Small mark / Scratch on my Zeiss Biogon T* 35/2,8 ZM Warranty?

[45tim]

Hello,

i noticed a small mark on the front element of my beloved Biogon 35/2,8 ZM. I am pretty sure it will not really affect the IQ but i wonder what your thoughts are on this. The Lens was bought new and still has warranty.

Should i send it in? Will it be repaired with no cost because of the warranty or what do you think they might charge? It is my main lens and use it almost daily ...

Please have a look: http://fotokorn.de/mark.jpg

Thanks!
Tim

 

[bobbyrab]

If you've had it more than a few days I would assume they'll say it was your responsibility, they may repair it free for goodwill but it's unlikely, so assume any repair will cost you and it's not going to be that cheap.
Next question is should you have it repaired, I would say it's unlikely you'll ever see it affect the IQ, it's more a mind thing of your treasured lens being imperfect. My vote would be just forget it and carry on as normal.
One other thing, I bought mine at a much reduced price as the seller on eBay flagged up a mark on the front element, it scared off other bidders even though it's so slight I can't find it without a torch, but marks on glass will affect the resale value disproportionately.

 

[mbisc]

Would Carl Zeiss Oberkochen do the repair, or Cosina Japan (pardon my ignorance...)?

A few years ago, I sent my C/Y-based 80-200 Vario-Sonnar to Oberkochen, since I had gotten some sand into the focusing helical. They(!) noticed a scratch on the front element and asked whether I wanted it replaced. They replaced the front element for IIRC something like $100 -- i.e. they were helpful and not very expensive...

 

[45tim]

Many thanks you two. It would go to Oberkochen and i will probably send it in sooner or later. I just dont know what to shoot with during the time its gone. Ill hope to update the thread when it has been repaired and let you know how it went.

Cheers,
Tim

 

[mbisc]

Tim,
Before you send it you may want to contact them by email to discuss the details on mailing it back and forth (insurance, import taxes, VAT etc.). From what I remember, I had my Dad (who lives in Germany) take it to Germany after a visit here (to avoid issues with import duties, I think) and mail it domestically, but then had them mail it to me in the US (to avoid the VAT on the repairs)...

Good luck!

 

[axiom]

This is a good question. I have a ZM lens with a chipped element. Where should I send it to? I am based in the US.

 

[L Collins]

I think the general consensus is that cleaning marks/ scratches on a front element do not have any effect on IQ. They will affect resale value probably though.

 

[ferider]

I think the general consensus is that cleaning marks/ scratches on a front element do not have any effect on IQ.

Not sure if there is consensus, but this is wrong in general, and can be proven with photos - even small marks on the front element can be visible in photos. You just have to know what to look for, and have to care enough about a lens' OOF performance for it to matter.

That being said, for a slow wide angle, like the 35/2.8, it will not matter much, since the DOF is high.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Makes one wonder why they bother to even polish or coat them... 😀

Well, it is a question of degree. One small scratch is unlikely to have any effect, especially if filled with a tiny dab of black paint. Then, the effect is akin to a bubble in the glass, i.e. somewhere between negligible and undetectable.

For those unfamiliar with this trick (not you, obviously) this is not just an old wives' tale: I treated the Heligon on my Graflex XL in this way. And, of course, a lens shade can make an enormous difference, even with a really manky front element, unless there are light sources in the picture.

Finally, badly scratched and even cracked lenses can deliver astonishingly good quality under the right circumstances, with a good hood. Under the wrong circumstances, the image may all but disappear into flare and streaks.

Cheers,

R.

 

[ZeissFan]

You should offer as much information about the scratch as possible.

If it is something that you caused, say so. If you bought this recently (within 60 days, for example), it probably would be replaced at no cost to you.

But I'm just guessing at what Zeiss might say. The only way to find out is to contact them.

 

[bobbyrab]

I'm not sure but guessing here, but given the OP hasn't mentioned any accident involving the lens, only that he noticed a mark on the front, and from looking at the photograph, is this not a mark on the coating rather than an actual scratch to the lens. That may be just as bad I don't know, but I wouldn't have thought it as big a deal.

 

[ZeissFan]

Hard to say if that's a small chip or damage to the coating. I lean toward a chipped element. Either way, it's very noticeable, although the location probably won't have much of an effect on photos, and some flat black ink might do the trick, as Roger suggested.

I still would contact Zeiss and provide them as much information as possible and let them make the call as to what to do next.

 

[ferider]

Well, it is a question of degree. One small scratch is unlikely to have any effect, especially if filled with a tiny dab of black paint. Then, the effect is akin to a bubble in the glass, i.e. somewhere between negligible and undetectable.

Dear Roger,

while I do think this is sound practical advice, I would like to note the following:

A black dot on the front surface will show up as black dot in all OOF circles when the lens is used close up and wide open with highlights in the background.

You might find this negligible since you don't care for, or look at the OOF circles, never shoot the lens wide open, etc. However, the black dot will be easily detectable.

Roland.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Roger,

while I do think this is sound practical advice, I would like to note the following:

A black dot on the front surface will show up as black dot in all OOF circles when the lens is used close up and wide open with highlights in the background.

You might find this negligible since you don't care for, or look at the OOF circles, never shoot the lens wide open, etc. However, the black dot will be easily detectable.

Roland.

Dear Roland,

I'd need to check this carefully but I am not convinced that you are right. Even if you are, who, after all, carefully checks all OOF circles?

Cheers,

R.

 

[zuiko85]

Just used the lens. Here is the reason. All gear, unless handled with fanatical and unrealistic care will accumulate marks and blemish's. If you let this get to your head you'll become so cautious that you won't be able to enjoy picture taking like you should.

I make it a point NOT to buy used equipment that is pristine. You should see my years old OM-1 cameras and lenses. An extra mark, a little nick, how can I tell it from all the others gathered up over the years. It is liberating and relaxing. I have had some lenses that were so pretty they were worth more sold to pay for more practical stuff than to use and be worried about that first mark.

 

[45tim]

Glad to see this is a busy thread and i hope it will be helpful to some. I had the lens for a year already, am based in Germany and already had my Ikon ZM sent in for repair after i had dropped it. The Rangefinder was misaligned at infinity and Zeiss was nice enough to readjust it for free.

I will send them an email with that picture from my first post and politely ask them what to do and how much a repair might cost.

 

[45tim]

Here again is what i am concerned of ... What do you mean by separation, Patrick?

 

[ZeissFan]

Separation would be between the elements and often has an iridescent appearance and can be much larger. This appears more white in color.

To me, it looks more like a chipped element or an impact mark, but without seeing it in person, I can't really say. I would want to know if the lens was dropped or if something struck the lens, such as a pointed object.

 

[45tim]

I was riding on the back of pick ups alot in thailand so impact mark might be a good call. lens hood aint always enough :/

 

[bobbyrab]

In the close up there are two marks, one a white blob with a dark smudge to it's right. Is the white blob part of the damage or is it a reflected highlight?