Just found this link in another post. Very interesting!!

http://www.lensrentals.com/news/2008.10.30/front-element-scratches

Russ

 

[b1bmsgt]

Just wanted to bump this to the top.

Russ

 

[Pablito]

I have several cameras that I removed fungus from and the pix from them look great, at least to me.

Sure, if you remove the fungus then the lens will not suffer from the reduced contrast of a fungus infestation. If you catch it early, a good technician can remove fungus without damaging the coating.

You may, of course, disagree that moderate fungus infestation can reduce contrast. I speak from experience as someone who makes a living in photography and who has seen dramatic difference in lens performance in the same lens before and after fungus eradication (an internal element had to be replaced) I have been dealing with the fungus problem for 30+ years of living and working on and off in the tropics, have had dozens of lenses infested, cleaned, etc etc. Sunlight (UV) is the best prevention. You can put your lenses in the direct sun as long as you are mindful they don't get too hot because this could screw up the lubricants.

The link you posted has to do with damage to the front element, not fungus. Fungus can eat at any element in a lens. Internal or rear element damage has much more of an effect on image quality.

 

[b1bmsgt]

I was referring to removed fungus, of course. I imagine that your fungus potential in the tropics is quite a bit greater than mine in the frozen northeast. 🙂
I've probably never seen anything close to what you can get there.

Thanks for the info!

Russ

 

[Pablito]

Indeed, now I live in the frozen Northeast, not too far from you at all. And I've had no fungus problems! ........waiting for the snow to end today........

 

[Peter_Jones]

I have successfully cleaned fungus from a GTN lens - a fairly easy job. Not so much humidity here in Northern England, but the persistent damp causes problems.

 

[john341]

I lived in New Guinea and fungus on lenses was a huge problem-heat,humidity the main offenders. We stored our lenses in a wooden box with silica gel sachets which seemed to help. I remember a friend who had a Contax outfil which had been totally destroyed by fungal invasion .. oh well