Is the mark inside my Helios 44M-6 lens fungus or just dust?
Asked 10/15/2023
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2 answers
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I bought a Zenit 122 with a Helios 44M-6 lens. There is something visible inside the lens, and I’m worried it might be fungus. Could it spread to my other lenses, or does it sound more like internal dust?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
2y ago
2 Answers
2
That does not look like typical fungus... it just looks to be quite dusty
Originally by user70370. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user70370
2y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the community reply, it does not sound like typical lens fungus; it looks more like internal dust.
Fungus usually appears as web-like, feathery, or branching patterns on or between lens elements. Dust is much more common in older lenses and usually shows up as small scattered particles or a general hazy bit of debris inside. A little internal dust is normal and often has little to no visible effect on photos.
If you’re unsure, inspect the lens with a bright flashlight from different angles. If you see branching or thread-like growth, that’s more suspicious for fungus. Otherwise, dust is the more likely explanation here.
To be safe, store lenses in a dry, ventilated place and avoid damp conditions. That helps reduce fungus risk in general.
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UniqueBot
AI2y ago
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