Lens coating

WillyB

WillyB

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William
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I have a 'too good to throw away lens' that has lost some of it's coating on the front element. I don't know how.

My question is, is it viable to have a lens re-coated, assuming it can be done at all? If so does anyone know the average cost?

It's a 75-300 zoom from my film days.

If a picture is taken with it would the coating problem show in the image? I don't have any way of testing this myself.
 
WillyB said:
I have a 'too good to throw away lens' that has lost some of it's coating on the front element. I don't know how.

My question is, is it viable to have a lens re-coated, assuming it can be done at all? If so does anyone know the average cost?

It's a 75-300 zoom from my film days.

If a picture is taken with it would the coating problem show in the image? I don't have any way of testing this myself.
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I agree with Chris, if it's not causing problems I wouldn't try to fix it.

I don't know if the coating process of camera lenses is the same is coating lenses for specs, if it is what they'll do is remove the coating (or what's left) then give it a good clean and dry then stick it in a vacuum coating chamber where a uniform layer of the coating material will end up on the lens.

So my poor reasoning suggests that it's probably going to involve removing the front element so I dare say it wouldn't be worth it if you don't notice any problems.
 
Thanks for the replies Ross and Chris. That link is absolutely amazing!

Trouble is I have no way of testing the lens myself as the original camera, a Minolta, has now gone.

It would be useful for someone with a Sony DSLR as it is the same fit but I doubt if anyone would buy it with some coating missing. Shame really because the rest is mint.

Thanks again.
 
You could be cheeky and take it to Jessops with your own memory card, then stick the lens on and see how it is! Don't know if the staff would let you though!
 
ChrisJ_SLH said:
The question I would be asking is whether the loss of the coating is adversely affecting your shots with it?

If not, and I suspect not, I wouldn't worry as the effect will just be cosmetic.
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It's probably not going to make a huge difference if you cant see any problem with your images. Some of the coatings can reduce flare are improve contrast. But I have older lenses that don't have the modern coatings and they still do a very good job. The front element isn't where the image is focused and damage to the rear element is where it would have the biggest impact with most lens designs.
 
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Thanks Graham. As I say, the problem is I can't test it. Will have to try and find someone who has got a Sony DSLR.
 
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