ATM Re: Bino Collimation

[Atmj1@aol.com]

Bino Collimation

So thoughts that might be helpful:

I am aware of the idea that one can place a bino in the bore of a Newtonian
and check collimation. I read that article too. However, as one who makes his
living dealing with such matters, I can find no real use for this activity. If
memory serves, the article made no mention of how to collimate the instrument
should that be required, and, if you have to go to the extent of putting the
bino in the telescope just to see if collimation is needed….collimation is
obviously NOT needed. There is a little blurb on collimation standards in the
April '97 issue of S&T, in the shadowed area at the bottom of page 50. 

Also, I did a little three part article on collimation in the FROM THE BENCH
column of ATM Journal issues 5, 6, and 7 which might be of some interest. It
is not all inclusive - there are just too many collimation conventions for the
material to be covered in the scope of an article.

Finally, concerning gun shops: Gun shops would be a great place for a person
to hang out his optical instrument repair shingle. However, with the myriad
brands, models, and design conventions out there these days, any organization
claiming to perform a collimation for $30.00 sends my red flags to the top of
the mast. I have repaired and collimated thousands of binoculars - 1860's
field glasses to 1990's Fujinons - and I couldn't get my screw drivers out for
$30.00 More often than not, such companies are performing "conditional
alignment" as described in S&T and ATM Journal.

You might consider asking to speak directly with their technician. That should
end about 90% of the conversations right there. If they produce a tech, ask
about his credentials. If there is any doubt through hems, haws, and opto-
babble, ask to see the collimator. If you in fact find a tech who can do a
good job for $30 please have him send me a resume.

Those who wish try tinker with collimation on inexpensive binos are whole-
heartedly encouraged to give it a shot. Those with binos in the $350+ range
might do well to send them to a qualified repair facility with a proven track
record.

Regards,

Bill Cook