Fungus Removal

Fungus removal service: All fungus is killed in this process. In many cases all traces of fungus are completely removed from the glass and it looks as if it were never there. Fungus is usually on the surfaces of all air spaces elements. When fungus has attacked between the cemented elements, repair is more likely to be more expensive than practical. The lenses would have to be uncemented, cleaned, and then recemented.

Prices: fungus removal on the exterior surfaces of each group is the most economical to remove. This type of job typically runs from $40 to $150 dollars depending on the severity of the fungus and how many surfaces are affected. Photos will help narrow down the price. This is a by the hour job that is billed at half out normal shop rate. This discount is my personal effort to save wonderful old lenses so they can continue to be used and appreciated for many years to come.

Once we have the lens in hand, we can take a better look at it so a much closer estimation of the price can be made. Exact quotes are really not possible. Every fungus is different as is the time it takes to remove it. While most shops that offer this service simply charge a blanket high price to all, we prefer to charge only for the actual service performed. After all, you should not have to help pay for the additional cost of a severe fungal infection if you do not have one

Limitations: With a bad fungus infection there may be a circular spot left where the center of the main growth was as seen in the accompanying photos. In severe cases where the fungus has been attacking the glass for many years, the larger fingers of the fungus growth can leave a permanent mark in the glass as well. It sounds much worse than it is. It is usually not noticeable to the naked eye but is visible when using a loupe. Fungus on coated glass needs to be dealt with quickly. Permanent flaws in the coating resulting from the fungus will occur much faster than on uncoated glass.

When the fungus is located in the air space between two elements will be more expensive. The lens group will have to be disassembled, cleaned and reassembled. Unfortunately on many older lenses the flanges are bent or the threads damaged making disassembly next to impossible. Some aluminum mounts oxidize to the point where they can crumble when disassembled. Such lenses are better off being used as is if possible. Caution: While fungus is usually on the exposed surfaces, in some cases it is not. Internal fungus on uncemented surfaces of air spaced groups is removable. However, it is only accessible by disassembling the group. We take grate care in disassembling lenses. Please remember though, in older lenses, there is always the risk of damage to the mount or even the optics (especially those with pot aluminum mounts).

Oxidation not only can destroy the integrity of the barrel but in less severe cases, the oxidation between the barrel and the lens group can reduce the diameter of the hole the lens is mounted into making it at times extremely difficult to remove. Fortunately, these cases are not the norm but they do exist. Even though we have yet to damage a lens or its mount, please consider the possibility that it can happen and your lens can be damaged if it is disassembled.  This work is done at your own risk.