Ciro-Flex model F Lens Restoration

[tom_knoebel]

I have a Ciro-Flex F with the 83mm 3.2 Rapex Raptar. It has been sucesfully dimantled. Sending the shutter out for cleaning, lubrication and calibration. The back lens is pristine. The front element has intense scratching in the coating causing flaring and haze in the images. The is a gentleman that advertising recoating in the Ukraine. I had someone in Colorodo that is retired that has done this in the past. Is it worth the rabbit hole on 83mm f3.2 or should I put a set of 85mm f3.5 lens and recalibrate the focus at infinity?

Thank You

Tom

[JDMvW]

My personal experience with old lenses with 'scratches' has not been very good

 

e.g., Biotar 58mm f/2.0 in M40 mount (Praktiflex)

 

Without seeing any pictures of the lens/elements I couldn't venture to guess whether recoating would do any real good, but what makes you conclude that the scratching is limited to the coating?

[Robin Smith]

Recoating will not be of much help if it is really scratched. You might possibly like the soft focus effect though just using it as it is. I wouldn't send it off. It does depend a bit on what "intense scratching" means. Some people get worked up if there is a single dust speck in a lens.