pixelatedscraps
New Member
I (drunkenly) purchased a 50mm Distagon T* for $200 off Ehbay last week from a renowned photographic outlet and failed to properly pay attention to the description (it isn't the first time this has happened either, though it must be said Why haven't I learned my lesson yet?)
So upon close inspection (and taken to Hong Kong's reputed best repair guy: 'Panda Camera Repair') there are a couple of little scuffs on the rear element and a whole host of tiny little cleaning marks on the front element, almost like someone has spent years cleaning it with the same soft-cloth that was never replaced.
The main issue however, (and excluding the slight haze) is the fact there seems to be really small dots on the outer rim of the 2nd element behind the front glass. Panda Camera said it was the coating that was deteriorating and was un-cleanable / un-fixable unless it was taken to a Hasselblad agent to replace the element.
He did also mention (as far as I could understand) that the problems shouldn't affect image quality too much, aside from a lowering of contrast / increased chance of flare - does this sound right? The rear element is almost clear aside from two small, shallow scratches - which are unfortunately in the centre of the glass.
I wish I could somehow post some closer photos of the condition of the lens but unfortunately, there is no way I could get a photo of it. You really have to see the lens up close.
So, I guess my questions are ;
-Keep it and try and get it fixed? ($200 is next to nothing for this lens, and yes, its a little beat up cosmetically, but I'm a sucker for ugly camera equipment) If so, how much would this likely cost?
-Sell it?
So upon close inspection (and taken to Hong Kong's reputed best repair guy: 'Panda Camera Repair') there are a couple of little scuffs on the rear element and a whole host of tiny little cleaning marks on the front element, almost like someone has spent years cleaning it with the same soft-cloth that was never replaced.
The main issue however, (and excluding the slight haze) is the fact there seems to be really small dots on the outer rim of the 2nd element behind the front glass. Panda Camera said it was the coating that was deteriorating and was un-cleanable / un-fixable unless it was taken to a Hasselblad agent to replace the element.
He did also mention (as far as I could understand) that the problems shouldn't affect image quality too much, aside from a lowering of contrast / increased chance of flare - does this sound right? The rear element is almost clear aside from two small, shallow scratches - which are unfortunately in the centre of the glass.
I wish I could somehow post some closer photos of the condition of the lens but unfortunately, there is no way I could get a photo of it. You really have to see the lens up close.
So, I guess my questions are ;
-Keep it and try and get it fixed? ($200 is next to nothing for this lens, and yes, its a little beat up cosmetically, but I'm a sucker for ugly camera equipment) If so, how much would this likely cost?
-Sell it?
