Need advice on Zeiss 35-70 f3.4

nainsurvolte · Joined: 20 Dec 2013 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

I have been using manual focus lens for over a year now. I was looking for a standard zoom to fit my 5D Mk1 for everyday use and my choice went for the Zeiss 35-70 f3.4,

I bought it on ebay at a good price. I did pretty much all my homework regarding seller, description and considering the price I jumped on it as well as asking a few questions after to make sure it was all in order considering general defects that can be found on old lens (fungus, haze, dust, scratches, etc).

I just received it and don`t know what to think of what I found. From my research, it would be either lens bubble (would then keep it) or lens separation (would most probably return it).

The rest of the lens is almost flawless (macro, focus, aperture zoom and cosmetic). I have taken a few shot, and there does not seem to have any affect on images, but my main concern is if this could get worse with time as well as what would be the real value of the lens considering this defect.

Your opinion is really appreciated. Keeper or not?

nainsurvolte · Joined: 20 Dec 2013 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

Don`t know why the image does not show up, so here is an hyperlink to a picture in flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nainsurvolte/11459114395/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nainsurvolte/11459155314/

Thanks

fermy · Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 1974

That does not look like either lens bubbles or separation. To my eyes it looks like onset of schneideritis (do google search). The pictures with more depth of field and more general view would be helpful.

nainsurvolte · Joined: 20 Dec 2013 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

This is as good as it gets with what I have (100mm Macro f32 Iso 125 6" in remote/live view)

Also, some more context, you really need to put everything at an angle (light and camera) in order to see it.
-Look right through the lens, it does not show up
-Look perpendicularly to the surface where it is you don't see it

To see it you need to hold the lens, have that spot in front of you but on the far side, and tilt the lend so that you start looking at the horizon of the glass ( Rolling Eyes

hope its clear)

I have looked for the onset and Schneideritis as you mentioned. Although I agree that the later seem to be the case, I did not found any good (convincing) explanation as to where this comes from and if it can get worst. Am I right to believe that the community knows what it looks like but only knows approximately what is the cause and how to possibly control it?

As for the onset, I found nothing. "Onset" seem to be too much of a common word and the context around lens too uncommon to even show up in the searches. If you have a link it would be great.

Thanks.

TrueLoveOne · Expire: 2013-12-24

If this is "Schneideritis" it would be a problem of loose flat-black paint on the inside of the barrel which creates reflections in the glass, if i am not mistaking it..... and i think nainsurvolte has these specks in or on the glass itself, am i right??

nainsurvolte · Joined: 20 Dec 2013 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

A small bump, still looking for someone to say they are pretty sure this is Schneideritis.

Here is more general view:

And here is a less cropped view of the last one. For reference the letters you barely see are the "i`and the first "s" of "Zeiss".

Thanks.

ManualFocus-G · Expire: 2014-11-24

This isn't a cheap lens (unless you got it for an amazing price). If you are not happy with it, send it back regardless.

aoleg · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Posts: 1387 Location: Berlin, DE

Ramon · Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 71 Location: Kent, UK

Certainly looks like a paint problem to me, I've had many lenses of various makes with this problem and never found it to have any adverse effects.

This is the first time I've heard it called schneideritis, it certainly isn't just a problem that is confined to Schneider lenses.

I would suggest if you are not happy then return the lens. I can't see it causing you any problems but other people might not like it and it could affect the resale value.

nainsurvolte · Joined: 20 Dec 2013 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

Thanks all for the reply. I honestly never heard of Schneideritis before but from what I read and the pictures I took so far I am ok with keeping it. It would simply have been nicer if right off the bat, the seller would have announced that instead of finding it when inspecting the lens upon reception.

ManualFocus-G · Expire: 2014-11-24

Good stuff! I've used this lens extensively and it's superb.

kido · Joined: 06 Jun 2013 Posts: 105 Location: Chile

I had Schneideritis before it was cool Very Happy

But seriously, a few weeks ago I posted a question along with some photos and my problem was diagnosed just that. My thread quietly and magically moved to the "Equipment Care and Repairs" section but you can find it under this link:

http://forum.mflenses.com/what-are-these-dots-inside-the-lens-t63379.html

Comparing our photos I think it looks roughly the same. Just as in your case, the seller has "forgotten" to mention this detail in the description. Anyway, I haven't noticed any impact on the picture quality so if the price was right, these little dots will soon be forgotten and overshadowed by the results.

nainsurvolte · Joined: 20 Dec 2013 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

Indeed. I was pretty sure to have looked elsewhere in the forum for a place to post my question. I guess "Equipment Care and Repair" did not struck me as the place to go as I was looking for defect information. But upon closer inspection, maybe I should have gone there first. Nice threads btw (mostly the one on equipment repair.

Did some shooting, and I am just about to upload and see the results. Obviously, this lens is not for a camera with a regular focusing screen. I don`t know the one I have in the 5D but it is definitely better than the EF-D I have on my 40D.

For the ones managing the forum, would`t be nice to have a sticky on all possible sign of use/age/defect that may and may not affect image quality. There is already one for fungus, maybe it could be joined by one or more explaining Lens separation, Schneideritis, oil on apperture blade, haze, etc.

DR.JUAN · Joined: 08 Feb 2013 Posts: 661

I had this problem with an angulon 35/2,8 in rollei sl 35 mount.

Yes a schneider lens.

OPAL · Joined: 11 Dec 2012 Posts: 354

I am using this excellent lens since 1987, and it looks like still like brand new! If you can't live with it, get it repaired. It will be worth it!

A good price, is not always te best price!