Can you take apart a Canon lens? I inherited some old Canon lenses, which is OK as I shoot film. However, a 50-150 Canon FL zoom lens must have gotten wet: there are spots inside the...

Roy Hakala Loc: Red Wing, MN

I inherited some old Canon lenses, which is OK as I shoot film. However, a 50-150 Canon FL zoom lens must have gotten wet: there are spots inside the outer lens element and on the front of the second element, viewed from the front. Is there any reasonable way to disassemble and clean this lens? A lens this old probably is not worth much, so I hesitate to send it back to Canon.

photophly Loc: Old Bridge NJ

I would not attempt it unless You have some knowlegde of lenses

Jaime Loc: Los Angeles

Ouch. These lenses are assembled in a lint-free, humidity-free environment. I doubt you will be able to clean your lens, and put it back together without trapping dust, or worse, moisture, again. My suggestion, take some shots with the lens. You will be amazed at how little effect dust has on your front element. The rear element is a different story. But you may also want to try going to a swap meet and picking up some old manual lenses for a few bucks a piece before opening your good lens. Get a feel for it. Build your confidence, then if you REALLY feel like you need to do it, proceed with caution... but don't say I didn't warn ya.

mgemstone Loc: Chicago/Cocoa beach/La/NY

First, I'd test it by photographing a clean white item or background and checking the results. Try differnt aperatures from wide open to stopped down.
Second, simple view the results to determine the scope of the problem.
Third, see if there is a camera/photography convention scheduled in your area as manufacturers often offer free camera and lens cleaning at such venues.
Fourth, simply call repair shops to get a "not to exceed' estimate.

Repair will probably exceed the value of the lens.

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

are you sure it isn't mold?

Dyluck4 Loc: Georgetown Indiana

mgemstone wrote:

First, I'd test it by photographing a clean white ... (show quote)

I'll have to second what Mggemstone says, and her good advice about the venues. Looking at the history on these Lenses primarily between March 1964 and last May 1968 and back then in the 50mm f/1.4 ll it cost $285.59 but to a collector and it being an antique it could be worth allot more now. I'm not sure though as I guess it depended on how good the FM series cameras are and can those be used in the EOS series? For instance the S can be used in the XTi and XSi but not my 1Ds Mark lll. So do these Lenses work in also work in the newer Digital cameras, I'm curious just for the information? So there is some food for thought too. in making a decision.

Roy Hakala Loc: Red Wing, MN

Thanks for the advice. Ckearly, (that's a pun) you all know much more about lenses than I do. I will try taking some pix and see what shows up.

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

It is most likely Fungus. And any good repair shop would not even take them into their repair area. I wouldn't use them on any good camera. Spores can envade your camera and transfer into other lenses. I had a 400mm nikkor lens that I paid $3600.00 and it developed fungus and I took it to Precision Camera in Enfield CT and they wouldn't even take it in for an est. I called nikon and they wouldn't take it eather, after I told them it has Fungus. They told me they would take 10% off a new lens. Now I take better care of my investments I use desiccant pouches in my camera bag and when I put my lenses up. A very costly lesson. Fungus has the spots and also in later stages it looks like fine spider webs. It will eat into the coatings and etch the glass. There are some shady repairmen that say they can remove it. It will return.

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

As for Repair The cost isn't all that bad. One day I droped my camera and lens. The camera came out fine but the filter ring and front element didn't make it. Well the new lens is only $495. A total bring it back to new was only $129.00 They opened it cleaned replaced any worn parts replaced the Filter ring and front element all for that one Price and took a week. Same for most cameras my sisters Olympus P&S had a brokenn LCD and the lens wouldn't retract it cost her $69.00 with a one year warranty. Most repair shops will give you a free est. of repair.

Dyluck4 Loc: Georgetown Indiana

turp77 wrote:

It is most likely Fungus. And any good repair sho... (show quote)

Wow' that Fugus is scary do you think that comes from even a one time temperature change from cold to hot from going out side for a few shots or a serius water damage such as rain or a long term of someone having there equipment in poor storying conditions for a long period of time like a really damp basement. If so I'm glad I keep all my Lenses in a nice case and in a dry environment. What's your input on this with the Temperature?

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

Dyluck4 wrote:

quote=turp77 It is most likely Fungus. And any g... (show quote)

Improper stowage is a big factor. Cool dry is the best stowage. Wiping down and keeping it clean. One repair man told UV kills it. Constant usage is good. I at times will pull out my View camera lenses and fire my strobe through it. Don't know if that does any good or not but it doesn't hurt. I was thinking of using a good UV light.

Dyluck4 Loc: Georgetown Indiana

turp77 wrote:

quote=Dyluck4 quote=turp77 It is most likely Fun... (show quote)

Thanks for that information and it gives me an Idea with you mintioning the UV light, I have a light I purchased that is pacifically for installing in your Furnace where your A coil is for your central air. It's supposed to kill anything like that from the moisture, so with that your UV light Idea makes me wonder if I should just set all my Lenses out as you said and leave it on all night. Do you think that's a Plan. Thanks again.

Huddy Loc: Fitzgerald, GA

For what it is worth...Mr Carter our local professional photographer told me he killed mold in his lens using a magnifying glass and sun light. The dead mold remained I think.

Aleaze Loc: Michigan

UV Light will not kill the entire mold. The lens glass disrupts, absorbs, the effects of the UV.
Even if you could kill it, the dead fungus would still be on the elements and needs to be cleaned off. If you don't kill it will etch the coatings and eventually etch the glass.

Hate to say it, if it is mold the lens will never be right again. Most repair shops will not even take them.

Aleaze

Dyluck4 Loc: Georgetown Indiana

Aleaze wrote:

UV Light will not kill the entire mold. The lens glass disrupts, absorbs, the effects of the UV.
Even if you could kill it, the dead fungus would still be on the elements and needs to be cleaned off. If you don't kill it will etch the coatings and eventually etch the glass.

Hate to say it, if it is mold the lens will never be right again. Most repair shops will not even take them.

Aleaze

Well I know one thing, I'm glad to get all this information and tips in maintaining Lenses from all that have Posted on the Topic. I've taken care of my Camera's and Lenses so far the best way I know. But the extra information on this could save me from a really costly problem that I would have never even have thought of.