Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2023 12:38:31 GMT
SMC Pentax K 50mm f1.4 Lens:
This is the lens where I traded my SMC Pentax-M 100mm f2.8 to be used on the chrome Asahi Pentax KX.
I was able to remove the rear lens mount by carefully taking out the 5 cross-point screws and unscrewing the rear element by hand, next I placed the rear element inside a container that consisted of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, lens cleaner and mild detergent, then I scrubbed the inside of the rear element with a cotton swab to remove all the fungus and dirt, that had accumulated. I rinsed the rear element thoroughly and dried with micro-fiber lens cloth. I sprayed a dab of lens cleaner onto a lint-free lens tissue and cleaned both the in and outside of the rear element, I was able to remove all the fungus. When I resembled both the rear element and putting the lens mount together, that is when I noticed 2 fatal flaws.
The lens group suffered from balsam separation when I viewed from the front, under bright light. When the light hit the front element, it is here I detected fungus growth. There was only one solution at this point, I determined that it wasn't practical nor economical in getting the lens serviced. Instead I purchased another version of the SMC Pentax K 50mm f1.4 in much better condition, from an online seller for $165 that including shipping over on Vancouver Island. About 1 hour and 40 minute ferry ride from where I live, according to the seller the new lens would arrive next week, as for my current lens it would be donated for parts. There is no one to blame, as it was something that went unnoticed but I am sure that the repair depot who did the work could build something out of this lens.
No, matter if it is buying, selling or restoring old camera gear there is something that can and will go wrong. This is just slight hiccup and not a major catastrophe, if it was another camera brand such as, an Alpa Reflex 9d with the Kern-Macro-Switar 50mm f1.8 AR lens from 1965 I would be heartbroken due to the astronomical purchase price, the lack of repair parts and facilities, in Vancouver Canada. I am still chuffed with my conservation experiment, I'll be looking forward in seeing the results in the near future weather permitting.
This is the lens where I traded my SMC Pentax-M 100mm f2.8 to be used on the chrome Asahi Pentax KX.
I was able to remove the rear lens mount by carefully taking out the 5 cross-point screws and unscrewing the rear element by hand, next I placed the rear element inside a container that consisted of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, lens cleaner and mild detergent, then I scrubbed the inside of the rear element with a cotton swab to remove all the fungus and dirt, that had accumulated. I rinsed the rear element thoroughly and dried with micro-fiber lens cloth. I sprayed a dab of lens cleaner onto a lint-free lens tissue and cleaned both the in and outside of the rear element, I was able to remove all the fungus. When I resembled both the rear element and putting the lens mount together, that is when I noticed 2 fatal flaws.
The lens group suffered from balsam separation when I viewed from the front, under bright light. When the light hit the front element, it is here I detected fungus growth. There was only one solution at this point, I determined that it wasn't practical nor economical in getting the lens serviced. Instead I purchased another version of the SMC Pentax K 50mm f1.4 in much better condition, from an online seller for $165 that including shipping over on Vancouver Island. About 1 hour and 40 minute ferry ride from where I live, according to the seller the new lens would arrive next week, as for my current lens it would be donated for parts. There is no one to blame, as it was something that went unnoticed but I am sure that the repair depot who did the work could build something out of this lens.
No, matter if it is buying, selling or restoring old camera gear there is something that can and will go wrong. This is just slight hiccup and not a major catastrophe, if it was another camera brand such as, an Alpa Reflex 9d with the Kern-Macro-Switar 50mm f1.8 AR lens from 1965 I would be heartbroken due to the astronomical purchase price, the lack of repair parts and facilities, in Vancouver Canada. I am still chuffed with my conservation experiment, I'll be looking forward in seeing the results in the near future weather permitting.
