OM radioactive lenses?

[DCB]

I was reading about some radioactive lenses...anything special about them?

I am watching one on the "bay" and they post some pretty high levels ...(12.0) mcSv/h.

Worth looking at?

Peace

 

[kbg32]

The only radioactive Olympus lens that I know of is the Zuiko 50/1.4. Radioactive lenses have been discussed here and on other forums. Unless you sleep with the front of the lens directly to your eye, night after night, I don't think you have much to worry about. If it was a problem, it would fog the film.

 

[charjohncarter]

Sunlight will cure any yellowing (Google/Yahoo).

 

[DCB]

Are they good lenses? Not multi coated but should be good for B&W?

Peace

 

[charjohncarter]

I have two (Pentax) RA lenses. After cooking them for a while they do just fine with color.

and this is how I cooked them; no heat:

 

[kbg32]

I believe only the Pentax turn yellow. As far as what I have read, it shouldn't affect color transmission, as shown above. Maybe John can report more on this.

 

[rover]

I don't have experience myself but I did just read a day or too ago about Zuikos which have yellowed and were cured as john has mentioned.

 

[venchka]

I learned recently that my concave front Canon 35/2.0 S.S.C. lens has a thorium infused rear element. It has yellowed. I went looking for a cure. Found several folks saying that this inexpensive lamp from IKEA solved the problem. One of these days I'll go and get the lamp and report back.
BTW, the lamp and it's yellow clearing function is not limited to the Canon lens above. Works on any yellowed lens element.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20169658/

Wayne

 

[Ronald M]

The first Summicrons had Thorium glass and went yellow. Later versions of the collapsible did not and remain fine.

 

[kbg32]

You can also put the lens in sunlight to clear the yellowing.

http://www.pentax-manuals.com/repairs/yellow.htm

 

[venchka]

You can also put the lens in sunlight to clear the yellowing.

http://www.pentax-manuals.com/repairs/yellow.htm

...and wait days-weeks-months depending on your location, window placement, latitude, season, etc.
Or under the IKEA lamp indoors for a few days. 24 hour days. And have a nifty desk lamp left when your lens is cleared.

Wayne

 

[xayraa33]

I have two (Pentax) RA lenses. After cooking them for a while they do just fine with color.

and this is how I cooked them; no heat:

What type of light bulb did you use John?

 

[redisburning]

the 55 is a good lens, I like mine for sure.

it may not be worth it's market price, though.

55

Untitled by redisburning, on Flickr

radioactive 50/1.4 (forgive the stuff on my neg, please)

a happy little accident by redisburning, on Flickr