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'Friction' noise from Zeiss 8 x 42 Fl focus wheel. (1 Viewer)

chris murphy

chris murphy

Used Register
Hi all

I have purchased a pair of used binoculars as per the thread title, they are in top notch condition and optically are beautiful. I have not had much chance to use them but when looking through them today I noticed the focus wheel sounds like it is rubbing against something intermittently. It is not all the time, but going from close to max focus it will make the noise for about a quarter of the rotation, sometimes longer, sometimes not at all.
They focus fine and there doesn't appear to be any actual physical friction or stiffness from the wheel (although the diopter adjustment is stiffer than what I expected). I have checked them over and given the focus wheel a blow of air in case it was some grit or something like that.
I have the option to return them if needed, but they're a lovely example and I wouldn't want to return them unless I absolutely had to. However I'm the kind of person that when I notice something it's hard to unnotice it (might have made that word up there).
I'm going to give them a prolonged run out on Sunday and make a decision then but my question is: does this sound familiar to any current or ex users of this model?
I'm assuming not but if it was just an inherent feature of this binocular then I would just try and 'tune it out'.
However my concern is that it could be a defect or fault that could get worse.
Appreciate any thoughts or advice on this.
Thanks
C.
 
This sort of issue doesn't seem too likely to get worse, but may not be likely to go away either, except for a brand-new model or possibly one that hasn't been used for years. If it's still in warranty in your country, and you really like it, you could send it in to Zeiss for service. That often helps, though not always. This is not a model particularly known for the problem, so that's probably in your favor. Good luck.
 
tenex said:
This sort of issue doesn't seem too likely to get worse, but may not be likely to go away either, except for a brand-new model or possibly one that hasn't been used for years. If it's still in warranty in your country, and you really like it, you could send it in to Zeiss for service. That often helps, though not always. This is not a model particularly known for the problem, so that's probably in your favor. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Nah, the Zeiss FL's especially the FL 8x32 are known for having a rough focuser. If you get a smooth one, you are lucky. They might use a dry focuser for cold weather, like Leica does. I have had to send two FL's in to get the focuser sorted out. Send it into Zeiss, and they will fix it if it just means throwing some grease on it. It won't get any better, but it won't get any worse either.
 
Last edited:
I have had there exact same issue with my recently acquired 10x42 FLs. On mine the focus friction was throughout the range of travel, which was really annoying, although they appeared to be focusing properly. The focuser action was completly even, not notchy and in no way 'rough'. My 8x42FLs (and previous FLs I have owned) do not have this and are wonderfully smooth and silent.

As this issue is most likely not going to go away or get better with use, I have sent these to Zeiss in Germany to have corrected and for a general check up as they are elderly now (2009). Otherwise they are mint and cannot wait to get them back in fine fettle :)
 
So I have FLs in 8X32, 7X42, and 10X42 NOW and have owned 8X42 and 10X56 FLs. The 7X42s especially are no spring chickens! There is a little variability between them sometimes...at times when focusing it can sound a little like a "plastic on plastic" sound. As you say a "friction" sound. Never any "play" and always "consistent." They are not Nikon EDG/Zeiss FL or SFL/Leica Noctivid smooth/quiet always. I've never given it a moments thought and none have ever developed a single real focusing issue. Most binocular focusing adjustments are small so I really never notice it. Hard to say over the internet how "bad" your focus is but....I don't think I'd worry about it.
 
chris murphy said:
Hi all

I have purchased a pair of used binoculars as per the thread title, they are in top notch condition and optically are beautiful. I have not had much chance to use them but when looking through them today I noticed the focus wheel sounds like it is rubbing against something intermittently. It is not all the time, but going from close to max focus it will make the noise for about a quarter of the rotation, sometimes longer, sometimes not at all.
They focus fine and there doesn't appear to be any actual physical friction or stiffness from the wheel (although the diopter adjustment is stiffer than what I expected). I have checked them over and given the focus wheel a blow of air in case it was some grit or something like that.
I have the option to return them if needed, but they're a lovely example and I wouldn't want to return them unless I absolutely had to. However I'm the kind of person that when I notice something it's hard to unnotice it (might have made that word up there).
I'm going to give them a prolonged run out on Sunday and make a decision then but my question is: does this sound familiar to any current or ex users of this model?
I'm assuming not but if it was just an inherent feature of this binocular then I would just try and 'tune it out'.
However my concern is that it could be a defect or fault that could get worse.
Appreciate any thoughts or advice on this.
Thanks
C.
Click to expand...
Chris, congrats on the new bins!

You're in the UK, the official UK Zeiss service/repair centre is East Coast Binocular Repairs, which is Gary Hawkins, possibly the most respected binocular repair 'God' in the UK (20 odd years with Leica before being snapped up by Zeiss), so simply give him a buzz on Monday morning and discuss. He'll know exactly what you're talking about and will tell you what he can or can't do to solve your friction irritation (that sounded a bit wrong! 😮🤣).

My own habit, when I buy a used pair of Zeiss bins I'm not quite sure about, is to send them to Gary for a health check and to be fixed/serviced as necessary, even if the bins are out of warranty (Gary is VERY fair with out of warranty charges). In your case, that's exactly what I would do...you could end up waiting a long time for another pair of those FL's in as good condition to turn up!

Good luck!
 
chill6x6 said:
So I have FLs in 8X32, 7X42, and 10X42 NOW and have owned 8X42 and 10X56 FLs. The 7X42s especially are no spring chickens! There is a little variability between them sometimes...at times when focusing it can sound a little like a "plastic on plastic" sound. As you say a "friction" sound. Never any "play" and always "consistent." They are not Nikon EDG/Zeiss FL or SFL/Leica Noctivid smooth/quiet always. I've never given it a moments thought and none have ever developed a single real focusing issue. Most binocular focusing adjustments are small so I really never notice it. Hard to say over the internet how "bad" your focus is but....I don't think I'd worry about it.
Click to expand...
So as a not native English speaker i had to look up the meaning of spring chicken and i guess im also not a spring chicken anymore but still rocking though, well sort off anyway.

I have FL 7x42 and 8x56 and had 8x32, all three have/had different focus action as have my different Leica’s. Nothing to worry about in my opinion. If you focus too much on the focus you hear and feel things that seem to disappear when you use them in the field.
 
Hi all

Thanks for the very valuable opinions. I was able to spend a good few hours today with the binoculars, I didn't hear the noise when focussing but tbh if I had I don't think I would be that bothered. They are a really beautiful binocular, the view is sharp and bright and ergonomically I like the way they feel. So I will be keeping them and I am sure that I will get many years good use from them.
Unless / until I win the lottery and an upgrade to an SF is feasible :).
But I wonder how much better would they be? Not that much I suspect....

Thanks for your input everyone.

Chris.
 

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