Zeiss FL issue...and are they still repairable? (2 Viewers)

[Thotmosis]

As a happy owner of a Zeiss FL 7x42 and 8x56 i find it very disturbing that they seem to lack spare parts.
As a lawyer i can imagine that another lawyer would suggest the possibility that it is maybe possible that the technician made a mistake 🥸
Difficulty decision what to do, i think i would go for the “new” 7x42 and for a (partial) warranty of a certain period. Let’s say 5 years because its a used specimen. That is if they still have spare parts…. It’s such a lovely binocular i would be very sad if they can not repair this FL’s anymore. But that’s life…

 

[james holdsworth]

They must have made tens of thousands of FLs, you would think they would have lots of spare parts.

 

[tenex]

Their initial proposal/estimate suggests that they do still have many/most parts for FL 42s, but in this case an unusual problem was found (perhaps in the "central drive"?) for which they no longer do. So owners may not need to worry quite so much... yet.

 

[[email protected]]

My feeling as well. What appeals to me about NLs is the wider FOV, which if it mattered in practice more than it appears to, would be the compelling argument for me. But there's nothing "new" about that, it was being done in the 1970s, and could have been again or still today without the famous flat field. That binocular would be hard for me to resist; I still wonder why no one ever made it, or seems about to today. In the meantime, our 10x32 FL among others really leave nothing else to be desired.

Except low distortion, sharp edges and no green tint. The FL reminds of the movie 'The Green Inferno'.

 

[Hermann]

Well I didn't invent this, but even before I posted my previous message, an email from Zeiss rolled in (half an hour ago):

I think I have not much choice than to accept the offer. My bins were a 2006-2007 pair that was a cherry (not that I think there are that many lemons of this bin, but still), a non-lotutec (but I never had any issues with that). I reckon their replacement will be a lotutec one. I find it a bit funny they still have one lying around, but from their message, those aren't new either.

I'd take it. That binocular will be in perfect condition. You use your binocular a lot it seems, and I'm not sure any of the new binoculars will last as long as another as new 7x42 FL will last.

Hermann

 

[PeterPS]

If I had a concrete offer, I would maybe consider this. It now depends on what Zeiss replies to me.

It's likely they don't want to include a 8x42 SF and just want to stick to giving me back a 7x42. If that happens, I would consider swapping for a SF and paying for the agreed difference in perceived value... But I wouldn't mind to look through a 7x42 for another 10+ years!

I don't think that Zeiss will offer a new SF 8x42 as a replacement: that would be like selling the new SF to you, and their CS does not sell binos as far as I know. Concerning the 7x42 they have offered, the intriguing question is how did the CS get it? Maybe they got it from another customer, like they'll get yours if you accept the replacement, but they said it's in good condition and if that's true then why it was not sent back to the customer? If I were you I would ask them to describe any issue of this 7x42 and also its "history".

Their initial proposal/estimate suggests that they do still have many/most parts for FL 42s, but in this case an unusual problem was found (perhaps in the "central drive"?) for which they no longer do.

I am not sure of that. In Nov 2024 I have emailed Zeiss about an armor issue of one of my Dialyts and included a detailed description of the issue along with clear photos. They replied that I can send the bino to them for service and fixing the problem, which I did. After waiting weeks I called them and was told they don't have the part, and it appears that was the case for many years, so I am not sure what's going on.

So owners may not need to worry quite so much... yet.

 

[CharleyBird]

Except low distortion, sharp edges and no green tint. The FL reminds of the movie 'The Green Inferno'.

This is biased rubbish and ought to be ignored.

 

[temmie]

I don't think that Zeiss will offer a new SF 8x42 as a replacement: that would be like selling the new SF to you, and their CS does not sell binos as far as I know. Concerning the 7x42 they have offered, the intriguing question is how did the CS get it? Maybe they got it from another customer, like they'll get yours if you accept the replacement, but they said it's in good condition and if that's true then why it was not sent back to the customer? If I were you I would ask them to describe any issue of this 7x42 and also its "history".

I will ask for that, thanks. I explicitly said I didn't expect Zeiss willing to just give me a new SF8x42. I said I would be more willing to consider a (new or used) 8x42SF + cash from my side as a replacement offer vs. the (used) 7x42 T*FL they offer now, with the spare parts / future servicing needs as the main concern.

I am not sure of that. In Nov 2024 I have emailed Zeiss about an armor issue of one of my Dialyts and included a detailed description of the issue along with clear photos. They replied that I can send the bino to them for service and fixing the problem, which I did. After waiting weeks I called them and was told they don't have the part, and it appears that was the case for many years, so I am not sure what's going on.

It's all guessing at the moment (also for me). My only guess (as that was initially my main repair need) is they don't have the (in case of the 7x = shorter) objective rubbers anymore and wanted to fit new ones (mind you the old ones were loose, but I included them when shipping the bins). I can't think of other parts (internals) that aren't shared by 8x42 and 10x42 T*FL, or it must be lenses (and those aren't in the equation)?

 

[temmie]

Well I actually did get offers from Zeiss on the 8x42 SF (both new and second hand), and the 8x40 SFL (new and second hand), but I considered those not as good as I would have liked, and opted for the replacement 7x42 T*FL that will hopefully be as good as the original (optically).

If there is interest, let me know. I have to see them first, and I have to see what options I have to buy an 8x42SF, before considering selling, but any offerings will ofcourse help to determine what I would like to end up with.

 

[greekgeek]

Well I actually did get offers from Zeiss on the 8x42 SF (both new and second hand), and the 8x40 SFL (new and second hand), but I considered those not as good as I would have liked, and opted for the replacement 7x42 T*FL that will hopefully be as good as the original (optically).

If there is interest, let me know. I have to see them first, and I have to see what options I have to buy an 8x42SF, before considering selling, but any offerings will ofcourse help to determine what I would like to end up with.

I'd be interested if you end up selling them along.

 

[greekgeek]

Also, you got off cheap on the armor. I was recently quoted over $400 from Zeiss for just the armor replacement on a 7x42 Dialyt. And that was even after they mucked up the armor in the first place.