Olympus OM 135mm f2.8 with damaged front element

[!Karen]

I got this lens from a flea market for 2$. It was in terrible shape, came in 3 parts. Aperture and focus didn't work, screws were missing, dirt everywhere. Somehow I managed to clean it and actually put it back together. The aparture ring doesn't have click stops now, but I can live with that. The unfortunate thing is that the front element is completely scratched, like someone tried to clean it with steel wool or something. I gave the lens a chance anyway and below are the results, Shots are all F2.8 and I have just compensated exposure a bit (as the a6000 often underexposes). I think the result is not too bad however images could benefit from a contrast boost.

[guardian]

You have done a super job with those images, !Karen, damaged lens or not!

When it comes to (MF) lenses there exist two varieties: work horses and show horses.

Mere element damage does not necessarily disqualify a lens from being an excellent work horse:

http://kurtmunger.com/dirty_lens_articleid35.html

This is something you have proven beyond any doubt!

[Lloydy]

2$ ? you've got a bargain. Great pictures, any loss of contrast is easily fixed.

[Mike Deep]

I kinda want to see the lens.

[kenetik]

I'm not sure what the damage you're referring to looks like, but I am not sure how you could improve on those images. Olympus lenses are tough to take apart and reassemble. Excellent work.

[!Karen]

@ guardian: that article you linked to was interesting to read, thanks!



and as per request, here is an image of the lens:



photo of front, it is covered in scratches and dots/points like this: