lens - 'moderately dusty' inside - should I buy?

Post by **Patrick** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 6:49 pm

I'm considering bidding on this camera on ebay complete with lens (let's just say that the identity of this camera will remain secret for the moment.) One hint though - it does expose quite a large frame of film. Anyhow, the camera seems to be in overall good shape but according to one of the seller's replies to my questions, there is some fine dust between the elements inside the lens. And that he could only see it when shining a torch / flashlight into the lens. With light from a window, the dust is not visible. I then sent another question - asking how much dust was in there - a lot of dust, or a few specs? His reply was that 'it's moderately dusty.'

The majority of my lenses are pretty clear from dust (particularly the inside of them.) So I'm not sure what to expect from a lens that is 'moderately dusty' inside. As the incoming light intercepts the various particles of dust, would there be much of a degrading effect? Any loss of sharpness or detail? Or would it only mean that there would be an increased chance of flare? In short, would the item be worth bidding on if all the other aspects of the equipment sound in good order? By the way, according to the seller, there is no fungus, haze or scratches with that lens.

There are only a few hours left in the auction.

Post by **dirb9** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 11:13 pm

At worst case scenario, you'll notice a slight loss in contrast, and as you mentioned, the lens will flare easier. You shouldn't notice any loss in detail or sharpness. If its a good price, I'd buy it. The only concern I'd have was how the dust got into the lens (like someone opening the lens), but some lenses are inherently more likely to get dust in the internals than others.

Post by **super8man** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 4:54 am

Is the lens removable? I take it NO. Can you identify where the dust is - closer to the front of the lens (good) or way in the back (bad) only bad since I am assuming it might be fungus and other haze...versus genuine dust.

Cheers,
Mike

Post by BK » Fri Mar 23, 2007 5:16 am

If it's a good price I'll go for it. You be amazed how a lens still performs even though it has bad fungus or lots of dust inside. You just feel uncomfortable knowing the defect is there. It'll show up only as soft black blobs when using very small apertures and shooting into the light.

Just curious what kind of lens it is???

Bill

Post by **Patrick** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 9:37 am

Okay the auction is now over. I did bid but I was way outbid! Darn it - it was at such a low price with a few hours to go. The camera was a Minolta Autocord twin lens reflex. It sounds like the seller checked the camera and both lenses quite thoroughly and found no fungus - but a fair amount of dust inside the glass.