nick_baker Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 <p>Hello<br> I am looking at a 50mm Dual Range Summicron. It is marked down to a quite reasonable price because of some scratches. I am wonderin how much effect on images this is likely to have? I would guess that a few scratches on the front element would make little difference, but there are also a cuple of scratches on the rear.<br> The lens is very clean inside and seems to lack the fogging that these older summicrons often have.<br> Thanks for any advice.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_bud Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 <p>A scratch does not image linearly but will affect resolution and ultimately contrast but there is no way to predict or detremine other than testing.-Dick</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCL Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 <p>Ask the owner if you can take a couple of test pics to determine if the scratches (from your point of view) are material. If you're satisfied with the results, you may have a good deal on your hand. If the owner refuses to allow a test of the lens, walk away.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alastair_anderson Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 <p>While I don't disagree with Stephen (and certainly agree with Richard), I would advise considerable caution. I think flare may well be the main problem. After all, one of the main reasons for shooting with Leicas is the great glass. In the past I've bought a few lenses like the one described and always regretted it. Cosmetics are secondary but making compromises with optics doesn't make sense.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick_baker Posted October 25, 2009 Author Share Posted October 25, 2009 <p>Thanks for all the advice.</p> <p>Alaistair, I agree about not compromising optics. I've looked at five other Dual summicrons and used one of them; all had internal fogging visible with a flashlight, and the one I used had unaccaeptable flare. This one I've seen with the scratches is the only one I've seen that's clear as a bell internally, hence the quandary.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_liberty Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 <p>I've used some really beat up lenses before and never noticed a lack of sharpness. If it isn't major scratches on the front I wouldn't expect flare. The scratches on the rear element are potentially more troubling. They may or may not impact the photos. Like others have said, see if you can shoot some test pics w/ it before buying it.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shambrick007 Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 <p><a href="http://www.photo.net/casual-conversations-forum/00Up9B">http://www.photo.net/casual-conversations-forum/00Up9B</a></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_hooper1 Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 <p>If what you mean by "scratches" is just a few cleaning marks on the lens coating, then I don't think you have much to worry about. It would be nice if the seller would let you test the lens before buying it, though. </p> <p>I used to work for a "catalogue house" where I was one of five studio photographers who photographed products all day long for brochures, flyers, ads, catalogues, etc. We used Hasselblad equipment that was really old and took a beating day in and day out. The front elements and to a lesser degree the rear elements of the lenses we shot with were absolutely scary to look at, but the images produced were beautiful. At least in the case of Hasselblad, scratches on the these lenses didn't prevent us from making saleable images. Of course we had complete control of the lighting and used adjustable lens hoods. I'm sure that made a difference. You might think about using a lens hood.</p> <p>If you do decide to go through with this deal, keep in mind you may have some difficulty selling this lens if and when the time comes. Don't pay much more for it than you think you could sell it for, yourself.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen_ascherl Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 <p>How useful would sending a lens out for repolishing/ recoating be in this situation?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_hooper1 Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 <blockquote> <blockquote> <p>"How useful would sending a lens out for repolishing/ recoating be in this situation?"</p> </blockquote> </blockquote> <p>It's expensive to have <a href="http://www.focalpointlens.com/fp_intro.html">this service performed</a> and most people reserve the procedure for irreplaceable or rare optics. It would be more practical to purchase a mint 50mm Summicron DR.</p> <blockquote> </blockquote> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark-j Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 <p>I had my DR Summicron cleaned and the front element recoated by John Van Stelton of Focal Point in December of 2000. It cost $235.00 at that time. I felt it was worth it as I purchased the lens in 1974 for next to nothing. Good luck.</p> <p>Mark J.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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