Who has had their lens recoated? Help

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kknox

kknox
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Jan 13, 2008
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Hi I have a 50dr Summicron lens that I would like to send in and have recoated, the fronet element is not good. If you have had that done are you happy & is it worth the price to have it done? Where should I send it for the best value job? Thank's in advance.
 
If the only reason you want to have your lens recoated is coating loss on the outside of the front element, DON'T!

It has no impact, if you dont use filters. It only stops or reduces reflections back toward the subject. If you use uncoated filters you may have a flare problem.
 
"If it ain't broke don't fix it" and you're not likely to see any improverment in your photos with a recoated front element. You're lens ain't broke yet.
 
If the lens surface is badly scratched which necessitates repolishing, then recoating makes sense, otherwise, it would just be a waste of money because you would not see any difference, unless you are the type who demands all the equipment to be absolutely perfect, but then, it also means you never use them at all!
 
i had a 50mm summarit f1.5 front element recoated front and rear in england for less than £70 including return shipping. the price didn't include removal/reinstallation in the lens, which was done during a CLA. it was a small price for improved performance, i think.
greetings from hamburg
rick
 
I had a 35mm Summaron recoated by Malcolm Taylor in the UK and he replaced the front element on my 50mm Summicron DR. The Summaron I don't use so much now I have an M3 but the Summicron is my favourite lens and the improvement was dramatic. It cost about £300 which was a lot but I don't regret it.
 
I have had a few 50/1.5 Summarits from near perfect coatings to the KEH ugly one which what I am using now with coatings inside and out like the ice after a Ranger's game. No difference in performance as far as I can see. Other than for sentimental reasons I think it is a waste of money. Also for ethical reasons I won't have a rare lens recoated to fetch more money which a lot of dealers do.
 
Seele said:
For the record: Francis Lord Optics of Gladesville, Sydney, Australia, does top-class work.
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Very helpful, thankyou! My 90 APO-Asph has a couple of light scratches from the previous owner I might try and have repaired for aesthetics sake.
 
thrice said:
Very helpful, thankyou! My 90 APO-Asph has a couple of light scratches from the previous owner I might try and have repaired for aesthetics sake.
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Don't do that! As far as I know, no third party coater currently accessible to mere mortals will do multicoating - and even if, no one will be able to replicate the original Leica coat. A ASPH with single coated front element is barely worth more than one with front element missing, unless you deceive the buyer about its state.

Sevo
 
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