Is it possible to fix the play in a focus wheel? (1 Viewer)

I have a couple of mm play in the focus wheel on my binos when turning it. Is there a common reason for play in focus wheels? Is it something that can be fixed by tightening some screw, or is it beyond home fixing?

I notice no effect with temperature on the play.

These binoculars are roof prism with a "open bridge" design. The focus wheel is identical to what can be seen on Bushnell Ultra HD etc.

[I am not interested in paying to send them to some repair, and I do not worry about any eventual effects on whatever warranty they may still have]


Thanks!

Hi,

since non-optimal focus work seems to be a common gripe even up to alpha level, I would expect the fix to be non-trivial. In most bins it's a matter of proper lubrication with exactly the right amount of the right lubricant.
I think with low-priced chinese optics it's either with play (not enough grease) or a bit sticky (a lot of grease).

Joachim

Hard to say without seeing or feeling the problem, as Joachim mentions, some thicker heavy grease may help, but 2mm is quite a lot of play, my gut feel is it's not a home fix, it sounds something is worn or a poor fit and the focus mechanism on these "open bridge" design bins can be tricky to mess with, I learned that from trying to fix a focus issue myself on an open bridge Bushnell, I ended up having to scrap the binocular. Is it a Bushnell? If so, contact them, you will find their Customer Service online, they may well be able to help, surely if it's only postage costs you would send them? .

OK. Thanks!
I will not try to change the grease. It sounds too difficult. I was hoping I could tighten some screw. I did fix a drifting diopter on my old Bushnell by using locktight (excuse spelling) on the screw.
I was some time ago sending in a pair of Zeiss for repair. It cost me 70E shipping cost. I dont find it worth it in this case.
The play is not worse than I can live with it. But having other better binoculars it has caused these ones to end up in the drawer too often. And I kind of like these binoculars for certain occasions.