Paint flakes inside lens

I have two lenses that have small shinny specks under the front glass. It looks like the paint just flakes off in random spots. I realize this doesn't affect picture quality, but is it a common occurence with LF lenses?

Don I know what you mean, they drive you crazy but don't have any

effect on quality. I've never worked out exactly what they are but

you are probably right in suggesting that it is either paint/coating

from the inside of the lens. I've not encountered it with LF lenses

but it was a problem with several Nikon 35mm lenses as well as a 45mm

for the Mamiya 645. But hey! don't worry!! Regards Paul

Don I had a similar experience with a LF lens some years back it was still under warrenty so I sent it back to Robert White. They informed me it was a balsam fault. I would advise you get it looked at just to be on the safe side. Regards,

i had a symmar lens but the paint peeling was more than a few specks

i had purchased the lens with a lifetime warranty scnheider

repainted the lens i think it will only get worse and could add to

lens flare ,

Let me guess your lens is made by Schneider. From symar-s's maybe

even the apo's and earlier are prone to paint flaking. Schneider

claims that it will not affect lens performance. Although I

personally believe that it might affect contrast because a white

surface will reflect more than a black. I would say use it and if you

notice a problem replace it,or if you are a professional just replace

it. Which would cost more the lens or a client/job=paycheck?

 

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Something else to consider if you get the lens {repainted?} fixed

they are going to have to take it completely apart. Not to say that

some repair places are not comp. but repair places can be like all

the kings horses and all the kings men tring to put humpty dumpty

together again.

 

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Sorry for any spelling mistakes

John

Thanks everyone for your responses. One lens is a Schneider 210

Symmar-s which has only a very small spot. THe other lens is a

Fujinon 90mm f/8. The Fuji has about 9 or 10 small spots. I'm not a

pro and I only shoot black & white. I haven't noticed any difference

in the quality of prints since the spots appeared. I was just mainly

concerned about what causes them.

Cheap paint to cut costs.

This is a common occurence with older lenses. Until recently, the

formulation of paint to matt the ground edges of lens elements was

quite difficult, and was a trade secret of many optics companies. The

paint must wet into the glass in order to present a fully black inner

face, and the spotty appearance of some older lenses shows that this

wasn't always acheived.<br>The modern, ubiquitous "magic marker" now

makes a very handy touch-up tool for any lens repairer.