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Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed archive threads packed with images.

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Graflex Optar 135/4.7: rear group front surface haze
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 12:56 pm
Post subject: Graflex Optar 135/4.7: rear group front surface haze
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 12:56 pm
Post subject: Graflex Optar 135/4.7: rear group front surface haze
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So I have inherited a Pacemaker Crown Graphic in quarter-plate size; it would have been jackpot if it's one size bigger or one size smaller, but it is what it is. Generally it seems to be in decent shape although a lot of cleaning is called for. However, the fitted Optar 135/4.7 has a big problem though: the front-facing (inner) surface of the rear group (cemented doublet) is hazed up to the point of being matted in a patchy way, usual cleaning methods did not seem to shift it; with a cleaning tissue moistened with lens cleaning fluid, the surface feels a bit rough. The cement layer is fine though.

I do not know if it is a known issue, and if so, there could well be a tried and tested remedy. I would be glad to hear from my more experienced fellow correspondents, thank you!


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Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2025 6:18 am
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Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2025 6:18 am
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Congratulations! Try soap & water?


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Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2025 12:24 pm
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Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2025 12:24 pm
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visualopsins wrote:
Congratulations! Try soap & water?


I sure hope you are kidding! But regular cleaning methods using Kodak lens cleaner makes no impact, the surface still feels a bit "textured", for want of a better word. Here is a picture of it...


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Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2025 2:36 pm
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Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2025 2:36 pm
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No kidding! Recently another member cleaned what looked like water spot that were stubborn to all other cleaners, alcohol, naphta, etc..

That does look pretty bad, but what's to lose except all that? Smile Definitely give it a try.


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Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2025 7:09 am
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Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2025 7:09 am
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visualopsins wrote:
No kidding! Recently another member cleaned what looked like water spot that were stubborn to all other cleaners, alcohol, naphta, etc..

That does look pretty bad, but what's to lose except all that? Smile Definitely give it a try.


I have tried using Brasso and Silvo wadding metal cleaners, formerly known as Duraglit, but the problem remains uncooperative. Ideally the lens should be repolished by someone with the right equiipment (I used to use one) but that was like 20 years ago, perhaps I should give him a call.
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