Kris\Slykaslyka
Nov 13, 2026, 1:57 PMaaand here's the moment where I realize I assembled it the wrong way around…
Replies
- Kris\SlykaslykaNov 13, 2026, 2:22 PM
and the base is back together. unfortunately the mirror for the light is in kinda not that great condition, but I don't have a light that fits the base anyways and I'll mostly be looking at opaque stuff, so it's not a huge deal
- Kris\SlykaslykaNov 13, 2026, 2:22 PM
- Kris\SlykaslykaNov 13, 2026, 2:38 PM
those are some nice gears…
- Kris\SlykaslykaNov 13, 2026, 2:46 PM
hmmf… while the fine focus moves it just seems to be free spinning through a friction cluch. the coarse focus and the actual main dovetail and rack an pinion are completely seized…
- Kris\SlykaslykaNov 13, 2026, 2:47 PM
I think I'll just try so soak it all in WD40 and then hit it with a heat gun to see if I can get the old grease unstuck
- Kris\SlykaslykaNov 13, 2026, 2:50 PM
and yes, I did check to make sure this thing doesn't have a focus stiffness adjustment where you counter rotate the focus knobs on either side that's locking it in place and it doesn't seem to have one. or it's also stuck in place.
- Kris\SlykaslykaNov 13, 2026, 5:08 PM
ok, it's kinda moving. but it's very very stiff. gonna douse it all in WD40, stick it in a garbage bag and let it soak over night. hope I'll be able to get it apart tomorrow so I can clean it properly
Felix MowlaffenfowlAtomAntWirr@troet.cafeNov 13, 2026, 3:45 PM@slyka I know these and the grease is "verharzt" Heat and WD40 should solve it though. It's a common problem with this model. If you can put it in an oven and heat up to 80°C over night so get it not too hot maybe.
Wanted to write that already but didn't wanted to rush in 🫣- Kris\SlykaslykaNov 13, 2026, 4:35 PM
@AtomAntWirr that's good to know. do you happen to have a service manual for one of these? or a tip on which screw I need to take out to release the end stop for the focusing rack?
- Felix MowlaffenfowlAtomAntWirr@troet.cafeNov 13, 2026, 5:13 PM
@slyka Sorry, no. My former employer and professor had a humongous microscopy collection and they worked on these modells, cleaning them and refurbishing them with LEDs and stuff. That's how I know of the procedure but not in detail.
Nov 13, 2026, 5:15 PM@slyka Probably dried out old grease. That stuff turns from lubricant to glue and finally into hard gunk that you can crumble off. Strong solvent should get it runny enough to clean it off.
- Kris\SlykaslykaNov 13, 2026, 5:17 PM
@yngmar yep, I hope the WD40 and some heat will be enough, if not I'll step it up to brake cleaner tomorrow. I'd just rather not take the paint off the thing