Jupiter-12: Rear Element Cleaning + Scratches?

[styvone]

Hi everyone,

I just picked up a Jupiter-12 (Kiev/Contax mount) from an ebay seller for not too much, and it looks to be in fine shape, save for a few things: there seems to be some smudges/fingerprints on the rear element and a few (very) tiny scratches. How should one go about cleaning this protruding rear element? Is using a blower + wiping with lens tissues okay? Also, how worried should I be about these scratches? They're hard to see, unless in bright light. I've heard that the protruding element is closer to the focal plane, so scratches there could really impact photos (unlike ones on the front element).

Many thanks in advance!

 

[xayraa33]

Welcome to RFF.

Some lens cleaner or even white vinegar mixed 1:1 with distilled water and a piece of clean well washed cotton cloth will clean the rear element of your J-12. The FSU lens coating are pretty durable and tougher than on vintage Leitz lenses so there is little problem in wrecking the lens coating. The few scratches on the lens will not affect the image making capabilities of this classic designed lens, try it out and you will be surprised on how good it can be.

 

[farlymac]

I suggest also checking the blacking around the edge of the element for wear. If it's been worn off you'll get light bouncing around inside the lens box. Easy to fix with some flat black hobby enamel paint.


PF