Condensation Problem on Old FD lens


SeAnCoLd

Senior Member
Hi all, I noticed something strange. I have an old Zeiss planar lens that seems to like condensation a lot. Usually, on other lenses, when condensation do form on the front or rear elements, for instance if I blow some warm air onto it, the condensation evaporates and the lens is totally clear again within seconds. On this Zeiss lens, a layer of fog remains. This happens when I bring it from the warm outdoors indoors into a space with air conditioning. I have to clean it every time I use it. Anyone has this problems with old lenses? Why is this not happening with modern lenses? How do I overcome this? There's already a UV filter on the lens.
 

i also have a minor issue with an old SMC takumar 400mm but it usually is easy to remove. if im in an aircon space and want to shoot something form an open window, the front element will have condensation/fog same as what you have mentioned above. anyway i always have a micro fibre cloth that i always use to clean/wipe the front element.
 

it seems like some lenses are more susceptible to such fogging due to temperature changes.
newer lenses / coating could be the reason why newer lenses doesn't fog up as much - Im not too sure. Maybe someone more familiar can help to expound this myth?
 

Back
Top