sorry to hijack the thread, but Becky ... did you get the lens on yours sorted out?
No Leon, thanks for remembering. I just decided to keep it as is, fungus and all.
Surprisingly, daytime shots do not show the fungus affecting the picture quality at all.
However, long nighttime exposures make images of nebulae where none exist! The effect is interesting--think of snow falling in the dark, and you'll have an idea.
The famous Mr. Hama told me he could repair and clean it for 80$, but 80$ will go a long way toward films and I do have a backup GSN now.
After I return from my photo gig in Texas, I'll try to post a few photos from it.