Disassembly of a vintage binocular

A pictorial record is provided for the disassembly of vintage 7x50 Selsi binocular.

Selsi Lightweight Amber CoatedLuminous 7X50 Field 7.1 degreesbinocular

Prior to disassembly, it is strongly recommended to obtain and review a copy of “Choosing, Using & RepairingBinoculars” by J. W. Seyfried.http://www.universityoptics.com/books.htmlDisassembly of a valuable binocular is not recommended.Here is the path I took.Disassembly is not difficult if you work patiently, cautiously and gently. It is wise to make a written and or a photographic record that notes the correct placement and orientation of the components.Firmly grip and twist off the protective external guard rings. Onoccasion the gentle use of a strapwrench will aid.

Remove the objective housingretaining rings with a spanner wrench. As an alternative, notch theside of a small metal putty knifewith an abrasive Dremel cut off wheel so that the notched metalinserts into and just spans theretaining ring. Then firmly push into both retaining ring slots and twist.Ensure that metal never contacts theglass.

In this photo and others that follow both sides of the binocular have been disassembled. This is notadvisable. It is highly preferable todisassemble one side at a time. Now, within the objective housingtake note of the eccentric objectivering – it has one slot. Insert aJeweler’s straight slot screw driver (no larger than 1.5mm) and rotatethe eccentric ring. Note how thisrepositions the objective cell.The objective cell and eccentricring can now be gently removed.Although, not pictured, using aspanner wrench or a re notched putty knife, remove the retainingring of the objective cell. Never make contact with the glass. Bediligent and carefully note how theconvex (crown) side of the glassfaces out to the world.