Hello, I'm very familiar with this topic. You may remember my post a month or so ago regarding information on removing fungus from my EF 300mm f2.8?
My research revealed this problem is realized not only on camera lenses, but on enlarger lenses as well. The cause is simply the lens acts as an incubator for fungus when warm, moist air is allowed to remain in the lens. Prevention is the most important step as removal is difficult or, in some cases, impossible. Prevention is achieved in the form of insuring your lenses are "dried" after use. This can be done with desiccants ( silica gel) or by storing the lenses in other humidity controlled storage containers. With desiccant use, you must make sure the container with your lens and desiccant media is somewhat sealed from moisture. Also, the silica gel packs or any other desiccant media must be refreshed (reactivated) periodically as they absorb moisture from the air and will get saturated and stop working. They also have a relatively short life span and must be replaced periodically as well. Silica gel packs are easy to come by, but the storage case is another story. I've read about anything from water-tight Pelican cases ( $100+) to people using zip lock bags and Tupperware. There are also dry storage "cabinets" although I found very little information about inexpensive ones for lens storage. Most are expensive and used in the pharmaceutical, electronics or chemical manufacturing and research markets. As for removal of the fungus once it's there... In most cases, it must be performed by trained lens repair people. It's not cheap. In my case, the cleaning and return shipping at Canon USA cost me about $310. While that may seem high, it was performed on a lens that is valued in excess on $2,000 and the lens looked brand new when it came back, even the exterior. The new IS version of this lens is closer to $4,000. I hope this helps. Good luck. Best Regards, Dean Bowlin > Any tips on reducing lens fungus. I have been spending more money on my > lenses lately with the thought that this investment would outlast the bodies > I have been using. Now I am wondering about the life expectancy of my > lenses. > > Paul > * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
