Leitz Trinovid focuser issue (1 Viewer)

[Joker9937]

Before I return these to the seller, I thought I would see if anyone has had this issue. If it is something fairly simple to remedy, then I would prefer to fix them. They are pretty nice otherwise.

Anyway, I took a chance on a 7x42 Trinovid for pretty cheap. The seller said they were in excellent condition, except for a bit of dust that appeared to be inside one of the objective barrels. Easy fix, but could have been more serious than the photo revealed. Cheap enough to take a chance.

However, now that they have arrived, the right side will not come to focus. It is as if the focuser is detached or something. The image is blurred on the right side, and doesn't change at all. Neither the primary focus knob, nor the diopter adjustment have any effect on the right side.

Has anyone encountered a similar issue with these older bins? Any success with repairing them? These are from the Portugal era. Any input will be appreciated. I am aware of SOR, and know that he can whip them into shape. Just wanted to see what my options are before going to that expense.

Thoughts? TIA!

 

[Joker9937]

Found the problem...

Here is a photo of what I found. I hope it helps someone else. Not sure if it can be fixed. Hope so. |8.|

I also found that the left ep/eye-cup was screwed down so tightly that it warped the collar. The eye-lens cell and eye-cup are more-or-less fused together for now. When the eye-cup is unscrewed, it brings the eye-lens with it, only leaving the field lens elements attached to the bino body.

The fact that it was screwed down so tightly does not seem to affect the views on that side. However, it causes the disjointed look, as evidenced in the photo.

If these can be repaired, based on the left side images (which is the side that needed cleaned) these might be an awesome set of binoculars.

The seller and I worked out an agreement. I am keeping them. I do not think he would be able to refund my money, get them fixed, and make anything on them. He said that he can still do a partial refund to me, and retain a profit. So, I decided to keep them, and see what happens.

No profit margin on my end, but that was not why I purchased them anyway. I just hope the repair is not too costly, or I can figure out how to do it myself.

 

[Foss]

To my eye, the first photo looks like a crack in the housing. You might call/email Cory at SOR before you think about shipping them.
Good luck,
Foss

 

[Joker9937]

To my eye, the first photo looks like a crack in the housing. You might call/email Cory at SOR before you think about shipping them.
Good luck,
Foss

You are correct, I think. I am not sure what part is called the "housing". But, I added a few more arrows to make sure I understand.

The green arrow is pointed at the "housing", correct?

The red arrow is pointing to a "pin" that moves in and out with the focuser/diopter knobs.

The blue arrow points to the separation/crack between the two.

Any suggestions on how to reattach the two? It looks pretty straightforward, but I have a feeling it isn't.

JB Weld, Krazy Glue, soldering?

If all else fails, I will email Dr. Suddarth. I hate to bug him, though, when I could be paying him, instead of getting his free advice. But, he will be getting a call anyway, if this isn't something I can accomplish.

 

[ceasar]

I don't see a blue arrow or a green arrow in the photos above. The Red Arrow pointing at the crack in the housing is obvious.

I'm interested because I have a Leitz 7x42 Trinovid BA in the Green Armored Edition. I used it as my primary binocular for a number of years prior to 2001 without having any problems with it except for wearing out the original eye cups. (The eye cups were used while folded because I wore glasses at that time.)

https://www.allbinos.com/1653-Leitz_Trinovid_7x42_BA-binoculars_specifications.html

Bob

 

[Joker9937]

I don't see a blue arrow or a green arrow in the photos above. The Red Arrow pointing at the crack in the housing is obvious.

I'm interested because I have a Leitz 7x42 Trinovid BA in the Green Armored Edition. I used it as my primary binocular for a number of years prior to 2001 without having any problems with it except for wearing out the original eye cups. (The eye cups were used while folded because I wore glasses at that time.)

https://www.allbinos.com/1653-Leitz_Trinovid_7x42_BA-binoculars_specifications.html

Bob

Sorry. I posted that message before attaching the intended photo.

 

[Renze de Vries]

Joker,

I would strongly advise against doctoring on the binocular yourself. The 7x42 is the best of Leitz Trinovid line, it's great in the hand, it's very nice on the eyes, it has plenty of eye relief and its resolution is terrific, even in comparison to today's 7x42's (which will be a touch brighter and a bit more color-neutral).

I would be very surprised if you would not fully enjoy this superb example of binocular design, provided of course you will get it in good conditon again.

BTW, in case you didn't find it already, here's very good information on the Trinovid 7x42 from Frank Lagorio. Lot's of detailed pics, complete with an exploded view:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwpg/8103356727/in/album-72157623234405689/

Renze

 

[Joker9937]

Thank you, Renze, and the rest. They are either at SOR, or due to arrive there any day now.

I did give it a shot, but no dice on my attempts. I am sure that they will be like new, when they are returned. Thanks, again.

 

[Joker9937]

Well, the binoculars returned from SOR on Monday. They are like new. Cory and his staff did an outstanding job.

Thankfully, I did not go so deep that there was no return. I think that they could have turned it around anyway, but it might have been too expensive, if that had happened. They did very well.

So, I have less experience than most on here, but these are a phenomenal glass. Renze, I can see why they are considered the best of the line. They are sharp, bright, and the color seems excellent, to my eyes.

The only problem with them is that now their condition is excellent, BOTH optically and cosmetically. They might have the combination of the best views and ergonomics out of my "collection". This results in wanting to carry them everyday. I wonder how long they can stay nick and scratch free with daily use. :eek!:

Anyway, SOR did an awesome job, and these are wonderful binoculars. Thanks for the advice and comments above.

*** Two questions:

1. Is there any difference between the Portugal and German versions?

2. Is it possible to buy shorter eye-cups? If I could find shorter cups, these would literally be perfect binos. I could then use them with my glasses on, and make them a dream.

 

[ceasar]

Hi Joker,

My Leitz 7x42 Trinovid BA has printed on the bottom of the inside of the left prism housing next to the hinge "Made by Leitz Portugal."

I contacted Leica USA to purchase the replacement screw in eye cups for the ones I had worn out on my 7x42 Leitz. Leica still had them in stock then and they cost $25.00 a piece. If my memory is correct this was in 2001 or so. I still have the binocular and it is in first rate condition.

I doubt if you can get shorter eye cups for them. Before I got my replacements for the 7x42 I tried a pair of eye cups for an 8x40 Trinovid on my 7x42 and they did not work.

A couple of years or so after all that I switched to a Nikon 8x30 EII Porro Prism.

Bob

 

[Renze de Vries]

Well, the binoculars returned from SOR on Monday. They are like new. Cory and his staff did an outstanding job.

Thankfully, I did not go so deep that there was no return. I think that they could have turned it around anyway, but it might have been too expensive, if that had happened. They did very well.

So, I have less experience than most on here, but these are a phenomenal glass. Renze, I can see why they are considered the best of the line. They are sharp, bright, and the color seems excellent, to my eyes.

The only problem with them is that now their condition is excellent, BOTH optically and cosmetically. They might have the combination of the best views and ergonomics out of my "collection". This results in wanting to carry them everyday. I wonder how long they can stay nick and scratch free with daily use. :eek!:

Anyway, SOR did an awesome job, and these are wonderful binoculars. Thanks for the advice and comments above.

*** Two questions:

1. Is there any difference between the Portugal and German versions?

2. Is it possible to buy shorter eye-cups? If I could find shorter cups, these would literally be perfect binos. I could then use them with my glasses on, and make them a dream.

Congratulations!

Leitz updated their Trinovids in the course of time but often without announcing the improvement. The last series from Portugal, with the red dot logo, are the best, so you're quite safe.

The best way to use the 7x42's with spectacles - because of the long eye relief they will do the job beautifully - is twofold: apply a pair of replacement eye cups from Leitz, as these are of more flexible rubber and will not become cracked when rolled down, or try to lay hands on a pair of cracked Leitz eye cups (size doesn't matter), cut them off to make them even thinner than they are already and mount them. As the OEM replacement cups will be hard to get, the second option is the most practical I guess. Just ask around for them, for instance here, or on e-bay at Trinovid sellers. BTW, all Leitz Trinovid eye cups will work on your model.
Leitz
Renze

 

[Joker9937]

Hi Joker,

My Leitz 7x42 Trinovid BA has printed on the bottom of the inside of the left prism housing next to the hinge "Made by Leitz Portugal."

I contacted Leica USA to purchase the replacement screw in eye cups for the ones I had worn out on my 7x42 Leitz. Leica still had them in stock then and they cost $25.00 a piece. If my memory is correct this was in 2001 or so. I still have the binocular and it is in first rate condition.

I doubt if you can get shorter eye cups for them. Before I got my replacements for the 7x42 I tried a pair of eye cups for an 8x40 Trinovid on my 7x42 and they did not work.

A couple of years or so after all that I switched to a Nikon 8x30 EII Porro Prism.

Bob

Thank you. I will look into the cups.

Congratulations!

Leitz updated their Trinovids in the course of time but often without announcing the improvement. The last series from Portugal, with the red dot logo, are the best, so you're quite safe.

The best way to use the 7x42's with spectacles - because of the long eye relief they will do the job beautifully - is twofold: apply a pair of replacement eye cups from Leitz, as these are of more flexible rubber and will not become cracked when rolled down, or try to lay hands on a pair of cracked Leitz eye cups (size doesn't matter), cut them off to make them even thinner than they are already and mount them. As the OEM replacement cups will be hard to get, the second option is the most practical I guess. Just ask around for them, for instance here, or on e-bay at Trinovid sellers. BTW, all Leitz Trinovid eye cups will work on your model.
Leitz
Renze

Thank you, Renze.

I will look into both options that were mentioned. I also considered deciphering the thread and pitch, picking up nuts that will work (if this is possible), and adding foam rubber discs. Once done, everything could be cut and machined to work and look nice. But, we will see.

Regarding the optical quality, relative to where they were made, are you saying that the Portugal-produced Trinovids are considered the best, or that the red dot versions are the best of, specifically, the Portugal models?

I guess it really does not matter, but I was curious. I have had a couple of the German made ones recently, though they were not 7x42, and they were not quite on par. Still wonderful glass, in my inexperienced opinion, but these have a nearly distinct pop. So far, I really like everything about them.

I recently picked up a Zeiss Dialyt roof in 8x30. It is really nice, and the optics are sharp, but the Trinovid still wins. I was surprised.

 

[NDhunter]

Well, the binoculars returned from SOR on Monday. They are like new. Cory and his staff did an outstanding job.

Thankfully, I did not go so deep that there was no return. I think that they could have turned it around anyway, but it might have been too expensive, if that had happened. They did very well.

So, I have less experience than most on here, but these are a phenomenal glass. Renze, I can see why they are considered the best of the line. They are sharp, bright, and the color seems excellent, to my eyes.

The only problem with them is that now their condition is excellent, BOTH optically and cosmetically. They might have the combination of the best views and ergonomics out of my "collection". This results in wanting to carry them everyday. I wonder how long they can stay nick and scratch free with daily use. :eek!:

Anyway, SOR did an awesome job, and these are wonderful binoculars. Thanks for the advice and comments above.

*** Two questions:

1. Is there any difference between the Portugal and German versions?

2. Is it possible to buy shorter eye-cups? If I could find shorter cups, these would literally be perfect binos. I could then use them with my glasses on, and make them a dream.

It is good to see you got these fixed, a classic binocular and good to see it useable again.

Short eyecups are available, I have a pair that were on my 10x40 when I purchased it. The former owner was like you and cut them down. And by the way Leica sent me a new pair free of charge, I like that, top rate service.
I will mail them right out, just PM me your address.

I am a Leitz, Leica fanboy sometimes, and we need to stick together.

Jerry

 

[Renze de Vries]

Regarding the optical quality, relative to where they were made, are you saying that the Portugal-produced Trinovids are considered the best, or that the red dot versions are the best of, specifically, the Portugal models?

AFAIK there's no evidence of a difference in production quality re. Germany or Portugal. It's just the difference in, I guess, coating that Leitz implemented at one point. What point? Well, from what I've seen (a handful) the red dots are just a bit better.

Renze

 

[Foss]

Joker
Congrats! I thought this pair of Trinovids might be headed to the boneyard. Nice of NDhunter
Props to offer up his eyecups.

 

[NDhunter]

The OP was not interested in the cut down eyecups I have available, so they are available to anyone
in the cont. US, free of charge. Let me know.

Jerry

 

[ceasar]

Congratulations!

Leitz updated their Trinovids in the course of time but often without announcing the improvement. The last series from Portugal, with the red dot logo, are the best, so you're quite safe.

The best way to use the 7x42's with spectacles - because of the long eye relief they will do the job beautifully - is twofold: apply a pair of replacement eye cups from Leitz, as these are of more flexible rubber and will not become cracked when rolled down, or try to lay hands on a pair of cracked Leitz eye cups (size doesn't matter), cut them off to make them even thinner than they are already and mount them. As the OEM replacement cups will be hard to get, the second option is the most practical I guess. Just ask around for them, for instance here, or on e-bay at Trinovid sellers. BTW, all Leitz Trinovid eye cups will work on your model.
Leitz
Renze

FWIW my Leitz 7x42 Trinovid BA (Green Armored) has a Red Dot over the serial number on the sleeve below the Right Eyepiece.

The rubber parts of the eye pieces on my 7x42 were worn out from folding them but I could still use the binocular while wearing my glasses.

I later picked up a couple of eye pieces for an 8x40 Trinovid but by then I had undergone Cataract Surgery which corrected my vision to 20/15 in one eye and 20/25 in the other. I found that the ER of those 8x40 eyepieces wouldn't work for me after the surgery. It was too short. I was able to sell them to a guy who needed them.

The ones I got from Leica (mentioned in post #10) I still use. They have never been folded and are in perfect condition.

 

[Joker9937]

The OP was not interested in the cut down eyecups I have available, so they are available to anyone
in the cont. US, free of charge. Let me know.

Jerry

Sorry, Jerry. I just now had the opportunity to respond. I will PM you, but I am definitely interested. I was able to see your message earlier, but not able to respond.

 

[Joker9937]

It is good to see you got these fixed, a classic binocular and good to see it useable again.

Short eyecups are available, I have a pair that were on my 10x40 when I purchased it. The former owner was like you and cut them down. And by the way Leica sent me a new pair free of charge, I like that, top rate service.
I will mail them right out, just PM me your address.

I am a Leitz, Leica fanboy sometimes, and we need to stick together.

Jerry

I have been through a few of them in the short couple of years (barely), but the few I have had have been great. I understand why folks love the way they feel, look, operate, and perform. I know that the low mag, combined with the larger aperture, creates the opportunity for a brighter image, but I was really pleasantly surprised by these.

Thanks! for the eyecup offer. I hope my work did not prevent me from responding quickly enough. LOL. Even if it did, it was very thoughtful, and I appreciate it! I hope you see my PM, at this point.

AFAIK there's no evidence of a difference in production quality re. Germany or Portugal. It's just the difference in, I guess, coating that Leitz implemented at one point. What point? Well, from what I've seen (a handful) the red dots are just a bit better.

Renze

Good to know! I appreciate the info.

Joker
Congrats! I thought this pair of Trinovids might be headed to the boneyard. Nice of NDhunter
Props to offer up his eyecups.

I am very thankful that they are NOT heading there.

I agree, regarding NDhunter. Above and beyond!

I am looking forward to the chance to use them while hunting shed antlers in the next few weeks. They ride in a Kuiu pouch. So, they should be safe. I will still treat them gingerly.

 

[Joker9937]

FWIW my Leitz 7x42 Trinovid BA (Green Armored) has a Red Dot over the serial number on the sleeve below the Right Eyepiece.

The rubber parts of the eye pieces on my 7x42 were worn out from folding them but I could still use the binocular while wearing my glasses.

I later picked up a couple of eye pieces for an 8x40 Trinovid but by then I had undergone Cataract Surgery which corrected my vision to 20/15 in one eye and 20/25 in the other. I found that the ER of those 8x40 eyepieces wouldn't work for me after the surgery. It was too short. I was able to sell them to a guy who needed them.

The ones I got from Leica (mentioned in post #10) I still use. They have never been folded and are in perfect condition.

I have not quite reached 50, but already have cataracts, so I am told. A slight astigmatism seems to be getting more significant as well. So, I am not sure I am a candidate for surgery YET, but definitely struggle a bit. Leaving my glasses on has become more important in the last year or so. But, it is not imperative.