Post by casualcollector on Jun 22, 2008 20:02:40 GMT -5
I've collected a few lenses since the first of the year. Some from E-bay, some from local thrift stores. I've come to a conclusion about Florida lenses that probably applies to many from the south, or warm humid climes. Avoid 'em!
The majority of lenses I have purchased in/from FL have mold growing in them. This is something I have supected for a long time, but the past 6 months have confirmed it. A Minolta kit had mold in the zoom but the prime was clear. A Yashica FX/D kit was similarly afflicted. The 50/1.4 was clear but the two lovely Kiron zooms that were in the kit had mold. All of the zooms seem to get it back in the zoom group, beyond easy reach. Two Vivitar/Tokina TX zooms from different Florida locales are similarly afflicted. A Vivitar T4 400/6.3 arrived last week from Rochester, New York and is nearly crystal clear.
I'm not carping too loudly. None of the lenses cost more than about thirty dollars including shipping. Look at the sellers location before you bid and take a small flashlight with you when you're scouring the thrifts and estate sales! Looks like I'll get some practice dismantling zooms!
Bill
The majority of lenses I have purchased in/from FL have mold growing in them. This is something I have supected for a long time, but the past 6 months have confirmed it. A Minolta kit had mold in the zoom but the prime was clear. A Yashica FX/D kit was similarly afflicted. The 50/1.4 was clear but the two lovely Kiron zooms that were in the kit had mold. All of the zooms seem to get it back in the zoom group, beyond easy reach. Two Vivitar/Tokina TX zooms from different Florida locales are similarly afflicted. A Vivitar T4 400/6.3 arrived last week from Rochester, New York and is nearly crystal clear.
I'm not carping too loudly. None of the lenses cost more than about thirty dollars including shipping. Look at the sellers location before you bid and take a small flashlight with you when you're scouring the thrifts and estate sales! Looks like I'll get some practice dismantling zooms!
Bill
