Lens Imperfections

[superultramega]

I recently purchased a VC 75/2.5. I didn't notice until today but it has what looks like a ~1mm long and very thin scratch on one of the inner lenses. It is 2-3mm from the edge of the inner barrel. I haven't yet taken/developed any photos. Does something like this generally or ever affect image quality? I bought it new so I think I can return it.

Thanks

 

[Mackinaw]

Something that small will have no effect on image quality.

Jim B.

 

[Landshark]

But if it's new, why would you want to keep it? Exchange it, the scratch will affect resale value one day in the distant future.

 

[mdarnton]

It only makes a difference if you're buying a lens to pet, but not take pix with. If it were mine, within a month or three there would be so many paint chips on it you wouldn't notice anything in the glass.

 

[jordanstarr]

On longer lenses, it won't matter as much as wide angle. Diffraction of the light will go around dust and take away the effects of scratches. Don't sweat the small stuff. I've shot with some gnarly looking lenses with no problem. My 50mm summicron has fungus marks that ate through the coating prior to cleaning, scratches on the front and spotting in the coating on the front and back. And the prints I made from it are just as sharp and awesome as my 35mm summicron in mint condition.

 

[superultramega]

If I could go to the store and exchange I probably would but this was the only 75 they had, I don't care much about resale value. I've been using a 35 for a few years so I'm excited about this "tele". Glad to hear it won't show up in photographs. Thanks everyone for weighing in. Also it's silver so no paint chips to worry about!

 

[sepiareverb]

Won't appear in pictures, but as stated above- if it's new, I'd return it for a replacement. Should you sell it will garner less because of this.

I had a Nikkor 105/2.5 with a huge flake of black paint siting dead center of an interior element. Never could tell it was there.