I'm thinking of buying a 90F2.8 Tele Elmarit (skinny) whose rear element has a distinctive, thin border of haze/etching. This runs almost the entire circumference and consists of what looks like very fine scratches. Not very wide though. Also lots of little "pitting" marks on the glass.

Also the front element's inner surface has a hazed/fogged center patch. Quite large.

The front elements problem is noticable under normal viewing if you look carefully. Both are obvious if you shine a penlight through the lens.

Cosmetically the lens is mint. Asking price is US$375.

Will these problems have any affect on image quality? Can they be fixed at reasonable cost. Keeper as is, worth fixing or return it?

Cheers. Simon Wong

-- Simon Wong (drsimonwong@hotmail.com), May 30, 2001

Answers

The rear element is in a pressed together assembly and cannot be fixed (not even by Leica Germany). This is a common problem on the thin TE and I would noy buy it.

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), May 30, 2001.

Thank you John.

Cheers. Simon

-- Simon Wong (drsimonwong@one.net.au), May 30, 2001.

What John says is completely true. There are so many Leica 90's out there it doesn't pay to buy one that isn't in good shape, regardless of the price.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), May 30, 2001.

Cheers Jay.

-- Simon Wong (drsimonwong@hotmail.com), May 30, 2001.