Conversion of a 7x50 binocular to an 18x90 binocular

The 50mm objectives of a vintage 7x50 binocular were replaced with 90mm objectives. This resultedin an 18x90 binocular with a 5mm exit pupil and a 2.8degree Tfov. Views are “comfortable” and theeffort, in my opinion, resulted in a fine terrestrial binocular. The total cost was about $300 and, of course, there is little or no resale value to show for the effort. Prior to starting, check with Surplus Shedfor the availability of the 90mm D. / 500mm Fl. objectives.http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/category/achromats_4.htmlHere is the path I took.Obtain, as pictured, an identical binocular. Do not substitute

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/search/SearchKey.asp?itemTitle=binoculars&catid=0&sellerID=all&closed=no&minPrice=&maxPrice=&sortBy=itemEndTime&SortOrder=a&showthumbs=onhttp://shop.ebay.com/items/__selsi-binoculars_W0QQLHQ5fAuctionZ1QQ_nkwZselsiQ20binocularsQQQ5ftrkparmsZ39Q253A2Q257C66Q253A2Q257C65Q253A1QQ_dmdZ1QQ_fromfsbZQQ_sopZ1QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQ_vcZ1

This vintage Selsi is commonlyavailable for under $25 shipped.

Selsi Lightweight Amber CoatedLuminous 7X50 Field 7.1 degreesbinocular

In addition, it is strongly recommended to obtain and review a copy of “Choosing, Using & RepairingBinoculars” by J. W. Seyfried.http://www.universityoptics.com/books.htmlEnsure that your Selsi functions as intended. The images should be clear, crisp, bright and, mostimportant, merged. The mechanics should be smooth and firm. If not then follow the instructions inMr. Seyfried’s book and return the Selsi to its original condition. This is not difficult if you work slowly, cautiously and gently.When you are satisfied with the operation of the Selsi remove their objectives assemblies. (Remove theretaining rings with a spanner wrench. As an alternative, notch the side of a small metal paint scraper with a Dremel cut off wheel so that the notched metal inserts into and just spans the retaining ring.Then firmly push into the retaining ring slots and twist.)

Now- as pictured, the 58mm (male) ends of the 58mm to 55mm macro coupler rings (see parts list #1)are threaded into the empty binocular objective cells. The 55mm (male) end protrudes.(The choice of this particular Selsi is based, in part, upon compatibility withthe macro coupler ring 58mm threads.) Next - not pictured, the 72mm. to 55mm.step down rings (see parts list #2) arethreaded onto the protruding 55mm.endof the macro coupler ring –as pictured, the internal 3in. ends of 4in. to 3in. PVC schedule 20 reducers were enlarged using aDremel with a sanding attachment(about 2mm.removed) to just accept press fitted 82mm to 72mm. step downrings (see parts list #3) which werethen carefully and squarely epoxied(sp?) in place- After the epoxy sets, the 4in. to 3in.PVC schedule 20 reducers were threadedonto the 72mm. to 55 mm. steps downrings.

The 90mm D. / 500mm Fl. Surplus Shed plastic objective cell is an excellent press fit for 4in. schedule20 PVC pipe. The PVC snaps into place with a firm press fit. To take advantage of this fit disassemblyof the cell is required. Two strap wrenches are used with a slow, gentle and firm torque to separate,without breakage, the adhesive binding the plastic retaining ring. Once the glass is removed, the twooriginal objective element spacers are replaced with three and the objectives, relative to the cell, arethen reversed – the crown element faces out to the world. Ensure that the glass is set to the alignmentmarks. In addition, prior to reassembly glare should be reduced by applying flat black paint to alloffending surfaces. – The 4in. schedule 20 tubes were cut, by trial anderror, to proper length using a 12in miter saw. Start atabout 300cm of length and slowly work your waydown. The finalized tubes were then fastened to thereducers with 3 bolts/nuts (rather than solvent welded)set 120degrees apart and, for the last time, theobjectives were snapped into place. Ensure that thefinalized tube ends are squared off.Do not fret; at this point the imagesshould not merge.Disassemble the finalized binocular andreduce glare on all offending internalsurfaces with flat back paint and or flocking and or baffles (24.4mm image