Cloudy lens

I have my eye on a smc-M 85mm F2 lens but the seller says "but one of the inner elements is slightly cloudy. This will probably clean if the lens is dismantled." I am guessing this is probably fungus. Does anyone know how much it would cost to get it cleaned? (and any recommendations as to who?), or is it something one could attempt oneself? (I would be extremely reticent to do so as I have the manual dexterity of a fish).

Many thanks, Kris.

It's a nice lens but I'd wait for a better example. The cost of professional cleaning could be almost as much as the cost of the lens.

There are numerous types of fungus and some, but not all, can be removed. The excretions of fungi vary in the damage that they can do to the coatings.

Here is an excellent description of fungus and their effect.

I'd take John's advice, and wait for a better example, or look at the 77mm Limited lens.

I guessed that would be the general advice, although I don't think spending a fiver on a used lens is in the same league to spending over 500 quid on a 77mm Ltd! (price from SRS). My next expensive lens is going to be the DA* 16-50mm to go with my DA* 50-135mm (which I love).

Many thanks, BTW, for the web link. Extremely useful information.

2nd BTW... how do you find the K-135-600mm? I read some reviews of it but have never seen one second hand.

Best wishes, Kris.

If it's only a fiver, I'd chance it. That same site shows how to dismantle an M42 lens. The M series lenses aren't going to be very different.

The 135-600mm is a super lens. I just wish I had a tripod that could hold it steady. The tripod mount is way to far to the rear making it completely unbalanced & heavy at the front. A Wimberly would fix the problem, at a price.