Funky white stuff mystery in Pen 40/1.4

[Apra]

Can anyone diagnose what ails this lens I got from e-youknowwhere? The inside of the lens barrel is lined with these white-ish spots, and I can't tell if they are on the lens elements, or on the barrel itself. After some googling around, I think it could be either paint loss (aka "Schneideritis"), or separation of the lens elements due to balsam failure. Of course, I'm hoping it's the first. Any ideas?

 

[keytarjunkie]

I'm not an expert, but it looks like separation of the elements.

 

[Apra]

Yeah, I'm leaning that way too.

 

[ferider]

The elements are slightly separating from the barrel. No problem at all and quite common.

 

[Apra]

Should I be concerned about it getting worse? I'd rather return the lens to the seller if this is the beginning of the end.

 

[MC JC86]

Very minor seperation.

I've had lenses that have been that way for years with no problems... Shoot some pictures with it to make sure, but it shouldn't cause any issues optically and is, as someone else pointed out, quite common.