Author Topic: Any fix for scratches on lense coatings? (Read 643 times)

dwitteman · « **on:** April 12, 2004, 11:09:33 AM »

Although I have suspicion that the answer is to get a new set of optics or send them back to the factory to get new lenses, I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask if anyone knows of a lower cost alternative. I have a fairly expensive set of binoculars that over the years have managed to get a fair amount of scratches and wear on the coatings on the eyepiece lenses. They are still a superb set of binos, but I was hoping that there might be somebody they could be sent to for some type of recoating. They are a set of Pentax DCF WP's if that information helps. Thanks for any help.

Naphtali · « **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2004, 05:33:54 PM »

You might contact your local optician -- I think that's the correct term for spectacle adjuster -- who does not work at a mass-market vision center. spectacles have antireflective coatings available on them also. Optician may be aware of quick-and-dirty fix.

Also contact Deutache Optik. They repair everything optical.

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** April 14, 2004, 07:05:15 PM »

NO!

There is no quick, easy or painless way to fix it. Best to just live with the scratches and in the future use proper cleaning methods so as not to add to them. The scratches will slightly erode the coating's function but not enough to get overly worried about if it is merely light scratching. Now if you've wiped out a hole the size of the exit pupil on the eye lens or of a dime or more in the center of the objective you might want to think about sending them back but be prepared to be shocked at the price.

To fix it they have to remove the lens. Disassemble any doublet or triplet lens and just about ALL eye piece and objective lens are doublets or triplets and then coat them and then put them back together again. What they would really do is just replace them as that would be cheaper. You'd not get the same lens back.

GB

dwitteman · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2004, 06:00:57 AM »

Thanks for the input Greybeard. Told me exactly what I expected but it is somewhat comforting to have confirmation from an expert. Thanks again.

IntrepidWizard · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2004, 06:21:54 AM »

Rouge,for minor scratchs,that is what is used to finish lens,told let your wife now though.

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2004, 06:41:10 AM »

Quote

Rouge,for minor scratchs,that is what is used to finish lens,told let your wife now though.

NO! NO! NO! Bad advice. Don't try it. First up the rouge isn't what a woman wears it is a polishing agent. BUT it is used BEFORE the lens are coated NEVER after. IT will take off ALL of the coating.

GB

IntrepidWizard · « **Reply #6 on:** April 21, 2004, 12:53:38 PM »

True,and that is ok,take out the scratch,lightly remove the coating and take the lens to any optomotrist or Walmart[where I go,when in the city] and have it recoated.

Zachary · « **Reply #7 on:** June 08, 2004, 05:33:09 AM »

I can't believe anyone would suggest taking off coating and then going to Wal-Mart, of all places, and have them re-coat it.

It would seem to me that with all of the time and labor involved to try and "fix" the scratch - you could probably just buy a brand new scope (depending, of course, on how expensive the scratched scope is.)

Zachary