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Would you send it back for repair?

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#1 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 07:17 AM

I would like to get a few opinions about a chip on an eyepiece lens edge (photo included). I just noticed it yesterday. It actually does not extend out into the lens much at all. In fact it seems as if it is complety behind the field stop and some retaining rings. I used the eyepiece last month and didn't notice anything like flare or scatter even though the chip was most likely present. The eyepiece is one which can be sent back to the maker for repair, but I was wondering if I was simply being obsessive about something that doesn't matter or whether it is worth a trip back to the shop late this fall. Hope the photo shows the chip clearly enough, and thanks for any opinions.

Bob Smith
Charlottesville VA

Attached Thumbnails

  • 138247-Lenschip.jpg


#2 Jarad

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 08:05 AM

Well, since it is near the edge, and on the eye lens rather than a middle one, it probably won't affect your image. But, it is also quite visible. Personally, I'm a bit retentive about my stuff, and seeing the chip would bother me, so I'd probably get it repaired if I could afford it. But if seeing the chip doesn't bother you, the eyepiece will probably still work fine. Of course, if you use it and have a prbblem, then definitely send it to be fixed.

Jarad

#3 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 08:44 AM

Jarad,
One thing I should point out is that the chip is not on the surface of the glass, but on the side of the lens, so it is not exposed. It is also on the bottom set of lenses (lens?). I know what you mean about being a bit retentive. I am also the type who tends to obsess about the cosmetic aspect of my things :-)

#4 rboe

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 09:13 AM

Is it under warranty? Then it's a no brainer.

If not, then get a repair quote and go from there. It's amazing how fast something becomes a non-issue if the cost of repair is really high.

#5 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 10:31 AM

Warranty... That is a good question. The EP in question is a Speers Waler 10mm WA. I have no idea what the warranty is on these, never seen it mentioned in any of the literature. Anyone know? The EP is only 2 1/2 months old.

#6 BluewaterObserva

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 10:50 AM

2 and 1/2 months old? I'd gripe at least and see what happens... lol

#7 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 11:00 AM

My wife would tell you I love to gripe.. so I just may ;-)

Actually I will call them next Tuesday and see about sending it back in late October, after the bulk of my observing season.

#8 michaeloconnell

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 11:03 AM

Personally, I would get it exchanged if I could.
It would make it more difficult to sell on Astromart et al.
However, as for practical use, I don't think it'd make any difference.

#9 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 11:11 AM

Michael,
I am going to contact them about repair, but truth be told I am planning on keeping it. It is an excellent EP. Those who have compared it to a 9mm Nagler in my scope (15" 4.5) agree that it is its equal.

Bob

#10 michaeloconnell

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 11:19 AM

I always herad the Speers-Waler were good, but didn't know they could perfom THAT good, especially in such a fast scope. What sort of AFOV does it have if you don't mind me asking?

#11 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 11:30 AM

Michael,

Comparing it to the 9mm nagler I believe it has the advertised 80 degrees. Now take into account that I am 50 and my eyes are not that good anymore (astigmatism, dry eye condition etc.). A friend with the 9mm Nagler though is 40 (perjhaps his eyes are not so good either!), and he was very impressed with the 10mm SW.

Bob

#12 wilash

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 07:10 PM

Maybe it is the chip that is giving it Nagler-like performance!

#13 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 07:21 PM

You mean they have a concrete drop pad at the TeleVue facility? I now understand the high cost of Naglers...Breakage.

#14 rboe

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 07:32 PM

They might be willing to do a cross ship so you're not without. Never know unless you ask.

#15 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 07:37 PM

I will give them a call on Tuesday, and I will ask.

#16 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 07:56 PM

Bob, the most likely impact of a chip on the edge of a lens would be additional light scatter - to test for it, take a look at a small bright object (Jupiter works well) while rotating the lens in the eyepiece holder. If you see a diffraction pattern that rotates with the lens, the source is the lens, not the scope (e.g. a reflector's secondary holder vanes).

You might want to clean the lens before trying this, as event dust causes a small version of this effect - I can often see a visibily rotating halo when a lens needs cleaning. I would expect a chip in the light path to cause a strong line that runs through the planet.

If the diffraction pattern doesn't change, or is changes only subtly, the chip is probably outside the light path and having no effect on image quality.

Doug

#17 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 01 July 2004 - 09:15 PM

Doug,

If the weather clears I intend to check it out. As I have said, I used it a couple of weeks ago and didn't notice anything, but I hadn't seen the "chip" or fracture line before now. Ends up I am am going to be at home tomorrow so I am going to call Sky Instruments and get their input. Being only months old I am hoping they will just replace it under their 2 yr warranty.

Bob

#18 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 02 July 2004 - 02:00 PM

Just got off of the phone with Sky Instruments. They told me to send the EP back and they will fix it under warranty..no problem. I must say it is refreshing to deal with a company where a real human being answers the phone and takes care of problems in such a courteous manner. They are even letting me send it back on the 19th after a scheduled weekend observing trip. I will certainly be purchasing more of their products in the future.

Bob Smith

#19 LivingNDixie

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Posted 02 July 2004 - 02:03 PM

Outstanding Bob!

#20 rboe

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Posted 02 July 2004 - 05:17 PM

:waytogo:

#21 michaeloconnell

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Posted 02 July 2004 - 05:27 PM

Super!

#22 Mike28

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Posted 03 July 2004 - 08:13 AM

I would have it repaired or if it is new, exchanged. It might start extending out to center like a car windshield. Soon the crack will ruin your EP.

#23 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 03 July 2004 - 09:27 AM

Mike,

I spoke with Sky Instruments (Antares) yesterday. They are letting me send it back in 2 weeks after my next observing trip. They are going to take care of it under warranty. They have been excellent to deal with. I only wish every company were like them.

Bob

#24 Mike28

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Posted 03 July 2004 - 09:30 AM

That is good news Bob. Nice to see some vendors/company still have good customer survice/relations.


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