fungus on my canon 28-80 mm lens

[shazikon]

Guys,
the most unfortunate thing has happened after the long wet weather in Bangalore last year, i forgot to dry my lens and observed last weekend that one of my canon 28-80 mm lens is affected with a fungii.. Any tips on how to clean this lens. Any reliable camera shop i can approach in Bangalore to get it cleaned..

[tifosikrishna]

Originally Posted by shazikon

Guys,
the most unfortunate thing has happened after the long wet weather in Bangalore last year, i forgot to dry my lens and observed last weekend that one of my canon 28-80 mm lens is affected with a fungii.. Any tips on how to clean this lens. Any reliable camera shop i can approach in Bangalore to get it cleaned..

try to keep the lens under a table lamp (may be 100w bulb) for 30 minutes or so. heat radiated may help in removing the fungus.

[tsk1979]

Look here
http://www.chem.helsinki.fi/~toomas/photo/fungus/
Tells of prevention solution etc.,

[shazikon]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Look here
http://www.chem.helsinki.fi/~toomas/photo/fungus/
Tells of prevention solution etc.,

I couldnt get much useful info but only hypothesis.. will try keeping it in th sun lets see..

thanks tifosikrishna, i will try your trick too keeping it under a 100w bulb..
looks like the growth is in advanced stages as i can feel the hard ness on the external lens surface..

[shazikon]

does it help cleaning the lens surface with a mild alcohol solution?? or is the lens coating sensitive for this?

[tsk1979]

Use a lens cleaning fluid. You get them in camera shops. But you have to open the lens for the cleaning and its not really recommended unless you are trained. I suggest you go and visit fotocircle in chamrajpet or RK photo video near national market. they stock lenses and repair photography equipment

[S Pathak]

Considering that it is in "advanced stages", it would be prudent to get it cleaned immediately. You may take your lens to Mr. K P thomas, an elderly gentleman who does a good job of removing fungus for a reasonable cost at Bangalore. 277, 2nd cross, cambridge layout, Bng - 8. #5115 9135 / 2555 3787.

[shazikon]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Use a lens cleaning fluid. You get them in camera shops. But you have to open the lens for the cleaning and its not really recommended unless you are trained. I suggest you go and visit fotocircle in chamrajpet or RK photo video near national market. they stock lenses and repair photography equipment

Thanks for the lead tsk1979..
will do it over the weekend.

[shazikon]

Originally Posted by S Pathak

Considering that it is in "advanced stages", it would be prudent to get it cleaned immediately. You may take your lens to Mr. K P thomas, an elderly gentleman who does a good job of removing fungus for a reasonable cost at Bangalore. 277, 2nd cross, cambridge layout, Bng - 8. #5115 9135 / 2555 3787.

That was very useful info Mr.Pathak, thank you..

[S Pathak]

You are welcome.

He is recommended by Mr. Naresh Raheja of RK Photoguide. Mr. Thomas did a good job for one of my lenses, while the Nikon authorised service centre tried to rob me.

[Rudra Sen]

Originally Posted by shazikon

i forgot to dry my lens and observed last weekend that one of my canon 28-80 mm lens is affected with a fungii...

Lens was wet? If not, what’s the idea of drying a lens?
Fungus in Bangalore is rare. At least that’s what I see. You’ll give your lens for cleaning but what’s the guarantee that it won’t come back again?
Fungus cleaning (if deep) from lens may remove (read damage) your lens coating.

You can probably consider a few steps to prevent further damage. These are of course, after you clean the lens:

1. Do not keep your camera/lens in their respective pouch. Use them only when you’re carrying them.
2. Camera lenses need light to pass through. That’s what they’re meant for. At times allow them to feel the sunlight. Even if you’re not shooting anything.
3. Always use some sort of glass filter (Skylight 1A/UV) to protect your front element. You may not like them using but they protect lens to a great extent.
4. Use manual focusing once in a while (in case of auto focus lens). It will prevent lens lubrication to stay healthy, not sticky or dry.
5. Use a good quality blower brush. Preferably a big one.

You may already know all these…but old man’s blabber is a common problem anywhere.

[ritik123]

To prevent the issue from recurring again: Always keep a few pouches of "SILICA GEL" inside your cameras and lens bags.

[S Pathak]

Originally Posted by ritik123

To prevent the issue from recurring again: Always keep a few pouches of "SILICA GEL" inside your cameras and lens bags.

Keeping pouches of silica gels with the lenses in a "camera bag" does not help. That's because the camera bags are not airtight. For perfect prevention, in addition to what Rudra said, follow these :-

1. If you do not plan to use the lenses for a long time, store in dessicators, with silica gel packs. The silica gel absorb moisture from the air inside the dessicator and after sometime (couple of weeks depending on the moisture level), shall turn white/magenta. Check after a couple of weeks and warm up the silica gel in a frying pan (not being used for cooking purposes). The silica gel shall turn deep blue and can again be reused. This process should not be repeated for infinite number of times and it would be wise to replace the pack of silica gel with a new pack after few months.
2. Lenses that are frequently used never attract fungus. Ensure they get air and sunlight at regular intervals, open up and close the apertures, do some shooting.
3. Too much use of silica gel might affect lens lubrication. Be careful.

Hope this helps.

[shazikon]

Originally Posted by Rudra Sen

Lens was wet? If not, what’s the idea of drying a lens?
Fungus in Bangalore is rare.
Well, i had been trekking in some very moist places last year, although the lens was not wet, i am sure the moisture might have crept in to the lens barrell..and i must say the silica gel in my pouch is old and not doing its job..

4. Use manual focusing once in a while (in case of auto focus lens). It will prevent lens lubrication to stay healthy, not sticky or dry.
I use manual focusing most of the time....

You may already know all these…but old man’s blabber is a common problem anywhere.

i really appreciate and respect your advices after all wisdom comes from age and experience..
thanks,
-shashi