White spot (1mm) on rear lens

<p>I have recently bought an Elmar 3.5cm F3.5 screwmount lens for my Bessa R. Upon closer examination I found out that there is a tiny white spot with a miniature starlike shape just under the rear lens. It is even visible looking through the front lens glass. It appears to be under as I couldn't clean it away. Would this affect picture quality and if it is fungus how long would it take to grow? Thanks for any replies, Alban.</p>

<p>It will only slightly reduce contrast. It won't focus as a spot on the film.<br>

It could be fungus, it could be a bubble in the glass (that happened back then), it may be dirt, it maybe an issue with the cementing of the one cemented pair in the lens.<br>

Given that the 35/3.5 Elmar is an overpriced collector's item, be sure the price reflects this.<br>

A clean/lube/adjust to fix this (if it is fungus) should be around $75.</p>

<p>As John suggested, have the lens cleaned professionally. If the spot you are seeing is a bubble in the glass, it is nothing to worry about. However, if it is a fungal growth, it could spread quickly under the right conditions such as darkness, dampness, and nominal temperatures. The unfortunate byproduct of fungal growth is acidic enough to etch lens coatings and glass, given enough time. For all practical purposes this type of damage is not reversible and will diminish performance. Have the lens cleaned as soon as you can.</p>

<p>Sorry, Apple Safari does this to me sometimes.</p>

<p>ahhem...Is this seen under microscope or visually?</p>

<p>Paul<br>

1mm is easily seen without a microscope and looks significant on a very small lens element. If it's fungus; big things come in small packages.</p>

<p>It is seen visually, I bought it from a friend for 180 euro's, we tested it in a pub on his M8 and the pictures came out fine so I didn't hesitate. The white spot is only visible under certain light angles. Anyway I'll have it checked out at a local camerastore, they do reparations also. Thanks for the replies.</p>

<p>The pictures came out fine judging from the small screen on his M8 that is. I do enlargements myself from black and white film so therefore my worry, thanks, Alban.</p>