Lens fungus?

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woodpigeon4

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I've recently come into possession of a lot of old (but still apparently valuable) lenses, most of which I intend to sell. I value my reputation so obviously want to describe everything accurately and sell at a fair price, so have been checking out old ebay listings for information. I've noticed that many listings mention that the lens does/doesn't have "fungus", but when I look at the pictures of the lenses that apparently do have it I can't see any evidence of it. Naturally, I'm concerned that mine may have it as it doesn't seem particularly obvious, and I don't want to sell it as definitely not having it when I'm not sure.
So, is there any way of checking for it? What does it look like?
Thanks :)
 
I have wondered this as well!
 
Hold the lens to a light and look closely through the rear and front. Fungus usually shows as snowflake like patches or spidery crack like lines coming from the edges of the glass. I'll post some examples if I can find some :)

E.g.:

547132523_o.jpg
 
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One quick check but not totaly foolproof. Is to hold the lens upto a light with the rear eliment to the light. this should show any fungus. Hope this is of help.
 
On the subject of fungus I was told a while back that if you keep those little silica packs you get in cloths and electronic items...etc they absorb moisture and it will help prevent fungus on your lens...etc not sure how much they help but i always keep a few in my bag
 
Silica packs CAN be reused but you need to toast out the moisture from it. The packs you get with electronics etc are variably saturated with moisture already and unless they are the color changing type you have no idea how effective they still are.
 
the first signs of fungus are usually tiny spider-like web fronds under the front element I beleive

there is 'some' reports of leaving the lens on a south facing window ledge and the UV killing the fungus - you need to research this though....:D
 
You can reactivate silica gel by heating it at between 105°C and 120°C in an oven for two to three hours. Microwaves (or very high conventional temperatures) can damage the gel and render it ineffective.

If your gel is pink, it may well contain cobalt II chloride (which turns from blue to pink as the gel absorbs moisture). Cobalt is a toxic heavy metal, which is classed as possibly carcinogenic, so don't put the pink stuff in your oven. :nono: If your used gel is green or colourless, it's safe.
 
Thank you manualfocus-g!

:)
 
It's not always spider web like, you can also get the petri dish mould looking type as a blob randomly on an element, easily spotted!
 
Many thanks for all of those replies. I did of course try googling it, but found there was a lot of conflicting information, and as I'd just joined this forum thought I may as well as here. Will probably spend most of the evening checking them all for fungus now..... :p
 
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