How to inspect a lens to see if there's fungus?

di0nysus · 15th April 2004

As above,

wondering that are the best methods to make sure a lens is free of fungus before purchasing. even if its a new lens, should inspect properly, as new lens in the shop are not stored in dry boxes yeah?

Am thinking of looking into the rear/elements and shine a torch at the other end, will it reveal all fungi?

any advice is appreciated.

di0nysus · 16th April 2004

whoelse · 16th April 2004

If it's there, u will see it. If u are wonder how it look like then most likely there are no fungus yet

Anyway, early stages of fungus look like snow flake. After that it look like spider web when it grow more then it will look like there's a large cotton wool stuck in between the element

If u see something like snow flake, u can start to sing "sakura, sakura, la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la".

Mav · 16th April 2004

Hi!

If you are to look through the lens from the rear (mounting point), try to look for spidery web-like patterns on the lens surface. It takes a while to practice how to look at the lens surface rather than looking 'through' it. You could then zoom in and out and these patterns will move forward and backward, thus telling you which lens element is infected. This way is much better then to mount the lens, look thru the viewfinder and try to detect a milky, blurred image.

Try to purchase lenses from larger shops that moves stocks faster than smaller ones. Then you can be assured to a degree that the stocks are new. Major lens companies use anti-fungus methods (eg. gassing) to prevent growth anyway, so don't worry too much about fungus on new lenses!

Cheers!

Larry · 16th April 2004

Originally Posted by di0nysus

Am thinking of looking into the rear/elements and shine a torch at the other end, will it reveal all fungi?

yes, that's the absolute best way to check for fungus or dust. shine a torch thru and every defect is clearly visible...

just remember not to stick the torch up too close. later you scratch the elements...

sehsuan · 16th April 2004

try to shine the torch from the rear element side and view the lens through the front element - there will be a "macro" magnification effect, and if there's anything, you will be able to see it REALLY easily.

GregLye · 16th April 2004

Hi,

Found one of my lens (Tokina 28-70 f2.8) has some fungus growth.
Any recommendation on a good / realiable shop that can do the cleaning & how much is it? Will the fungus comes back again after cleaning?

Thanks.

di0nysus · 16th April 2004

Hi all, thanks for replying. Did the torch tests to my lenses, no mushrooms in sight.*phew* but can see more dust than the naked eye can with ambient light.

Greg: try maybe TCW, no idea on the price. gd luck!

sumball · 16th April 2004

Originally Posted by GregLye

Hi,

Found one of my lens (Tokina 28-70 f2.8) has some fungus growth.
Any recommendation on a good / realiable shop that can do the cleaning & how much is it? Will the fungus comes back again after cleaning?

Thanks.

You may want to try Camera Hospital at Sunshine Plaza, Bencoolen St. (Steven @ 6336-0025). You can ask for his quote thru phone. Hope it helps.

angy · 16th April 2004

Originally Posted by GregLye

Hi,

Found one of my lens (Tokina 28-70 f2.8) has some fungus growth.
Any recommendation on a good / realiable shop that can do the cleaning & how much is it? Will the fungus comes back again after cleaning?

Thanks.

Once there is fungus growth, it is as good as sayonara. The fungus has "eaten" the multicoat surface of the lens. When u clean it, it means that the portion where the fungus was growing, there will be no more multicoating left.

After cleaning, it will still come back if do not leave it in the dry box when you are not using it.

15th April 2004	#1
di0nysus Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: macpherson Posts: 987	How to inspect a lens to see if there's fungus? As above, wondering that are the best methods to make sure a lens is free of fungus before purchasing. even if its a new lens, should inspect properly, as new lens in the shop are not stored in dry boxes yeah? Am thinking of looking into the rear/elements and shine a torch at the other end, will it reveal all fungi? any advice is appreciated.

16th April 2004	#4
Mav Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 82	Pretty simple... Hi! If you are to look through the lens from the rear (mounting point), try to look for spidery web-like patterns on the lens surface. It takes a while to practice how to look at the lens surface rather than looking 'through' it. You could then zoom in and out and these patterns will move forward and backward, thus telling you which lens element is infected. This way is much better then to mount the lens, look thru the viewfinder and try to detect a milky, blurred image. Try to purchase lenses from larger shops that moves stocks faster than smaller ones. Then you can be assured to a degree that the stocks are new. Major lens companies use anti-fungus methods (eg. gassing) to prevent growth anyway, so don't worry too much about fungus on new lenses! Cheers!

16th April 2004	#3
whoelse Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,227	If it's there, u will see it. If u are wonder how it look like then most likely there are no fungus yet Anyway, early stages of fungus look like snow flake. After that it look like spider web when it grow more then it will look like there's a large cotton wool stuck in between the element If u see something like snow flake, u can start to sing "sakura, sakura, la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la".

16th April 2004	#6
sehsuan Deregistered Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Singapore Posts: 6,674	try to shine the torch from the rear element side and view the lens through the front element - there will be a "macro" magnification effect, and if there's anything, you will be able to see it REALLY easily.

16th April 2004	#7
GregLye New Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NorthEast Posts: 5	Hi, Found one of my lens (Tokina 28-70 f2.8) has some fungus growth. Any recommendation on a good / realiable shop that can do the cleaning & how much is it? Will the fungus comes back again after cleaning? Thanks.