Testing a Classic Used Camera
If you are in the market for buying a classic camera there are some specific things that you should be looking for. Fingerprints, dust, and dirt on the outside of the camera are quite acceptable. All you need to do is wipe the camera off with micro-cloth and a little of your own breath. There are, however, the following things that you can look for when it comes to testing a classic used camera:
Check to see that the lens is free of scratches. There should be no clouding or hazing. Use a micro-fiber cloth to check if any clouding is atmospheric pollution or whether it is something that is more serious. Its acceptable to have a few light scratches but if the anti-reflective coating on the lens is worn it might to better to pass up this purchase.
Are there any signs of separation on the lens? Separation is apparent when the cemented elements of the lens start to come apart. It will look as though there is a crescent shaped rainbow on the side of the lens. It may also be evident by the appearance of faint white lines. If the lens shows any of these signs you will want to avoid buying it as there is no easy way to repair a lens that is separating.
Look for spots of mold or fine spider webs on the internal lens components. Mold secretions are acidic and will eat into the camera lens. You can repair this type of lens damage if you can easily take the lens apart to clean it. Most of the time if you take the lens apart you wont be able to get it back together with the proper alignment.
Check to see if there is any white spotting on the camera lens. White spotting occurs when the coating on the lens starts to break down. This happens most often on the periphery of the lens and isnt that critical to the functioning of the lens unless it moves into the center. The Minolta CLE 28mm lens is well known for developing white spotting.
All the elements of the camera lens should be in correct placement. It might take a bit of experience for you to notice that the rear element of the lens is missing so you might want to familiarize yourself with camera lens before you consider buying a used one.
Dont pass by the opportunity to buy a good used classic camera, especially if you are interested in attempted some classic photography without the use of a digital camera.
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