Spiratone Ultratel lens

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[Zeke]

I have a 500mm with haze on the mirror. anyone have any idea as to how it can be disassembled? 

[indigo_wolf]

Spiratone didn't make their own lens.  They were generally rebadged Sigmas, Tokinas, Kirons, etc.

Is the haze from moisture?  If so, I would consider sealing up the lens with a couple of desiccant packs.

Otherwise, you might want to contact Sigma

ATB,
Sam

[chilese]

You can do a quick test to tell if the haze is from moisture.

Look at a known light source when the lens is cool or cold.

Warm the lens up by putting it in sunlight.

Look at the same light source now that the lens is warm.

If the haze is reduced or gone, you probably have moisture inside the body.

Not a foolproof test, more of an indicator. Some hazes can exhibit similar traits.

In general, keeping your lenses warm and dry is a good idea.

Water always deposits on the coldest surfaces first.

Keep your camera and lens inside your jacket against your body until you shoot on cold days.

[Zeke]

keep it inside my jacket? only one tiny snag..lens is 11" long, 3-1/2" OD, weighs a pound or so. This would make my xtra large parka too small.  However I will try the other suggestions.  Can't tell for sure but it seems to be on the inside of the upper element.  Stopped at a local camera shop and they won't tell me how to take it apart but for $100+ they will clean it.  It is neither an heirloom nor a holy relic so that won't happen.  The rear of the lens near the mount has a small seam so the entire rear must either pull out or unscrew. Now to figure out how. Thanks for the other info.

[indigo_wolf]

If you decide to attempt it yourself (all caveats apply), see if this helps:

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=14179

Would try to verify and correct haze from moisture/condensation first.

ATB,
Sam

[madhabitz]

Can't say I blame the techs for not giving over cleaning how-to information. They'd end up spending a ton of time tutoring you and if you messed up, you might blame them for it. Not that *you* would do that, but I can see where it might not be a chance the techs are willing to take. $100 seems like a lot of money, but in the grand scheme of things it's not a huge amount of money for a couple hours of their time.

The thread link Sam posted appears to be a good one (he's a better link hunter than I!). Be aware, the haze might actually be a fungus. If you can get to it, use some kind of anti-fungal to kill it so it won't grow back.

Good luck!

Nancy

[Zeke]

Thanks for the link.   Seems to be good information there.   As it is a cold, damp, rainy day I have placed a thick layer of newspaper on the radiator, and placed the lens on top to warm it up a bit and recheck it.  I've seen fungus once on a lens and don't see that type of growth here but then there may be more than one type that can 'grow' on glass.  This seems to be grey in color and more even like a soot deposit and the more I look at it, it seems to be on the upper glass or 'corrector plate'.  I am familiar with the decision given by the technician and can appreciate both sides of the issue having spent 12 years servicing office equipment. And as can be usual, at the start of the conversation he know nothing about that brand/type etc, but as the discussion went on he was able to tell me what type of info he wouldn't part with....been there-done that.  Lens is warming up nicely, haze is not going away.  Just had a 'brilliant' idea, shine a flashlight in through the mount end of the lens and the discoloration is on the corrector plate.  All of this is the result of not paying attention and looking closely at the lens. I  figured that it was just a T-mount and I could unscrew the Canon mount and replace it with a Nikon mount. WRONG!   I wish I could say I won't do this again but I did pick up a 135mm F2 Nikkor at a Salvation Army store.  The grease inside is so congealed that it is very difficult to focus.  Two alternatives here:  1: warm it up on the radiator or 2: wait until June/July to use it.   Thanks for the info and suggestions.

[Allen Carter]

A 135 F2.0 is a helluva lens. Professional cleaning and adjustment would be well worth the cost.

[Zeke]

Not a bad lens, and as I favor Macro photography it is really great with extension tubes.   United Camera quoted $184.00, the lens cost $12.. unless I hit the lottery, I'll wait till warmer weather.   

[c2thew]

Diassembling a lens of that design isn't too hard if you want to try taking a stab at it. It definitely does sound like fungus which can be easily wiped off depending on how much concentration is on the lens.  If it looks light, then it probably is a light fungus and hasn't etched the coating of the glass.  if it looks thick, then chances are it has done damage to the coating/glass.

Just a word of caution though if you do decide to open it up, make sure you remember to mark where the lens comes out in contact with the body.  If it has a threaded attachment, you can reattach the lens together but the focus markings might not be lined up properly with the marker.  you might also have incorrect infinity focusing.

if you do decide to open it up, use lens paper to clean the glass and also a rubber glove to prevent the skin from your hand onto the inner parts of the glass.

my 2 cents!  haven't tried a spiratone or nikon 135mm f2 lens though

[Zeke]

whatever it is, it is on the corrector plate.  I expect that it will stay attached to the barrel when the other stuff is removed.  The major point may be if the rear assembly pulls out or unscrews.

[obijuankenobe]

A 135 F2.0 is a helluva lens. Professional cleaning and adjustment would be well worth the cost.

Right??

Provided you can keep it tidy...for sure.

Sent from a long time ago...in a galaxy far, far away.

[Zeke]

glass and overall condition is fine, just the congealed grease makes things difficult....  I could get one of those small plastic strap wrenches...............

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