So the worst that happens is the focuser is not good and I get and edg2? Cool!
That's right. Swaro threatened litigation against Nikon for making the double hinged open bridge EDG I so they can't give you an EDG I.
As to Bob's comments, which always follow my comments on the EDG 1 focuser problems (diopter drift was also an issue on some samples), the 8x32 and 10x32 models came out
after the 7x42 and 10x42 (not sure about the time frame for the 8x42).
The 7x42 and the 10x42 were the original prototypes. Reviewers of those two models reported problems with the loose focuser wheel but said they expected the problem would be fixed in the production models, but it was not.
Mike Freiberg said that the focusers on subsequent batches of EDG Is were "tightened down" so that there was less chance of the focus knob disengaging.
Then our European members noted that the EDG I was not being sold in Europe. Mike finally revealed the reason, it was due to a litigation threat by Swaro (which is still baffling since so many other companies also make double hinged open bridge roofs, and the EDG focuser wasn't designed like Swaros).
So rather than offer two models, one for the U.S. and one for Europe and Asia and wherever else the patent applies, Nikon stopped making the double hinged, open bridge EDG I and redesigned the EDG II with a single hinge body and raised the prices of the EDG IIs to match the other alpha makers.
Must have cost the company a pretty penny taking all those EDG Is back and replacing them with EDG IIs, but I guess they figured it was still less than a lawsuit by Swaro.
Nikon sold off all its EDG I stock at reduced prices in the U.S.. The 8x32 EDG II, which now goes for $2,199 was sold for $999 with a
free DSLR camera (worth $500) included! Still kicking myself for missing out on that "deal of the decade."
I'm curious as to whether Bob still has his free camera or has sold it?
Anyway, let us know how you like the 7x42 EDG after it arrives. It's been on my Wish List for the past five years, but my letters to Santa keep getting returned with a note ("Santa is on vacation until the unemployment rate is back to 5.0%).
Brock