10 replies to this topic

[Princess Leah]

I was adjusting my diopter on my 15x70s today. It was excessively stiff. However I was surprised that I could move it towards the positive but not back! Have tried hairdryer, won't budge! How disappointing!

 

Could I use a strap wrench? It's a small area. Would the wrench be wrapped around the diopter ring or the area above it in the photo where the pencil is pointing at?

 

Would there be any benefit in removing the eyepieces?

 

Thanks Leah

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Edited by Princess Leah, 19 July 2024 - 08:12 AM.

[gene 4181]

 Try extending the focus OUT first  , then try adjusting it, 

[Princess Leah]

Good idea. But still nothing.

[sevenofnine]

If you have very strong hands and it still won't budge then add leverage. I would do this with a small strap wrench like this:   

 

https://www.amazon.c...,aps,197&sr=8-5.

[Princess Leah]

Yes I was thinking of that. I'm unsure what part rotates. In the photo above does the part where the pencil points to rotate, as well as the diopter ring?

[sevenofnine]

The two lobes move side to side over the white dot marking center 

[Princess Leah]

Yes I realise that, but that ring seems 'welded' to the area the pencil is pointing to. Not sure if the strap wrench could go round this area too, for added grip.

Have ordered a strap wrench in any case!

[sevenofnine]

That focusing collar is separate from the eyepiece and the body of the binocular. It is very stiff on all of my binoculars and for a reason. Otherwise, your adjustment would constantly be shifting. My guess is that the grease underneath has hardened. I would set the binocular out in the Sun to warm up all the lubrication. Then hopefully, the strap wrench will help free it. Good luck! 

[Princess Leah]

Got it moving a tiny bit after the hair dryer. But got blisters now, despite rubber gloves. Will await the strap wrench.

Still no sun this year! Always cloudy!

[Princess Leah]

In the middle of the night I was thinking that water could be my friend here.

The binoculars are waterproof but I didn't want to push my luck, so I put them in a freezer bag. I then put them in a basin of warm water and slowly increased the temperature of the water by adding water from the kettle. 

After an hour soak, I was surprised to see the bag had water in it. Something had made a tiny puncture in the freezer bag.

However no damage done. The binoculars are still waterproof and with great force I was able to move the diopter when wearing rubber gloves.

 

What a relief!

 

I think the immersion of binoculars might be a help for others who have this problem. However remember to use several freezer bags, especially if your binoculars are not waterproof!

[Princess Leah]

That focusing collar is separate from the eyepiece and the body of the binocular. It is very stiff on all of my binoculars and for a reason. Otherwise, your adjustment would constantly be shifting. My guess is that the grease underneath has hardened. I would set the binocular out in the Sun to warm up all the lubrication. Then hopefully, the strap wrench will help free it. Good luck! 

Just to say the strap wrench you recommended works a treat. Clearly a tool that has many useful applications!

I really appreciate your help with this.

 

Leah.