Removing fungus from Canon 14x32 image stabilized (1 Viewer)

[Super Dave]

Hi,
I have some fungus in one of the front oculars. I called Canon and the cost would be $450
Suddarth doesn't do image stabilized.
Is there anyone else that I could contact?
Thank you,
Dave

 

[Super Dave]

Sorry, meant front lens. The bummer is there was a finger print in that area from the factory when I received it new. At the time, I didn't want to deal with a return since I was enjoying it so much. That's where the fungus started. I took this photo a couple years ago and you can see the print. Live and learn. I'll be pretty damn smart one day.

 

[Dennis Mau]

Maybe if you showed Canon these before and after pictures of the fingerprint when you received the binoculars and the fungus later on, they would cover the repair under warranty. It is worth a try. I don't think you will find anybody that will fix those, especially since it is an IS binocular. You're probably just going to have to replace them, but next time check for fingerprints when you get them.

 

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This might be of interest:
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/655089-disassembly-canon-is-15x50-image-stabilized-binoculars/

 

[Super Dave]

Thanks you Dennis and ads. I did notify Canon and they took 15% off. Brought it down to $400. I'll probably bite the bullet. But, kind of rubs me the wrong way. My fault though for not dealing with it up front.

 

[Dennis Mau]

Thanks you Dennis and ads. I did notify Canon and they took 15% off. Brought it down to $400. I'll probably bite the bullet. But, kind of rubs me the wrong way. My fault though for not dealing with it up front.

I think Canon is kind of cheap when it comes to repairs. I bet Swarovski, Zeiss or Nikon would have at least repaired them for 1/2 the cost because of the fingerprint.

 

[Super Dave]

Yea, it kind of irks me. I feel like having them send it back and send it to Canon in Japan with a letter explaining the situation. But, then again, I screwed up by not dealing with it at the time. I mean, does it really cost $400 to remove a little fungus? Oh, I should let it go and pay up.

 

[Dennis Mau]

Yea, it kind of irks me. I feel like having them send it back and send it to Canon in Japan with a letter explaining the situation. But, then again, I screwed up by not dealing with it at the time. I mean, does it really cost $400 to remove a little fungus? Oh, I should let it go and pay up.

Canon is expensive when you have to pay for repairs. Fungus from what I have heard is pretty hard to remove from the lenses because sometimes it eats away at the coatings.

 

[Super Dave]

I should stop whining and man up. But I did tell them not to replace any glass to save money because the view is still perfect. No matter what it's going to rub me the wrong way. Well, I'd be happy to pay $200...that would be fair I think. Maybe I'll go back at them and suggest that. Awe man.

 

[Montereyman]

Storing binoculars in their case is a good way to encourage the growth of fungus. The worst are the fancy leather cases that provide an excellent growth media for fungal spores.

 

[Super Dave]

Good point. Fungus is real. I have an outbreak of it in camera lenses that is going to cost me quite a bit. I didn't realize that I needed a dry box or dry environment since I've never had an issue with binos, spotting scopes, rifle scopes.... I live in Hawaii.
I have a plan to treat most of them by removing the oxygen in a storage container for a few weeks. I'm going to treat all my optics even if they look clear. That shouldn't cause more issues, right? Thanks.

 

[Richard D]

Good point. Fungus is real. I have an outbreak of it in camera lenses that is going to cost me quite a bit. I didn't realize that I needed a dry box or dry environment since I've never had an issue with binos, spotting scopes, rifle scopes.... I live in Hawaii.
I have a plan to treat most of them by removing the oxygen in a storage container for a few weeks. I'm going to treat all my optics even if they look clear. That shouldn't cause more issues, right? Thanks.

It's unlikely to kill existing fungus, but it's a good preventative measure.

 

[Super Dave]

Can you please provide more information on why fungus would not die in an oxygen depleted environment. I was hoping this would be a long term solution for me...and then storing the lenses in a low humidity environment (say around 40%).
A little background, I'm getting this kit from a USA manufacturer. (hope the quality is higher vs China)

5-Gallon Mylar Bags and Individually Sealed Oxygen Absorbers

5-Gallon Standard Mylar Bag Sets with Individually Sealed Oxygen Absorbers by PackFreshUSA, a manufacturer of flexible packaging, specializing in oxygen-free storage solutions for commercial food products and home food storage.

packfreshusa.com

The sales lady said the only thing that would grow without oxygen is botulism. She said they work with musuiems and scientific labs to protect their equipment, etc.

If what you say is true, I need to rethink my plans.
Thank you,
Dave

 

[Dennis Mau]

Storing binoculars in their case is a good way to encourage the growth of fungus. The worst are the fancy leather cases that provide an excellent growth media for fungal spores.

It depends a lot on how humid your climate is also. There is a big difference in storing your binoculars if you live in Hawaii or Costa Rica or if you live in Colorado, which has a relatively dry climate.

 

[Maljunulo]

Look up "Anaerobic Fungi".

The statement about botulism being the only thing that would grow without oxygen is ludicrously untrue.

 

[Dennis Mau]

Can you please provide more information on why fungus would not die in an oxygen depleted environment. I was hoping this would be a long term solution for me...and then storing the lenses in a low humidity environment (say around 40%).
A little background, I'm getting this kit from a USA manufacturer. (hope the quality is higher vs China)

5-Gallon Mylar Bags and Individually Sealed Oxygen Absorbers

5-Gallon Standard Mylar Bag Sets with Individually Sealed Oxygen Absorbers by PackFreshUSA, a manufacturer of flexible packaging, specializing in oxygen-free storage solutions for commercial food products and home food storage.

packfreshusa.com

The sales lady said the only thing that would grow without oxygen is botulism. She said they work with musuiems and scientific labs to protect their equipment, etc.

If what you say is true, I need to rethink my plans.
Thank you,
Dave

Most species of fungi would die in an anaerobic chamber because the majority of fungi are aerobic, but some species can tolerate or even thrive in low oxygen or anaerobic conditions. These are called facultative anaerobes. I have a degree in Microbiology. HaHa!

 

[Super Dave]

Hopefully the anaerobic fungi are interested in other things besides optics.

Any idea if fungi species that enjoy optics are aerobic or anaerobic?

Thanks

 

[Super Dave]

Yes, I live in Hawaii / no AC in my house other than the bedrooms at night.

 

[Maljunulo]

Hopefully the anaerobic fungi are interested in other things besides optics.

Any idea if fungi species that enjoy optics are aerobic or anaerobic?

Thanks

It would seem so. However, if the binocular is sealed and nitrogen purged, that would seem to preclude the growth of aerobic fungi. (If the seals are intact)

The point of my post was to point out the absurdity of the statement that botulism is the only thing which can grow without oxygen.

 

[Dennis Mau]

Hopefully the anaerobic fungi are interested in other things besides optics.

Any idea if fungi species that enjoy optics are aerobic or anaerobic?

Thanks

I don't know, but I heard the fungus can eat the coatings and damage them. Most likely, the fungus are anaerobic because they are living in an airtight and sealed binocular, unless the binocular seal has been compromised in some way.