nanthor
Well-known
Not too long ago there was an ad from a gentlemen in Russia or Ukraine (just months ago) about doing a cleaning mark, scratch removal and recoat on lens surfaces. I'm not sure if I read it on this forum or FR but it seems he had acquired the old ARAX equipment and the work would be professional. I've lost my links to the postings and would be happy to hear of anyone else that could put me in touch with the person or a link. I have a few older folder cameras that would really benefit form a pristine front element. Let me know if any members have the information to get hold of this technician, thank you, Bob Nancarrow in Michigan.
Steve M.
Veteran
I don't have any leads for you Bob, but from my talks with John at Focal Point Optics, who is someone that I consider to be the preeminent man in the field of camera lens optics, what you are looking for is either not going to happen at a price point that makes any sense, or would improve the quality of your photos much (if any).
I had John give me some feedback on regrinding the optics on a favorite lens of mine, and he said it was just not practical. Sure, he could do it. He might even be able to duplicate the factory lens formula to a T. But the thickness of the glass would be reduced, and that would change the optical formula.
I once had an old Nikon 35-70 2.8 zoom that had a thrashed front optic. There were literally chunks out of the glass and tons of deep scratches. I later sold it for a pristine example, and never did get the new lens to duplicate the sharpness of the old beater. Then there was the Leica R 90 2.8 Elmarit lens that had a rear element which looked like it had been sand blasted on the inside surface. It didn't flare, and was one of the sharpest R 90 Elmarits that I ever owned. My suspicion was that the lens was focusing beyond the back of the rear element so it didn't matter. Just as you can open up a telephoto lens to it's widest aperture, hold it up to a chain link fence, and take photos of what is behind the fence w/o the lens "seeing" the wire. It will focus past it.
Whatever the reason were, those two lenses took beautiful photos despite their flaws. Flare, fungus and haze will destroy lens sharpness and overall IQ, but a scratched front element will usually have little to no effect on photos.
If it really bugs you, just buy a pristine lens on a beater folder and swap it onto yours. You could do this for much less than a lens resurface.
I had John give me some feedback on regrinding the optics on a favorite lens of mine, and he said it was just not practical. Sure, he could do it. He might even be able to duplicate the factory lens formula to a T. But the thickness of the glass would be reduced, and that would change the optical formula.
I once had an old Nikon 35-70 2.8 zoom that had a thrashed front optic. There were literally chunks out of the glass and tons of deep scratches. I later sold it for a pristine example, and never did get the new lens to duplicate the sharpness of the old beater. Then there was the Leica R 90 2.8 Elmarit lens that had a rear element which looked like it had been sand blasted on the inside surface. It didn't flare, and was one of the sharpest R 90 Elmarits that I ever owned. My suspicion was that the lens was focusing beyond the back of the rear element so it didn't matter. Just as you can open up a telephoto lens to it's widest aperture, hold it up to a chain link fence, and take photos of what is behind the fence w/o the lens "seeing" the wire. It will focus past it.
Whatever the reason were, those two lenses took beautiful photos despite their flaws. Flare, fungus and haze will destroy lens sharpness and overall IQ, but a scratched front element will usually have little to no effect on photos.
If it really bugs you, just buy a pristine lens on a beater folder and swap it onto yours. You could do this for much less than a lens resurface.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Scratches, cleaning marks, etc. can be easily removed or at least minimized, with cerium oxide and some patience.
Phil Forrest
Phil Forrest
Mackinaw
Think Different
If you can't locate the person from Russia, Kanto Camera in Japan re-coats lenses. See their website (also in English) for more info.
Jim B.
Jim B.
Paul T.
Veteran
this the one?
His link doesn't work but you can find the site at http://kievcamera.org/
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/pho...s-repolishing-and-mc-recoating-service/cat/12
His link doesn't work but you can find the site at http://kievcamera.org/
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/pho...s-repolishing-and-mc-recoating-service/cat/12