Scratches on front element of lens. There are many good reasons to use filters.


  •  Scratches on front element of lens. But how do i remove them. Nov 20, 2022 · VHS4u wrote: Does small scratches on lens cause lens flare or does it reduce sharpness or contrast No reason to worry. How is this likely to affect my images? Apr 20, 2009 · Mr_Sukebe wrote: One of my friends has scratched the front element of his 24-105 lens. If you want to avoid that issue altogether, protective UV filters make sense. What I'm curious about, at what aperture do you start to see picture degradation due to these scratches? Reason I ask is I'm looking at a couple old Nikon 300mm f/2. A good hood should keep bright side-lighting off the front of the lens. A hair on a lens' front element won't show up on an image taken with aperture = f/16, but it will if it's on the rear element or the sensor. 8MK2 has gotten a small scratch on the front element. Jan 13, 2022 · But to answer your question, yes Canon can replace the front element, as long as the lens is still being supported. But I don't see any difference in the photos. However, last week I shot some night time photos in a snowstorm - snowflakes on the front of the lens were definitely visable in the images at f11-16. looking at a lens for sale - 100-400 at a very competitive price. You won't see it on any of them at f/2. Mar 29, 2021 · You or any normal person cannot repair damaged AR coating. I saw a video, they purposefully scratched up the front element of a lens and did before\after shots. Scratches on the rear element may have a greater effect than those on the front element, especially with wideangle lenses. I have tried to show the extent of the damage, but it is not easy to illustrate. I have seen a number of discussions on Flickr and other A dot of fungus in an ultra-wide or fisheye lens might turn up as a dar spot at small apertures, since more is in focus. It’s well known that small front element scratches don’t noticeably affect image quality. Additionally, the filter glass may be hard enough to really gauge your front element if/when it breaks. Jun 16, 2025 · Repairing scratches on the front lens element can be challenging and is not always possible. You’ll notice they’re a bit soft and underexposed, but there’s no ‘image’ of the scratch, just like a dust particle can’t make an image on the sensor: the light bends to much Feb 24, 2012 · Hey guys, I know that, in general, small scratches do not particularly affect final image output when on the front element of a lens, especially wide open. Learn the importance of safeguarding your lens from scratches, dust, and other hazards. First lens this has ever happened to. It takes some effort to scratch the glass. com → Pentax Lenses and Accessories → Pentax SLR Lens Discussion → Are glass blemishes really affecting performance of vintage lenses? Page 1 of 2 1 2 Page 1 of 2 1 2 « D-fa 50 1. The weird thing was it was always in the center of the lens and often circular in pattern like the one below. Jan 6, 2018 · My Canon 24-70 f2. A bunch of pics used to circulate of a lens with a completely smashed in front element, to the point where probably 80% of the front element itself was just missing. Jan 11, 2020 · I have rented an RB 67 and the 90mm lens it came with seems to have a very visible defect on the coating of the front element. Jan 27, 2024 · The safest way to deal with a scratch on your camera lens is to send the lens to a professional repair shop. Fortunately, this article lists several methods on how to fix a scratched camera lens. 8 EF lens. So we decided to bug our repair department, and pull a few lenses with some front element scratches, to see how they compare to pristine variants. Then, look at the sealing of the lens and the lens mount. That said, its amazing how much dust or how many scratches a front element can take without significantly impacting image quality. Just consider it normal wear and forget it. The other slashes are reflections. The scratch doesn't show up in about 95% percent of my shots, but when it does it can do scatter light pretty severely. Aug 13, 2020 · There is an old trick to deal with scratches on the front element to prevent lens flare. I don't think this is worth it but just asking for advice, I've just up'd my filter game with two May 2, 2017 · Personally, I would pay less for a used lens that someone had performed a DIY front element replacement on than one with a tiny scratch on the front element. He states that this scratch doesn t affect picture quality at all. Thank you. There is an old trick to deal with scratches on the front element to prevent lens flare. Oct 16, 2013 · But since the Canon 24-70 f/2. It depends where the damage is and front element damage is just about the least serious. Also, check the front element of the lens and look towards the inside shining light from different angles to search for any scratches on the glass elements. 8 L. I found an offer, significantly discounted, of a lens with small scratches on the front element. Is there any way to remove these scratches from this front element (from lens Helios 44-2 58/2). Jul 2, 2015 · Damage to the the front element of a lens should manifest in two different areas, sharpness and contrast. Protect your valuable camera lens with our informative article on lens protectors. I really do not see a problem with my images. babe How to Fix a Scratch on a Camera Lens : Photography Tips ehow 928K subscribers Subscribed looking at a lens for sale - 100-400 at a very competitive price. Jan 28, 2023 · Hi friends, I found a Sony 100-400 GM lens at a very good price, the low price is given cause the front element of the lens shows a scratch that, according to the seller it is jus Feb 5, 2013 · A scratch on the front element is not critical to image quality, but it hints that the lens is not entirely well kept. Jan 4, 2019 · Use a lens hood and avoid shooting towards the sun or other bright light sources where the light will hit the scratched area of the front element of the lens. From fingerprints, to mist and water droplets, to shallow scratches, to deep gouges Whether you dropped your lens or shoved it inside the bag without protection, having a scratched camera lens can affect image quality. 4 » Oct 30, 2008 · That said, its amazing how much dust or how many scratches a front element can take without significantly impacting image quality. Jan 21, 2003 · Karl - I have a 20mm f4 Nikon lens with a wonderful 1/4" scratch on the front element - images sharp great contrast. It might be worthwhile to use a hood with it just to counter any increased tendency to flare. )? etc. Nov 9, 2022 · Even running a black dry-wipe marker over the scratch and cleaning off the excess seemed to spread the scratch, rather than subduing it. Mar 15, 2021 · Recently came across a lens for sale that has several visible scratches on the rear element. See full list on lensrentals. A small scratch may not have a noticeable effect on your photos, but a deeper scratch could cause a significant decrease in image quality. Just take some black paint, or black marker, and fill in the scratch with black, then wipe off the excess. I have no idea how I scratched the lens since I have only Jan 2, 2019 · Is the scratch in the coating or the actual lens element? The impact of said scratches is higher if the scratch is on the actual lens element which would typically indicate a deeper and larger scratch. That's why even small dust in the sensor causes spots. Aug 24, 2018 · UWA lenses have large DOF, if you stop down at MFD, anything on the lens front element will show, how much depends on the lighting, and the size/position of the scratch, and the subject. The answer is that it depends on the severity of the scratch. Dec 26, 2006 · Preferably from experience, at what point do you think image quality is affected by coating marks or light scratches on the front or rear element of a camera lens? And, if there is a change, how is it manifested in the image? What about location of the mark? Is a flaw near the center of the glass Feb 3, 2023 · After all, there is an entire industry trying to sell you UV filters, lens hoods, and other tools to help prevent scratches to the front element of your lens. . 25 Shipping $35 Lens 1, finished $113 Total $429. Jul 19, 2022 · A scratch on your camera lens can be frustrating, especially if it seems to happen at the worst possible time. Oct 7, 2020 · Externally, you could not tell it apart from a new one out of the box - even the lens mount is absolutely mint. The reverse of the lens cap usually has the filter thread specification mentioned on it. I have a lens with a small but significant looking scratch near the center. Usually, damaged coating shouldn't affect image quality that much. The 3rd image shows it at the top center. So, small defects hardly affect the image at all. Do scratches on your lens affect performance? Barely, says Lensrentals, but keep your glass protected: Digital Photography Review (dpreview. The front lens element will need to be replaced by Sigma. You have scratches in the lens front element, I have scratches on the camera sensor itself. I had this happen to me once, and after not finding anything on my sensor, it turned out to be a fungus dot inside the huge front element of an 8mm fisheye lens. Here is a tutorial on how to remove the front element (it literally comes right off after unscrewing the connectors): https://www Aug 13, 2020 · 6 When I look closely, I can see scratches on your front element. Jul 17, 2004 · Yes, the front element can be repolished if the scratches are not too deep; a professional repair facility like Focal Point in Denver can do it. Where does the imperfection show up? How important is it to get the piece of Jun 4, 2022 · Scratches on the camera lens? No worries, there is still hope - This guide will walk through some ways to remove camera lens scratches. Does anyone have any reccomendations for getting this fixed? Restoring a vintage lens with The use of a good lens hood can help maximize lens contrast even with an unscratched lens, and it can significantly lessen any contrast loss due to scratches. com Oct 17, 2025 · Discover 9 effective ways to fix scratched camera lenses, from DIY home remedies to professional repair options. Explore the different types and materials of lens protectors available and discover how they can extend the life of your lenses while maintaining image quality. Sep 2, 2025 · Most affordable cameras i see on eBay are 60-70 years old, and their description says "fully working", but the lenses usually have "fungus cleaning marks", slight haze/fog, or scratches on front element (or a combination of the above). Barely if any effect on the quality of the pics it took though. However, if you’re good with camera hardware and The rear element however is a different story. So, do Nov 19, 2022 · The Lens cap protects the lens’ front element from getting knocked or scratched, or damaged during transportation. I see people obsessively cleaning the front of their lens all the time, then swapping lenses and putting the old lens down with the rear element uncovered and it makes me shudder. You may be wondering if a scratch will affect the quality of your photos. How badly would this compromise IQ? I saw a YouTube video last year where someone deliberately scratched the front element of a lens until the IQ became objectionable. The scratch is probably more visible on the wider end of the focal range and possibly larger on the longer end, albeit possibly not as sharply visible. We all know that damage to your lens is bad, but just how bad is bad? Chris and Jordan investigate the image quality impact of dust, fingerprints and cringe-inducing scratches on your lens. It is was still ok. Protect your lens and restore image quality with these practical tips Jan 2, 2019 · The impact of said scratches is higher if the scratch is on the actual lens element which would typically indicate a deeper and larger scratch. If use of toothpaste is recommended with sodium bicarbonate or without, with fluor. So I have a small scratch on my Canon 16-35mm f2. 4 | Remove fungus and mold from 8-element Super Takumar 50mm 1. Learn how to deal with front element scratches on your camera lens and keep your gear in top condition. Lessons to be learned: Look after your lenses; don't clean them excessively; use fresh lens tissues when you do need to clean 'em; carry a small LED flashlight when shopping for used lenses. It may create more flare, so it might be a good idea to use a hood to prevent that. There are many good reasons to use filters. 25 I had nightmare scenari Although there are different ways to try to remove scratches from your camera lens, they can damage the lens in the process. Paying for a replacement by Canon would probably also cost more than you'd lose in resale value. They may look a bit deep but are quite small, just numerous. 8 Mk II lens came out we’ve seen a whole lot of them come back with scratched front elements. If the scratch wasn't described by the seller, you should raise this issue with him/her. If it's a scratch through the coating, and into the surface of the glass, it can create flare artifacts and/or veiling flare (general loss of contrast). Seller has noted scratches on the front element and sent a pic (annotated attached) My recollection of various discussions is that small scratches aren't a big issue and don't show up in images. We are not the same. But I don’t have enough records to go back and figure out which of the numerous front element scratches we’ve seen were of this type. I'm assuming that it would need a replacement by Canon. Some recommend toothpaste, others very fine sandpaper 4000 etc. They received it on the 10th and today (the 14th) I received an estimate for the cost of repair: Labor $316. 🙄 Jan 20, 2011 · A while ago I noticed some scratches on the front element of my G11's lens, which seem to be getting progressively worse. 2 There are cases where significant damage to lenses, such as major front-element scratches, have been shown to imperceptibly affect image quality. Contact the manufacturer or a certified repair center to inquire about lens replacement options. 8 AI lenses, and one has a scratch on the front element right in the center Feb 27, 2024 · I have a vintage lens with lots of scratches and pitting on the front element making it pretty hazy. Here is a photo posted b Scratches or marks in the front element are essentially out of focus for all the images you take with that lens. As you get closer to the sensor, the come into focus and make a more noticible effect on the image. Nov 7, 2022 · If your front element is riddled with scratches and you're unhappy with its impact on your image quality, it's time to pay for a repair. Jan 28, 2023 · Hi friends, I found a Sony 100-400 GM lens at a very good price, the low price is given cause the front element of the lens shows a scratch that, according to the seller it is jus I've done a repair to the front element of the same lens. It also shades it from scattered light, which is nice. I’ve also seen this ‘center circular’ scratch pattern on a few other lenses and we’ll start watching for it now that we know what it is. Preventing Future Aug 27, 2009 · I see a very small scratch on the front element of my 70-300 VR too. This has led me to wonder: Are there any known cases where lens damage, such as (but not limited to) scratches or fungus, have led to an improvement in image quality? Feb 14, 2022 · I sent my scratched (front element) 50mm APO Summicron-M to Leica NJ for repair on February 8th (2-day delivery). In many cases, professional repair services might recommend polishing the lens surface, although this process risks altering the lens’s optical characteristics and may not remove all scratches. Sep 20, 2010 · A small scratch on the front element probably won't affect images, however it will affect resale value. A while ago I noticed some scratches on the front element of my G11's lens, which seem to be getting progressively worse. John Fielder mentions in his book Photographing the Landscape that he regularly uses a lens with a big scratch on the front element. Dive into the world of lens care and find out how lens Jan 12, 2023 · You can learn how to remove scratch from camera lens on this page as we have the right information on preventing and removing scratches. IIRC, it took quite a lot of abuse Mar 12, 2023 · I got a small scratch on my front element, but since it has no effect on image quality and I don't plan on selling the lens, it doesn't bug me anymore. It would appear that the lens cover/shutter blades which close when the camera is switched off may be causing this. But note that it takes a *lot* of damage for it to be noticable. I just got off the phone with the local repair place and its going to cost almost 600 for the repair + calibration. The tiny black line will not be visible in the final image. I have seen a number of discussions on Flickr and other forums to the effect that the lens cover/shutter is causing this. You can contact Canon to purchase the front element glass replacement. An old trick to reduce the effects of direct lighting on a front-element scratch, is to fill the scratch with black ink ("India ink" was the recipe). That's only for a Sep 11, 2006 · The scratches to the outside front element are fine but numerous, while the scratches to the inside of the front lens group are only a few but big and long. As far as replacing the front element, I I am looking to buy a CANON 28mm 1. Jun 29, 2023 · I recently noticed my 24-70 lens got a tiny scratch on the front glass. It's really just the coating not the glass, and I have never seen any effect in my images, but I suspect it adds a bit of flare in some situation. Scratches or marks in the front element are essentially out of focus for all the images you take with that lens. The scratches themselves will make literally 0% difference to your pics anyway. Sep 18, 2023 · Camera lens scratches can be frustrating for photographers who want to capture high-quality images. What do I do? can I send it to Canon so they can repair the unit? I am currently in Nice (south of France) for the coming 2 weeks and I'd like to have it repaired as soon as possible. Now it’s time to put your lens on the camera and do some test shots. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove scratches from a camera lens, ranging from simple household items to Jun 4, 2024 · Lens Replacement In cases where the scratch is too deep or extensive, replacing the lens element may be the best option. Question now for all the perfectionists out there: did you EVER have a lens which was so scratc Nov 21, 2019 · From scratches on the front element to broken Image Stabilization units, tune into to this podcast to get a better insight on what might break on your lens, and how to ensure the longevity of your gear. Scratches are more apparent in wider lenses. Buying another one with better glass may be a better option. Test the lens - brick wall, portrait, infinity - at different fstops. The lenses all take great pictures still even with the scratches. However, it may not be worth the expense if you are dealing with a common and inexpensive lens such as the 50/2 Summar or even the 50/2 Summitar. This repair is actually quite easier than expected. Dec 22, 2024 · I recently purchased this lens and after getting it home and giving it a thorough inspection noticed that the front element has what i would call Aug 20, 2004 · a lens with a scratch at the filter circumference of front element glass, does it affect picture quality?? thanks for any input. Aug 11, 2023 · I wonder how much Canon would charge for replacing the from lens element of my RF 100-500mm lens? I purchased the RF 100-500mm L lens in 2021, and just a day ago I realized that the from glass element has what it seems to be a small scratch. They are deposited on the glass through vapor deposition. com) Also think of a mirror lens, with a secondary mirror obstructing quite a bit of the front of Jul 5, 2019 · I have a few small (light)scratches on the outside perimeter of my 18-135mm lens. I definitely ignore ones that have fungus, because that can grow. We want the lens to look as good as the pictures it takes. Jan 20, 2011 · A while ago I noticed some scratches on the front element of my G11's lens, which seem to be getting progressively worse. I think this will answer your question. Scratches in the coating or cleaning marks may be less impactful, especially on the front glass. But I realised that when looking at it from a certain angle you can see lots of faint swirly scratches in the inner elements (they seem to be closer to the rear element, behind the shutter blades). I don't shoot past f/11 and I couldn't find any traces of the scratch on my images. This is a more costly solution, but it ensures that your camera lens is restored to its original condition. Just take some photos and see for yourself. Anyone had this type of repair done Nov 6, 2023 · I have an old Soviet lens where there was a little fungus on the inside of the front element. I was sending my 5DSR in for cleaning Nov 30, 2018 · PentaxForums. Look for scratches on the lens’ body, too – be thorough. The offer is very tempting. 🙄 Oct 16, 2013 · The other name-brand filters I tried were all fine. Example, a 90mm lens will show less imperfections I like to keep my lenses in pristine condition but I am no longer afraid to buy a good lens with a minor scratch in the front element if I get it at half the price. Oct 31, 2005 · I doubt that marks on the front element will make any visible difference to the lens' performance. Feb 3, 2023 · After all, there is an entire industry trying to sell you UV filters, lens hoods, and other tools to help prevent scratches to the front element of your lens. Any imperfections at all will show up as massive problems in your picture. How do we test if any lens scratches show up on the photograph? Take pictures with lens cap on? Take pictures of a white paper or a well lit white wall? Take pictures of a black paper? Take pictures of a bright light source (daylight or warm-white light bulbs, etc. Even a small scratch can affect the clarity of the image, and it can be difficult to remove without damaging the lens further. Northrup maybe? Can't find video again now. I have used lenses with fungus and scratches with excellent results. Here are a couple of images taken with a lens with a fairly bad front element. In my experience (over 20 years) using a lens hood is more than adequate protection for the front element of the lens. Dec 26, 2006 · Preferably from experience, at what point do you think image quality is affected by coating marks or light scratches on the front or rear element of a camera lens? And, if there is a change, how is it manifested in the image? What about location of the mark? Is a flaw near the center of the glass Oct 30, 2008 · We’re like you. 8 Nov 3, 2016 · Hey everyone, Today the lens cap of my 70-200 f4 is got off somehow, in my camera bag, now the is a big scratch on the front element. Anyways I decided to se Apr 16, 2007 · Just kidding, I have had at least three lenses with scratched front elemets (I bought them that way for a BIG discount) and I have compared them to non-scratched versions of the same model and my conclusion is that in normal shooting the scratches didn't amount to a hill of beans. Though I did it myself and just purchased a new front element glass from Canon. Jun 18, 2020 · In the video, Drake and Niccolls cover the gamut of schmutz and damage that you could do to your front element. I bought a cheap, Chinese made, lens spanner which worked beautifully and I was surprised how easy it was to remove and replace the glass. Don't let tiny imperfections ruin your photography experience. Here is a tutorial on how to remove the front element (it literally comes right off after unscrewing the connectors): https://www Jul 2, 2015 · Damage to the the front element of a lens should manifest in two different areas, sharpness and contrast. Thank you for any advice! I've done a repair to the front element of the same lens. unh462u u6 lhf2n wthyv pz eiua tq 63qde us7z l9z
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