Blurred Duovids

[Gaz Shilton]

I bought a pair of 8-12x42 Duovids at the end of January this year from an RSPB shop. They were fine for the first month, but in the past few weeks they have developed a slightly annoying little problem. The problem is this:Whenever I switch between 8 and 12x magnification, sometimes one of the 'barrels', (normally the left side) becomes blurred at closer focus distances. To re-allign them back to normal I have to turn the focus wheel all the way out , then back again to get both sides back in focus together. This problem doesn't happen all the time but when it does it is a pain. Apart from this the optics are fine.
I think that this shouldn't happen with optics that cost nearly 900 quid. Also I hope this doesn't happen to any other Duovid users. Hopefully I am a one off. Saying that I had a problem with my 8x32BA's the other year with the inside coating coming away onto the inside of the objective lense.
Maybe I should just give my Duovids back and pay the little extra on some EL's.
I will be visiting the UK at the end of the month so I will be visiting the shop where I purchased them.
Apologies for the long winded thread.

[Grousemore]

Maybe I should just give my Duovids back and pay the little extra on some EL's.


EL's? Aren't they the ones that fog-up and rattle!...why not get yourself some Zeiss FL's ;)

[postcardcv]

I had a problem with a pair of duovids a while back (totally different problem). I was out birding one day when the left barrel stopped moving, one side was still focusing perfectly the other side was a blur. I took them back to the retailer, who sent them back to Leica (loaning me a pair of 8x32 Leicas while the problem was sorted). Two weeks later I got a call from the retailer to say that Leica were replacing them and my new pair were waiting to be collected. So I'd recommend getting them back to Leica to be either repaired or replaced.
As for changing to EL's... they are a very different binocular. Personally I didn't get on with them, far prefer the feel in the hand of the Leicas. I considered changing when my first pair of Duovids went wrong, but stuck with them, and am glad I did as I've had no problems with the second pair, and think they're great bins.

[mork]

Sounds like typical leica,you must have gotten one assembled in portugal,it might take you 3 months for leicas great customer service,good luck. I definetly would get the EL's or the new leupold gold rings.

[AUDIE]

I bought a pair of 8-12x42 Duovids at the end of January this year from an RSPB shop. They were fine for the first month, but in the past few weeks they have developed a slightly annoying little problem. The problem is this:Whenever I switch between 8 and 12x magnification, sometimes one of the 'barrels', (normally the left side) becomes blurred at closer focus distances. To re-allign them back to normal I have to turn the focus wheel all the way out , then back again to get both sides back in focus together. This problem doesn't happen all the time but when it does it is a pain. Apart from this the optics are fine.
I think that this shouldn't happen with optics that cost nearly 900 quid. Also I hope this doesn't happen to any other Duovid users. Hopefully I am a one off. Saying that I had a problem with my 8x32BA's the other year with the inside coating coming away onto the inside of the objective lense.
Maybe I should just give my Duovids back and pay the little extra on some EL's.
I will be visiting the UK at the end of the month so I will be visiting the shop where I purchased them.
Apologies for the long winded thread. Purchase Zeiss optics. End of problems

[mork]

Have no problem with zeiss but for $1500.00 dollars the bino should not have blurred edges.Zeiss warranty is not unconditional, zeiss will not cover any impact damages on bino,just manufactured defects, how is that for peace of mind.

[Swissboy]

Have no problem with zeiss but for $1500.00 dollars the bino should not have blurred edges.Zeiss warranty is not unconditional, zeiss will not cover any impact damages on bino,just manufactured defects, how is that for peace of mind.

I can't support the "blurred edges" statement at all! Don't know about the rest, but I would not buy my optics based on warranties that go beyond manufactured defects. Zeiss provides better peace of mind when it comes to close focusing, however. But other than that Leica Ultravids should be a safe bet as well (if you get a pair with smooth focus, that is).

[salty]

these stories make for scary reading!

am i the only birder happy with my leica products? i own the 10x42 trinovids and the 10x42 ultravids, both of wich have NEVER let me down in any way. also my APO 77 spotting scope is working brilliantly as always. i am seriously happy with my products (wich were brand new from authorised dealers) and would be alarmed if anything went wrong with my optics. seeing as they are under warranty for 30 yrs, you expect these bins to be awesome quality, wich mine are.

my little combo of leicas have set me back £3,000 and if even the slightest fault or niggle became noticeable, they would be going straight back for replacement - and not repair - wich is what i would recommend any customer to ask for. it's the least leica should do to end this publicity nightmare.

[Ben O]

[QUOTE=Swissboy]I can't support the "blurred edges" statement at all! Don't know about the rest, but I would not buy my optics based on warranties that go beyond manufactured defects.QUOTE]

With Leica's dire financial problems at the moment, I would be more concerned about soemone being around to honour the warrany ;)

Ben

[Kevin Mac]

Bang on Salty, all that really matters is if you're happy with your equipment. Do you smile every time you look through your optics? I know I do!

[postcardcv]

am i the only birder happy with my leica products?

definitely not. I love my Leicas (duovid 8-12x42 and apo77 scope with zoom), my earlier post was actually trying to point out that it is worth taking back items with faults and also how good I thought Leica's customer service was - I certainly had no complaints.
After years (and years) of using midprice optics finally getting high end kit was amazing. I'm still delighted with the quality everytime I go out birding, it's just great to be able to see the birds so clearly.

[ChrisSearle]

these stories make for scary reading!

am i the only birder happy with my leica products? i own the 10x42 trinovids and the 10x42 ultravids, both of wich have NEVER let me down in any way. also my APO 77 spotting scope is working brilliantly as always. i am seriously happy with my products (wich were brand new from authorised dealers) and would be alarmed if anything went wrong with my optics. seeing as they are under warranty for 30 yrs, you expect these bins to be awesome quality, wich mine are.

my little combo of leicas have set me back £3,000 and if even the slightest fault or niggle became noticeable, they would be going straight back for replacement - and not repair - wich is what i would recommend any customer to ask for. it's the least leica should do to end this publicity nightmare.


Just recently got some UV 10x42, with some slight trepidation after reading on this forum about the many problems people have experienced . Focussing - very smooth with no 'play'. interior - immaculate. General build and performance - faultless. Maybe I was just lucky?

[salty]

:clap: nice one guys!

lets start a leica fan club to get the moral up a touch ;) - glad to see im not the only birder who is happy with leica.

[Birdbrain]

Im still very happy with my 8-12x42 duos had them over a year know not a single problem, am also very happy with leica so are lots of my friends how use various leica optics. LEICA RULE through my eyes...

[mork]

Ok bird brain calm down and get out the flash light.

[Jos Stratford]

:clap: nice one guys!

lets start a leica fan club to get the moral up a touch ;) - glad to see im not the only birder who is happy with leica.


Wouldn't change my Leicas - had them for years now, bumped round half the world with them and never a single complaint about them. Posted a thread not so long ago when a friend's oversize puppy got hold of them and tried his best to chew tham up - other than the strap, only damage is very very minor tooth marks decorating the entire body. Built like a brick, perform fantastically, no worries...

[Atomic Chicken]

Greetings!

I'm still VERY happy with my 7x42 Trinovid BN's, best binoculars I've ever owned and the best I'm probably ever likely to own! I spend most of my free time birding and evaluating high-end optics at local sporting goods and camera stores, and still haven't found anything that beats the 7x42 Trinovids, at least for my purposes and preferences.

Best wishes,
Bawko

[Jonathan B.]

EL's? Aren't they the ones that fog-up and rattle!...why not get yourself some Zeiss FL's ;)


FL's? Aren't they the ones made of plastic? (just kidding)

[KDGast]

I absolutely love my 8x42 Ultravids. Build quality, optics and handling are all great!

[Tim42]

:clap: nice one guys!

lets start a leica fan club to get the moral up a touch ;) - glad to see im not the only birder who is happy with leica.

I am happy to say that I own a Leica Televid 77 spotting scope that I've had for two years now and I love the quality of the optics. I'm now in the process of finding a decent digital camera I can use with the scope to hopefully make some higher quality pics for the forum gallery. GO! Leica fan club! :t:

[elkcub]

I bought a pair of 8-12x42 Duovids at the end of January this year from an RSPB shop. They were fine for the first month, but in the past few weeks they have developed a slightly annoying little problem. The problem is this:Whenever I switch between 8 and 12x magnification, sometimes one of the 'barrels', (normally the left side) becomes blurred at closer focus distances. To re-allign them back to normal I have to turn the focus wheel all the way out , then back again to get both sides back in focus together. This problem doesn't happen all the time but when it does it is a pain. Apart from this the optics are fine.
I think that this shouldn't happen with optics that cost nearly 900 quid. Also I hope this doesn't happen to any other Duovid users. Hopefully I am a one off. Saying that I had a problem with my 8x32BA's the other year with the inside coating coming away onto the inside of the objective lense.
Maybe I should just give my Duovids back and pay the little extra on some EL's.
I will be visiting the UK at the end of the month so I will be visiting the shop where I purchased them.
Apologies for the long winded thread.

I don't know what a RSPB shop is, but hope you got a warranty.

Nonetheless, Leica is a fine company in spite of its nay-sayers, and fans of other optics. (I'm personally oriented to Swarovski, which is accused of leaking and squeaking and costing too much.) Last year I was very impressed by the 8-12 Duovids, and would have gotten a pair save for the weight factor. You made a good choice IMO.

Clearly you should not be having this problem and my suggestion is simply that you return them to Leica for warranty repairs. As for Leica going bankrupt, keep in mind that in the business world things are often not what they seem. If the company were to go under financially, it will be bought out and probably become a division of another company — continuing to produce fine products. So, if you have a Leica warranty, those obligations go right along with it, and you should have no fear asking for what you deserve.

Nothing made by man is perfect, and every binocular without exception will eventually need repair. The Duovids are more complicated than most, so this shouldn't be too surprising.

If you decide to stick with Leica it would be nice to hear how it works out for you.

Best wishes,
Elkcub

[Grousemore]

FL's? Aren't they the ones made of plastic? (just kidding)

Yeah, they're the ones, all blurry round the edges ;)

[mork]

Greetings!

I'm still VERY happy with my 7x42 Trinovid BN's, best binoculars I've ever owned and the best I'm probably ever likely to own! I spend most of my free time birding and evaluating high-end optics at local sporting goods and camera stores, and still haven't found anything that beats the 7x42 Trinovids, at least for my purposes and preferences.

Best wishes,
Bawko
Quit evaluating at sporting good and camera stores and get out in the field.My buddy's bushnell legends look good in the store.

[Atomic Chicken]

Quit evaluating at sporting good and camera stores and get out in the field.My buddy's bushnell legends look good in the store.

Mork,

Quit commenting on things you know nothing about. In my original post, I clearly stated that I spend most of my free time BIRDING and evaluating high-end optics at stores. I spend my birding time out in the field, and whenever I'm at the shops evaluating new optics, I always take them outside and spend quite a bit of time with them in real-world observation - and almost no time inside the stores. Also, I own a large collection of various optics that I use regularly, so I would say I'm not biased toward any particular brand. I own binoculars from Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss, B&L, and Pentax... along with quite a few chinese manufacturered "cheap-o" binoculars. Before finding my Leica 7x42's, my favorite all-around binoculars were my Nikon HG 8x32's - they still are when smaller size and weight are important.

Best wishes,
Bawko

[mork]

Mork,

Quit commenting on things you know nothing about. In my original post, I clearly stated that I spend most of my free time BIRDING and evaluating high-end optics at stores. I spend my birding time out in the field, and whenever I'm at the shops evaluating new optics, I always take them outside and spend quite a bit of time with them in real-world observation - and almost no time inside the stores. Also, I own a large collection of various optics that I use regularly, so I would say I'm not biased toward any particular brand. I own binoculars from Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss, B&L, and Pentax... along with quite a few chinese manufacturered "cheap-o" binoculars. Before finding my Leica 7x42's, my favorite all-around binoculars were my Nikon HG 8x32's - they still are when smaller size and weight are important.

Best wishes,
Bawko
I apologize chicken,i spend most of my free time entertaining the females,so you probably do know more birding and street signs than i.(just kidding)

[Atomic Chicken]

I apologize chicken,i spend most of my free time entertaining the females,so you probably do know more birding and street signs than i.(just kidding)

Birds or "Birds".... what's the difference? Both represent the finest that creation has to offer....
I don't quite understand the "street signs" bit though - maybe I'm really the amateur that you make me out to be?
Apology accepted... I enjoy entertaining the females of the species as well! ;)

Best wishes,
Bawko

[elkcub]

street signs = what you see when looking through store windows. |:x|

-elk

[mork]

You can also see street signs outside the windows to.All i am saying is that its very difficult to get the true optical quality in the city limits or at the store ,the binos view always look different at home or in the field,most of the time not as impressive at home.

[Andy Thatcher]

Had my Duovids for just over 18 months now and have to say I am delighted with them still as the moment I first held them.

Would recommend the 8 x 12's unreservedly.

[arran]

Hi ,

I own a pairs of duovids 10-15 X 50 for 6 months now.
I have the impression that the contrast of these bins is better than the
10X50 bins I also have !!


I bought a pair of 8-12x42 Duovids at the end of January this year from an RSPB shop. They were fine for the first month, but in the past few weeks they have developed a slightly annoying little problem. The problem is this:Whenever I switch between 8 and 12x magnification, sometimes one of the 'barrels', (normally the left side) becomes blurred at closer focus distances. To re-allign them back to normal I have to turn the focus wheel all the way out , then back again to get both sides back in focus together. This problem doesn't happen all the time but when it does it is a pain. Apart from this the optics are fine.
I think that this shouldn't happen with optics that cost nearly 900 quid. Also I hope this doesn't happen to any other Duovid users. Hopefully I am a one off. Saying that I had a problem with my 8x32BA's the other year with the inside coating coming away onto the inside of the objective lense.
Maybe I should just give my Duovids back and pay the little extra on some EL's.
I will be visiting the UK at the end of the month so I will be visiting the shop where I purchased them.
Apologies for the long winded thread.

[laurencejackson]

Just recently got some UV 10x42, with some slight trepidation after reading on this forum about the many problems people have experienced . Focussing - very smooth with no 'play'. interior - immaculate. General build and performance - faultless. Maybe I was just lucky?

Not that lucky, my UV 10x42 haver been perfect so far with smooth focussing etc. My zeiss 8x42 FL are even smoother mind you and just as rugged...

Laurence

[laservet]

am i the only birder happy with my leica products?

Nope. I have the 8x20's, the 8x50 Trinovid, the 10x32 Trinovid and the 8-12 Duovids, and I am quite satisfied with their ergonomics, optics, and mechanics. When they get dirty, I wash them in the kitchen sink with a little Dawn detergent. I haven't tried the Ultravids.

I used to be a big Zeiss fan, but in my hands their ergonomics have been horrible since the Night Owls. And a friend left his little Design Selection 8x20's out overnight in the rain, and Zeiss charged him $350 USD to repair binoculars that cost $400 new. That said, I love my Zeiss 15x60 B/GA T* for long distance birding.