Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 - Visible Line on Prisms & Inconsistent Focuser Feel (1 Viewer)

[Silent Observer]

Dear Birdforum Readers,

I would like a bit of advice, I recently (2 months ago) acquired the MHG 10x42 brand new, from a reputable optics dealer within the UK and have enjoyed using these binoculars for birding and casual astronomy.

I have noticed 2 issues and wondered whether it is a cause for concern and getting in touch with Nikon...

The focus wheel is very smooth and easy to operate, but only at the narrow IPD settings. this does not bother me as much because I use them at a setting where the focuser is smooth (61-63mm) however, at wider IPD settings, the focuser becomes quite stiff to operate. Also, the focuser has some stiction when first used after the binocular has been put away for an hour or so.

The second issue is that, I have discovered what seem to be scratches on the prism surface when inspecting the inside of the barrels with a flashlight (photos attached).

Please advise if this is reason to contact Nikon to investigate this...

Many thanks.

 

[dries1]

Regarding the focus wheel, you could check with Nikon, get them to check it out. Regarding the internals, those are not scratches, but likely the surface where prisms are cemented together. Not an issue.

Andy W.

 

[Silent Observer]

Thanks for clarifying Andy, I did not observe any ill effects of those lines when looking through the binoculars, so am no longer concerned after reading your post. The focuser feel may become more consistent with use, I shall keep an eye on it, will surely speak to Nikon if it becomes really bothersome.

Regards...

 

[master5]

This is my Monarch HG 10x42 (№1003543) binoculars, there are no scratches on the prisms, the assembly is perfect! Unfortunately I can't focus and take a photo!

 

[henry link]

The Schmidt-Pechan prisms in this binocular can't be cemented, so I think the "scratches" are probably areas where the the thin roof edge is catching the beam of the flashlight at just the right angle to reflect a bright image of the edge back toward the camera. Also nothing to worry about.

 

[Silent Observer]

Thanks for sharing the info,

This is my Monarch HG 10x42 (№1003543) binoculars, there are no scratches on the prisms, the assembly is perfect! Unfortunately I can't focus and take a photo!

I had to use manual focus to reveal the line...

 

[Silent Observer]

The Schmidt-Pechan prisms in this binocular can't be cemented, so I think the "scratches" are probably areas where the the thin roof edge is catching the beam of the flashlight at just the right angle to reflect a bright image of the edge back toward the camera. Also nothing to worry about.

Thanks Henry, the roof edge is visible down the centre of the barrel, I didn't capture it in the photographs as I did not deem it an abnormality. I have attached a couple more photographs, the Left barrel shows more of the lines than the right barrel...
I have not experienced any issues while looking through them... I may get Nikon to take a look at them at some point in the future... I don't think its worth being without the binoculars for an extended time (I think Nikon Service could take some time due to COVID19).

 

[henry link]

The straight edge formed where two sides of a prism meet could reflect back a strong thin line just like the roof edge and of course that line would be far off center when you're looking straight down the optical axis. Your photos are all made from an off-axis angle with an apparently off-axis light source , so it's hard to tell exactly where the reflection is, but I don't think there is anything at all here to worry about. Maybe you can use your flashlight beam on another specimen of the 10x42 Monarch HG to see if it acts the same way.

 

[Silent Observer]

The straight edge formed where two sides of a prism meet could reflect back a strong thin line just like the roof edge and of course that line would be far off center when you're looking straight down the optical axis. Your photos are all made from an off-axis angle with an apparently off-axis light source , so it's hard to tell exactly where the reflection is, but I don't think there is anything at all here to worry about. Maybe you can use your flashlight beam on another specimen of the 10x42 Monarch HG to see if it acts the same way.

Ah, it may well be just that. I shall stop worrying. I also have a Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 that showed a similar line in one barrel, the other barrel did not show anything. The Nikon's right barrel also shows other smaller lines (much harder to see). Checking another Monarch HG 10x42 may not be possible for some time, but surely will check if I ever get a chance. For now, I shall continue to enjoy using this binocular.

Many thanks.

 

[RetroGrouch]

Also, the focuser has some stiction when first used after the binocular has been put away for an hour or so.

Yes, I've noticed the same thing with mine: a touch of stiction when they haven't been used for a while. Seems to be normal with this model. (I can also see the same lines as on yours if I really look for them.)

 

[Silent Observer]

Yes, I've noticed the same thing with mine: a touch of stiction when they haven't been used for a while. Seems to be normal with this model. (I can also see the same lines as on yours if I really look for them.)

Many thanks for the info... this confirms that it's nothing out of the ordinary and puts my mind at ease... appreciated.

 

[Silent Observer]

So, I sent my Monarch HG to Nikon Service UK, I posted them on the 4th of Jan and received them back yesterday. Speed of response for great. They seem to have fixed the issue with the focuser and have also re-collimated them... both have improved notably however, some things of concern...

There are tiny chips in the rubber armour from where it was lifted for removal, also, the armour is not glued down properly in a small section under the strap attachment point. There is also a visible tool mark (small dent) on the circular plate that covers that back side (near the hinge) of the focuser. I have seen some lint fibres inside the right barrel that did not exist before....

In all honesty, It kind of ruined my day yesterday... as I regretted sending them in for a warranty repair....

am I expecting too much? the binocular is only 3 months old in terms of ownership and I feel these little marks though very small, in some way de-value the binocular if I chose to sell them....

In one way, I appreciate that this kind of work requires a lot of skill, however, I would still expect the repair staff to keep in mind that they are working on equipment that belongs to the customer, and cost ALOT of money....

 

[Jessie-66]

am I expecting too much? the binocular is only 3 months old in terms of ownership and I feel these little marks though very small, in some way de-value the binocular if I chose to sell them....

In one way, I appreciate that this kind of work requires a lot of skill, however, I would still expect the repair staff to keep in mind that they are working on equipment that belongs to the customer, and cost ALOT of money....

Many manufacturers intentionally produce short-lived consumer goods that are either not maintainable at all (throwaway society, resource consumption versus nature conservation) or design consumer goods in such a way that they can only be repaired by the manufacturer himself. Compare designs of classic porroprism binoculars with modern roof prism bins and known military binoculars. Compare also old radios (supplied wiring diagram for independent workshops) with modern disposable, glued or not to be opened non-destructively electronics. Compare the amount of waste in the past and today, the associated energy and resource consumption, emissions. Then send the binoculars back with a very critical letter; manufacturers should themseves also spoon out the nasty soup cooked for their customers, for free repair service shops, for all peoples and our nature! And it also secures a little bit of the jobs of service staff, office workers, packers and employees of manufacturers. After a certain number of complaints and the associated costs, even managers who only see the edge of their plate (corporate figures) start to think.

However, think about what part of an median monthly wage (median, not average) you paid for a complex industrial product (associated with worldwide number of sales, threfore low costs and high profit from 1 unit for manufacturer) and what you can and cannot expect in return. ;-)

 

[Silent Observer]

Appreciate your response, I have spoken to Nikon support who have requested photographs... I will follow the process and see where it goes...

 

[Upland]

I’d send them back again with notes on all the new problems. My guess is they’ll send you a new pair rather than try to fix them again.

 

[Silent Observer]

I have sent them the photographs that they have requested, along with an explanation... lets see what they come back with...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts...

 

[Silent Observer]

So, Nikon have asked for the binoculars to be sent back so they can replace the damaged parts with new parts on a 'goodwill' basis...

who's goodwill??

I will tell them to fix it back to factory standard otherwise look at a replacement...

However, I do feel like I am at their mercy...

also feel a little guilty of ranting here for all to see, but in another way, it may help someone in making informed decisions when purchasing equipment.

 

[chris6]

So, Nikon have asked for the binoculars to be sent back so they can replace the damaged parts with new parts on a 'goodwill' basis...

who's goodwill??

I will tell them to fix it back to factory standard otherwise look at a replacement...

However, I do feel like I am at their mercy...

also feel a little guilty of ranting here for all to see, but in another way, it may help someone in making informed decisions when purchasing equipment.

Ref. CAB: Something's gone wrong with a purchase

I agree. The Nikon MHG is only 6 months old and should not have had faults so there would seem to be no question of 'goodwill'.
In any case I believe that, strictly, the seller/supplier should have taken responsibility and simply replaced them with another new pair in the first place.

Since the repairs were not acceptable, and even at this stage, I entirely agree that it would be worth the bother to try to forestall further annoyance by protesting to the right person at Nikon, and to request replacement with a new pair instead.

It seems that many companies have 'complaints procedures' and perhaps you could follow any which might exist, or at least to reply to ask for what is often called 'escalation'.

 

[Silent Observer]

Hi Chris, thanks for the advice...

I did not contact the seller as I thought that I had no recourse with them since the 14 day approval period had elapsed...

That is a probably blunder on my part. The binoculars were in my possession for 3 months only when the fault developed.

I have already responded by saying that they need to ensure that they can put the binocular back to factory standards and if they cannot ensure it, I would be expecting them to replace the unit with a new one...

Now I feel that I should have just requested them to replace it with a new unit... It is very disappointing that considering the circumstances, they did not offer it themselves... and also they tried to explain that the parts that were removed, were easy to damage while removal... however, they should have then be replaced with new parts in the first place...

I think I will follow up with another email requesting a replacement...

 

[chris6]

That's quite right, that the response from Nikon has so far been totally inappropriate.

Such a poor attitude often reflects the same from higher up but, in case that is not so, then Nikon's UK 'Customer Service', or 'procedures', are simply inadequate.

Ideally someone there should be made aware of what is going on, and the poor impression it engenders.