I have a Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AIS lens in excellent condition, EXCEPT for some fungus in several places. Does anyone have an idea how much it will cost to get it removed? I'm thinking about sending it to APS (Authorized Photo Service). Are they reasonable price-wise? Thanks.
How much it costs to remove fungus will depend on how serious it is. If the coating is damaged, it could be quite costly. I have used APS once, since I had a gray-market lens that needed repair. They did a great job but they are not cheap.
If you search this on line safely remove camera lens fungus there are quite a few variations, some from relatively authoritative sources.
I would call APS to see if they will take a lens with fungus on it. I've had good experiences with them over the years...but not cheap noe overly expensive.
Speaking of my own experience from MANY (least 10 plus) years ago about the 28 2.8 Ai-S lens for removal of fungus on the very last rear element with some coating repair as observed, by APS (don't remember exactly which one but sent to somewhere in mid-west of states as recalled today), and job got done very well like new and still the same look, feel and results as day one after repaired, cost wise, was around 150 dollars back then.
I think if I can get the fungus removed for $150 or less, I'll go ahead with it. It's a really nice lens otherwise. I'm looking for several repair places and asking for an estimate. By the way, this is the same lens I had with fungus back in 2017. I asked here on photo.net : How Much Does Fungus in a Lens Lower Its Value? Strange, but I almost completely forgot about that thread. But I'm 70 years old, so I get a pass LOL.
So long as you make sure the fungus inside the lens is "most sincerely dead", you might just accept it as a slightly "soft-focus" lens. There can be an incredible amount of fungus/damage to lensees before they become totally useless.
There was a wonderful video of a "repair" to a yellowed Takumar by smashing it with a sledge hammer. It doesn't seem to be on line anymore, alas.
The video was by Brian Ayling, but links to it now come up 404 I wish I had downloaded it. I suspect that he may have got a lot of flak about it....
I can't believe that idiot smashed a radioactive lens, remembering that a cloud of dust came from it. My Physics Lab for Alpha emitters emphasized that the only danger was ingesting any of the material as it would cause damage to tissue. Via the Wayback Machine. Brian Ayling's photographic repair tips For Fungus: A UV lamp will usually kill it, and bleach radiation damage from Thoriated glass. Which is what the idiot should have done.
Repair: Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 Ai-S In case anyone wants to try this as DIY- Richard Haw posted instructions.
Great shot of 5 versions of the 105/2.5. I also have the Contax and Leica versions. And another dup post undup'd.
