Vintage lenses are loved for their unique rendering, but decades of use — and sometimes years of poor storage — leave marks on the glass. Some of these quirks are harmless, while others can seriously affect image quality. Here’s what to look for when inspecting a vintage lens.
Fungus
What it is: Colonies of microscopic fungi growing on the surface of lens elements inside the lens.
Causes: High humidity, warm conditions, long periods of disuse.
Effect on the image:
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Early stage — slight haze, reduced contrast.
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Mid stage — branching patterns, halos around bright objects.
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Advanced stage — dense veil, heavy loss of detail.
Why it’s dangerous: Fungus can damage the coating and even etch the glass itself, and this cannot be fixed by polishing.
Scratches
Front element
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Light scratches are rarely visible in real-world photos. At most, they may cause slight flares or a drop in contrast when shooting into bright light.
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Deep scratches generally don’t ruin an image but can introduce flares, ghosting, or haziness in backlit scenes.
Rear element
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Even light scratches here are more critical, since they sit closer to the sensor. They can reduce sharpness and contrast, especially when struck by direct light.
|
Scratch/Defect Location |
Impact on Image |
Notes |
|
Front element, near the edge |
Minimal to none |
Usually invisible in the image; may slightly affect flare when shooting wide open. |
|
Front element, center |
Moderate |
Can cause slight blur or loss of contrast in the center, especially in backlit situations. |
|
Internal element, near the edge |
Minimal |
Typically no effect on the image; possible flare if bright light sources enter the frame. |
|
Internal element, center |
Significant |
May reduce sharpness and contrast, and increase halos around bright objects. |
|
Rear element, near the edge |
Moderate |
Can slightly soften image edges, more noticeable at wide apertures. |
|
Rear element, center |
High |
Strong impact on sharpness, may create a “hazy” spot in the center of the frame. |
Dust and Small Particles Inside
Myth: Any dust will ruin the image.
Fact: Small particles have virtually no effect on image quality, especially at wide apertures.
Exception: Large fibers or metal shavings can cast visible shadows when shooting at stopped-down apertures.
Coating damage
What it is: Damage to the anti-reflective layer on a lens element.
Effect:
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Reduced contrast and possible color shifts
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Increased tendency to produce flares
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Occasionally a creative benefit, producing a more “vintage” flare look
Mechanical defects and backlash
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Stiff or uneven focus movement makes shooting uncomfortable.
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Backlash (play) in the focus ring can cause problems in video work, especially when pulling focus.
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Light fungus, small scratches, and dust – can be part of a lens’s character.
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Deep damage to the rear element, heavy fungus, and severe coating loss – a reason for servicing.
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Always store lenses in a dry place with humidity between 40–60%.
We recommend reading our guide How to Care and store vintage optics: a guide from Vintage Lens Store (link).
In our store, every lens undergoes full servicing and testing. We do not sell optics with critical defects — every piece is ready to work from day one.
When choosing vintage gear, it’s important to remember that signs of age are a natural part of a lens’s history. Minor cosmetic marks may be present even on fully functional lenses. They don’t affect image quality but add to the lens’s unique character.
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