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Help identify marks in ED82 lens tube ? (1 Viewer)

Darkus_Markus

Well-known member
Hello,

I've recently purchased a used ED82, the optics seem fine but I've noticed some strange markings in the lens tube.

Any idea what they are, should I be worried ? (please see attached)

I believe that these units are sealed so I'm assuming / hoping it's not mildew.

Thanks in advance.
Mark
 

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Hi Mark,
The photos aren't sufficiently clear.
The right arrow mark points to some possible surface contamination.
Not classic fungus, but there are many types.
It could be something that worsens, but if the scope is many years old it may take a long time to get bad.
I cannot see anything at the left arrow.
I'll look again.

Store optics at 13C plus, and humidity under 60%, the lower the better.
Never in unheated garages or attics in England.
Also seaside locations are worse.
 
Thanks for the reply Binastro,

Yes it's a tricky area to photograph.
If you look just above the left arrow you'll see a dark ring which has an edge similar to a map, suggesting that whatever is inside stops at that point.

I wonder if Nikon or a camera specialist would service / clean it ? It doesn't seem to be affecting anything but I just don't like the idea of it.

Do you have any idea if these nitrogen filled optics can be refilled ?

Cheers
 
Yes Mark, Nitrogen purged binoculars and scopes are routinely refilled.

Nikon and East Coast Optical Repairs come to mind.
But it may cost, say £100, more or less.

Some firms. like Zeiss do not like cleaning fungus. At least with lenses. On the other hand Zeiss completely overhauled an old 15x60 with considerable fungus at no cost.

In Hong Kong I think lenses are routinely stripped and cleaned by several firms. Here in England it is getting to be a lost art, or not profitable.

P.S.
The large area at the left arrow may be coating loss, but it isn't clear enough for me to make out. Does the colour of reflected light change at this margin?
Recoating is a more expensive business. Not sure if anyone does this any more. It used to be done, at least with single coats.
Not economically worthwhile I think.
 
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It looks to me as if the inside paint or flocking is starting to deteriorate..In itself this could affect very minimally the contrast,if the surface gets shinny in areas,although I doubt the slight change in performace could be detected at all.One problem i see is if some loose flocks or residue could eventually get onto an optical surface,also improbable.The glass and optical coatings look really good,no separation or traces of fungus in there.I have asked Nikon UK Sport optics division a favor once,to find a replacement that Nikon Spain could not help me with,and they were so kind and servicial.So give them a call,explain the situation and see if the scope can be serviced and tuned ,maybe a minimal cost would be involved but you could leave your scope in perfect condition for years to come,Is a great Scope.Contacting the seller is also something I would probably do if I wasnt 100% happy with a recent purchase

Good luck with all this
 
Mayoayo would be correct if the photo is of the tube, not optical surfaces.
I was thinking this was an optical surface, but maybe not.

P.S.
You did say in the original post 'lens tube', so I suppose it is the inside of the tube.

I have seen fungus on the inside of tubes, but it is then usually on the optics also.
 
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I had a EDIII Fieldscope (60mm version) that looked like that inside. Never had a problem with in fact it gave awesome views and I'm sure it still does. I always just assumed it was a funky looking anodizing job that probably still passes qc since its inside the tube and not a cosmetic surface.

Unless its loose and flaky I would forget about and enjoy what appears on the other end of the scope. ;)

My ED 82 doesn't have it this look inside, but it does have lots of Grease around the tube in the area that the focusing element moves back and forth. Again perfectly normal I believe.
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

Just to confirm, the glass seems clear it was the inner tube I was referring to.

I may contact Nikon and enquire about having it serviced.

Cheers
 
Hi,

I would try to document it by taking good pictures and wait for half a year or a year to check if the situation changes... I would say as long as you don't get flakes on the glass or the form changes, you are fine.

Joachim
 
Thanks for the reply Binastro,

I wonder if Nikon or a camera specialist would service / clean it ? It doesn't seem to be affecting anything but I just don't like the idea of it.

Do you have any idea if these nitrogen filled optics can be refilled ?

Cheers

Hey Mark

Nikon UK will definitely service and renew the nitrogen. I returned my EDIIIA because of a scratched objective and they did a banging job. Not cheap, but they did a complete service at the same time. Old scope, but like new now!

I've also got an ED82, so I'll be peering into it tonight!

Cheers
John
 
Hey Mark

Nikon UK will definitely service and renew the nitrogen. I returned my EDIIIA because of a scratched objective and they did a banging job. Not cheap, but they did a complete service at the same time. Old scope, but like new now!

I've also got an ED82, so I'll be peering into it tonight!

Cheers


Hello John
I also have an ED82 heavily used but optically still perfect which shows some faults (no more nitrogen proofing, a little "greasy" edge inside).
As I got to find used at a UK store some years ago, I would like to know the exact contact at the Nikon UK Repair Center which can handle it.
What do you mean by "not cheap" service? Depending on the cost, I could consider sending it to them.
Thank you very much
 
Hello John
I also have an ED82 heavily used but optically still perfect which shows some faults (no more nitrogen proofing, a little "greasy" edge inside).
As I got to find used at a UK store some years ago, I would like to know the exact contact at the Nikon UK Repair Center which can handle it.
What do you mean by "not cheap" service? Depending on the cost, I could consider sending it to them.
Thank you very much

Hi Saxatilis (and Mark)

I've just had a look through my old emails about this, and the repair estimate/quote that was attached to one of them has unfortunately gone missing. I do think it was around £250, but that did include new ED objective and ocular, and cleaning/servicing and new nitogen.

They were brilliant about it throughout, and also sent me a post-paid label to send the scope back. At the time (2014) they charged £6.50 for the estimate (waived if you went ahead with the repair). The people I dealt with (they may not be there now, of course), were John Murphy and a lady called Lauren (don't know her second name). Please see below contact details:

Nikon UK
Advisor
Nikon Customer Support

United Kingdom: 0330 123 0932
Republic of Ireland: 01 5171851
Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm
http://www.europe-nikon.com/support

Definitely worth contacting them! Good luck!

Cheers
John
 
o:)
Hi Saxatilis (and Mark)

I've just had a look through my old emails about this, and the repair estimate/quote that was attached to one of them has unfortunately gone missing. I do think it was around £250, but that did include new ED objective and ocular, and cleaning/servicing and new nitogen.

They were brilliant about it throughout, and also sent me a post-paid label to send the scope back. At the time (2014) they charged £6.50 for the estimate (waived if you went ahead with the repair). The people I dealt with (they may not be there now, of course), were John Murphy and a lady called Lauren (don't know her second name). Please see below contact details:

Nikon UK
Advisor
Nikon Customer Support

United Kingdom: 0330 123 0932
Republic of Ireland: 01 5171851
Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm
http://www.europe-nikon.com/support

Definitely worth contacting them! Good luck!

Cheers
John


That's great John o:) !!
Many thanks indeed!
 
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Hi,

250 quid for new objective, eyepiece and labour sounds very cheap nowadays - maybe not so a few years back.

But neither of the scopes in this thread needs new glass...

Joachim
 
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