Lens question - 35mm to DSLR - milky pictures.

[TonyRPH]

I am using an Optomax 200mm f4.5 lens (ex 35mm kit) on my Olympus E500 DSLR.

I also have an Olympus Zuiko 40 - 150mm f3.5 digital lens.

When I take pictures with the Optomax lens, they are always a little 'milky' and require some retouching to look right.

I have experimented with shutter speeds, asa settings etc. but cannot seem to take a picture that doesn't require retouching!

I also have another lens from a 35mm camera (500mm) which does the same thing.

Can anybody suggest where I'm going wrong? TIA.

Pics taken with the Olympus lens are always fine.

Example pics:

Before retouching:



After retouching:

[malc350]

If it's not shooting into the light causing flare it could be the lens is contaminated with something, i.e. fungus. I'd hold it up to the light and see if there are little white dots inside it - if so could be spores of fungus, especially is it has been stored in a humid environment and it seems to happen sometimes to old lenses. If that's what it is there's no real cure I'm afraid.

Could just need the front and / or rear elements cleaning though...

[S47]

Try fitting a lenshood, this will certainly improve the lack of contrast.
Optomax were a budget lens so probably not the best for contrast and flare to begin with.

[Simpo Two]

Are you shooting through a window?

As already said, I suspect it is primarily old cheap glass with poor coatings. But if you can bash it into shape by hoofing up the black levels, then you may prefer that than buy a new more expensive lens.

[TonyRPH]

Simpo Two said:

Are you shooting through a window?

As already said, I suspect it is primarily old cheap glass with poor coatings. But if you can bash it into shape by hoofing up the black levels, then you may prefer that than buy a new more expensive lens.

In this instance I was indeed shooting through a window.

But it's the same even when shooting directly outside.

I have checked the lens for fungus / cleanliness, and it's quite nice and clear.