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I purchased a 50 3.5 Red Scale at a show without having the required penlight to do a test. I did hold it to a ceiling light and found nothing wrong. The very first roll showed the typical muddied tones of a fogged lens. Sharpness was not affected at this stage.
I got my light and did an inspection. Sure enough, there was a very slight fog I could not see with the previous test.
So off to get it cleaned. $75 later it is like new and has the sparkle I expect from a Leica lens.
So water clear is the word if you want the true Leica look.
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In my experience, if you like the lens, then it's worth having cleaned. Internal haze and fogging reduces contrast, and it's fairly easy to remove, presuming the lens isn't hard to disassemble (modern zooms, complex wideangles, and lenses with floating elements can be quite difficult to disassemble). There is some risk involved, since it is always possible that an element can have a flaw that isn't apparent until the technician tries to reassemble the lens, tightens a ring that holds it in place, and it cracks. A good shop can also collimate the lens, making sure that the cells are all properly positioned upon reassembly.
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Well, I had it cleaned and it now sparkles. It was only $60 so it was well worth it.
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Mark, I'll probably never to to Chicago but, in the interest of present and future forum readers, I suggest you post the name/address of the technician who made the cleaning. Good repairers are not widespread and I think when one makes a good work it is good for everybody to know it.
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Youxin Ye.....he was fast and did a great job. He isn't in Chicago, but in the Boston area. Even at that, it was only 10 days including the mail.
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Fogging can be bad, some of the Leica lenses and some of the Canon lenses used optical glasses prone to etching, by fogging.
Best to inspect regular & clean immediately before damage occurs.
I got Canon f/1.8 LTM, Canon f/2.8 LTM...
Noel
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