Elmar 50mm f/2.8 question (glass separation?)

[artflei]

<p>I recently noticed what appears to be some sort of defect in the front element of my vintage Elmar 50mm lens. This is only apparent when the lens is hit by the light from a certain direction, the areas pointed out by the arrows in the attached picture appear like little mirrors. Can anyone tell my what this is?</p>

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[john_shriver]

<p>Looks more like the black edge painting of the elements starting to peel off the glass. Extremely unlikely to have any effect, and readily repaired by cleaning and repainting. It's nowhere near the image-forming part of the lens, it could just microscopically increase flare.<br>

In an Elmar 50/3.5 or 50/2.8 lens, the only cemented group is the rear group. If you can see these spots with the iris closed to f/16, it's not in the rear group, and cannot be separation.</p>

 

[artflei]

<p>Thanks a lot! I agree this will probably have no negative effect on image quality. I think about selling this lens and have to somehow describe this to potential buyers.</p>