I've found a scratch is less of a problem than I thought. Generally, they are less than 1% of the lens area, and you still have the 99% to build a good image. Rear element scratches are more damaging. Filling the scratch with india ink is the prefered method of salvage. You want to eliminate flare off of the scratch. But check the interior 'condensation' damage closely, including sample pictures. Like Bob W. says, it could be fungus. And how did that condensate get in there anyways? Has the lens been underwater??? Regards, Bob S.
On Sun, Apr 25, 2010 at 10:57 AM, Sam L <[email protected]> wrote: > No disrespect meant, by the way. Thanks for the responses. It's a > little hard for me to get out for wild goose chases like this with a > growing family, but I suppose I'll try to sneak out of work early some > day this week to go visit the lens. If/when I go, I will bring the > camera and computer to take pictures and look at them right away. > > I know scratches on the rear element is considered worse than those on > the front. Any guidelines on the usability of such a problem? > > Thanks again ..... > Sam > > On Sun, Apr 25, 2010 at 11:39 AM, Bob Sullivan <[email protected]> wrote: >> Sam, >> I know the value of the lens. I have both the A* and M* versions of it. >> It is a favorite of mine, but... >> It is getting a little old and repair parts are scarse, >> plus getting defects resolved in the middle of a lens is trouble. >> Good Luck, Bob S. >> >> On Sun, Apr 25, 2010 at 9:44 AM, Sam L <[email protected]> wrote: >>> Did you note that it is a "star" series lens and seems pretty rare? >>> The one one ebay is going for $770 usd. >>> >>> http://cgi.ebay.com/PENTAX-M-STAR-SMC-300MM-F4-PRIME-LENS-AND-CASE-/370344954939?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CamerasPhoto_CameraAccessories_CameraLensesFilters_JN&hash=item563a478c3b >>> >>> Seems like it might be worth putting a little effort into it... >>> >>> >>>>On Sun, Apr 25, 2010 at 9:51 AM, Bob Sullivan <[email protected]> wrote: >>>> I've never had any luck buying stuff with problems like that. >>>> And who knows what condensation damage on internat elements means. >>>> Walk away or offer $25. >>>> Regards, Bob S. >>>> >>>> On Sun, Apr 25, 2010 at 8:45 AM, Sam L <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>> They are asking $90. Sounds like some somewhat serious issues. The >>>>> lens is over an hour away, so I would need to have a friend out there >>>>> go see it for me and maybe help me evaluate it over the phone. >>>>> Yes or walk away? >>>>> >>>>> Thanks for your thoughts! >>>>> >>>>> "This manual focus lens is in fair condition. There is minor >>>>> scratching on the rear element. >>>>> The interior element has a few blemishes from condensation. >>>>> >>>>> That said, there are positive attributes to this lens. The front glass is >>>>> clear. >>>>> It takes sharp pictures. It's only 6 1/2 inches long with the >>>>> hood open--a compact size for a telephoto of this focal length. >>>>> A Tiffen UV filter protects the front glass. " >>>>> >>>>> --------------------------- >>>>> Sam >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List >>>>> [email protected] >>>>> http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net >>>>> to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and >>>>> follow the directions. >>>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List >>>> [email protected] >>>> http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net >>>> to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and >>>> follow the directions. >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> --------------------------- >>> Sam >>> >>> -- >>> PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List >>> [email protected] >>> http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net >>> to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and >>> follow the directions. >>> >> >> -- >> PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List >> [email protected] >> http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net >> to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and >> follow the directions. >> > > > > -- > --------------------------- > Sam > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > [email protected] > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
