Zeiss Stemi yellowing

[Andy]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171447413079
Sam, I have been seeing Stemis that are incredibly yellowed, apparently from the sun. Has yours done that? This one on ebay is the worst I have seen. I engrave in a room in the basement so my scope never sees the sun. This is not encouraging though. For what these things cost this should never happen. I realize it is only cosmetic but I'm a bit anal like that

 

[DakotaDocMartin]

It's located in Malaysia and, it looks like it's had some severe usage. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[sam]

Hi Andy. Mine aren't like that but some types of plastics discolor with age, like the stuff computers and keyboards are made of. Not sure if it's UV related or not, but I would suspect that it is. I think cigarette smoke can cause that too.

I agree that for a high end brand like Zeiss it shouldn't happen. All three of mine are ok though.

Have you tried a 0.4x objective? I have a HUGE working distance now and am really liking it.

 

[phil]

The quote of the day
All 3 of mine are OK!!!! THREE!

 

[Jesse.beckham]

The quote of the day
All 3 of mine are OK!!!! THREE!

I second that! Haha!


Jesse Beckham
Lost Penguin Leather
Wichita Falls, Texas

 

[sam]

The quote of the day
All 3 of mine are OK!!!! THREE!

Ok, I confess to being a Zeiss junkie

 

[Andy]

I have seen a few other used ones on Ebay that were yellowing.
No Sam, I have not tried the .4 objective. I don't even use a .5 objective. I actually use a .63 objective. I like to be able to get close. It gives me all the working distance that I ever need. I realize most people wouldn't like it. I've gotten used to it and I like the extra magnification.

 

[monk]

cosmetic appearance isn't the only problem with this scope !! if you read the poop posted on ebay- it has a broken knob, as well as they are selling it for "parts or repair". i would steer clear of this one, without a detailed description of all that's wrong. good scopes at good prices come to ebay now & then. it's a matter of checking every day and being patient. i ended up with a nice leica by being patient--- at a good price i might add.

 

[sam]

I have seen a few other used ones on Ebay that were yellowing.
No Sam, I have not tried the .4 objective. I don't even use a .5 objective. I actually use a .63 objective. I like to be able to get close. It gives me all the working distance that I ever need. I realize most people wouldn't like it. I've gotten used to it and I like the extra magnification.

I have .63s as well but wanted a larger view. They don't make a .5 so I tried the .4 and really like it. But yeah, I do lose some magnification.

By the way Andy, I'm getting bounced emails from your forum posts. Be sure to update your email address.

 

[KCSteve]

So now we know Sam's secret - there are three of him engraving!

 

[mitch]

Mine aren't like that but some types of plastics discolor with age, like the stuff computers and keyboards are made of. Not sure if it's UV related or not, but I would suspect that it is.

Have you tried a 0.4x objective? I have a HUGE working distance now and am really liking it.

a couple things: over the years my Leicas have developed a slightly more 'cream' tone than when they were new. i only notice it when i'm cleaning one and see a protected/hidden area. it's probably not UV, at least in some cases with some plastics because mine are covered when not in use and they don't get any direct sunlight- tho a fair amount of indirect in the winter. also, years ago i squirreled away a few coffee makers the mfr discontinued (Oster ThermoCafe- nice big thermos carafes). as they die, i pull a new one out of storage. when i last did that a couple years ago, i could not help noticing the previously snow white carafe body on one unit was absolutely yellow. and it had been in a box for the last ten years or so.

on the 0.4x objective lens: it has occurred to me many times over the years that i very, very rarely use above about 14-15x (and seldom even that high) within my scope's range of approx. 3x-20x. a lower magnification objective lens would increase working distance (and field diameter, too? can't remember) and i'd never miss the lost zoom range. unfortunately, i have a fixed vise platform and can't use any more working distance than i've i've got now. oh well, one of these days...

 

[Andy]

Ok.. Sorry about the email bouncing back. I had to delete that account a few years back. Spammers got a hold on it and ruined it. I'm updated now.