My 50 1.8 exhibits flare

[markbrennan]

Hi everyone -

I've really been enjoying my new Canon P and a chrome 50 1.8 lens I purchased from KEH.

I'm enjoying the look of the lens and trying to improve my B&W shooting w/ the P. (More on that in another thread, perhaps.) The lens and body are a great combo - I really love the kit, it's small and compact.

But I'm finding that the lens exhibits a LOT of flare. It may be that I'm not used to handling this lens w/ consideration for flare. My previous shooter was a Nikon FM2 w/ an AF 50 1.8 Nikkor, w/ a sizeable rubber hood, and I almost never saw flare. Not surprisingly, my Canon lens does not have a hood. It was also rated a "Bargain" by KEH, but I think the glass is good.

Wondering if I should scout around for a hood to help w/ flare? Is there one? Will it change the form factor much? Or is this lens just flare prone? Any ideas on alternatives? For example, do you think the new CV 1.5 Nokton would be better (though I've heard people complain about flare w/ that)? Are there other Canon LTM 50mm lenses that are less flare prone? I've also heard that this all chrome 50 is an earlier version of this lens and that chrome and black version is later; would it be less flare prone?

Many thanks for your expertise!

Regards,
-Mark

 

[taffer]

Probably your cheaper option is to get one of the plastic snap-on 42mm hoods which fit over the external front ring, or just a hood with a series VI adapter. The 40mm thread hoods are scarce and if found they are not cheap, 40mm is just not a common size (anymore?).

Mine tends to exhibit flare and contrast loss as well if there's a strong light source in front of it, mainly when it's a diffuse light such as a cloudy day, it gets better with a hood.

But overall an excellent lens.

 

[back alley]

cameraquest has new metal hoods in silver or black in 40mm size.
i love them and have about 4 of them now. they go for 30 bucks.

that being said i didn't notice any flare on my 50/1.8 when i had it.
are you using a filter of any kind on it?
it might need a cleaning if there is a light viel (sp?) of haze on it.

joe

 

[Peter Klein]

I second the caution about needing a cleaning. If the lens has not been cleaned in years, haze can form on the inner elements, and that can smear any stray light around very effectively. Shine a pocket flashlight through each end and look through the other end, tilting the lens around a bit. You'll see if there is haze that way. If so, send it off to a reputable repair person for a CLA.

I bought a chrome 50/1.8 on eBay recently. It had "the beginning of slight haze," according to the seller. I might quibble with his definition of "slight." Anyway, the glass and mechanics look great. It's at DAG's right now getting the "schmutz" wiped off the inner elements.

--Peter

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Shine a light through it and look for haze on the elements surrounding the aperture. The lens that Joe used was Opaque when I got it. A good cleaning did wonders. Other than that, look for a hood. I never used the F1.8 with a hood and did not have problems.

See this thread:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4818&highlight=canon+f1.8

It is a test of a lens with internal marks pointed into the sun for some shots.

 

[markbrennan]

Taffer, Joe, Brian - thanks for your replies!

I'll look into shining a light through the lens to see if there's any haze. I wouldn't be surprised if a CLA is called for but since it's my first and only LTM lens I'll have to figure out how to proceed. Another 50 might be in order!
I'll also look into getting a hood. Thanks Taffer and Joe for the hood suggestions. Wondering how much bigger the lens is w/ the hood? I really like the size w/out.

As always, thanks for sharing your expertise! I'll come back w/ my findings on the haze. I'd almost be happy to find haze because I find the lens to be quite good, sharp and not too contrasty, but the amount of flare is a bit of a surprise. If I find haze, then at least I know I can get it cleaned.

Best,
-Mark

 

[taffer]

Curious, mine doesn't have haze that I can see but the blades are really oily, I wonder if that has something to do with veiling flare due to internal reflections ¿?

 

[markbrennan]

Hey Guys -

Follow up: I did look into the lens from both ends using a strong flashlight. I noticed what appears to be VERY slight haze on the rear element of the lens, which might explain the flare, as you all suggested.

I'll consider a cleaning. Need a backup 50, of course, though!

Thanks again for all the feedback.
regards,
-Marl