Macrobinoculars Build on a Budget: Display Bases Added

[Beeb89]

Great discussion! I'm looking forward to seeing pics of your modified lenses.

Regarding the display base, I'm planning to start a production run for them this week and will post a link here. I'm planning to offer 2 to 3 versions to choose from so those who are interested, keep an eye out.

 

[Jamesfett]

These did not come out as accurized as I would have liked but here it is. $50 each so obviously much cheaper.

Three tiny screws around the lens. Unscrew and lens comes out easy. From their I suggest using Beeb89's method of accurizing.

After the lens is off.

Misc. rings you can use to accurize.

Next take off the bottom of the camera. Easy, just unscrew along with that little black scquare that is on the bottom of the lens.

That is the end of the easy stuff. Maybe someone else can figure it out but for me I gave up and started tearing things apart.

To get the back of the lens assembly off I had to insert the screw driver in and break it off. The entire rear lens assembly will come off along with part of the front of the camera.

Tearing apart:

more coming.....

 

[Jamesfett]

So this is how it is when you first take the lens out. Then you flip the back piece that you broke off the front of the camera.

Okay this piece forms the back tapering part. Bust the tread looking thing off. If you can figure out how to more easily remove it God Bless you. I used pliers and ripped it off. Not easy.

Then cut or snap bend, break which is what I did all the way around.

more to come.....

 

[Jamesfett]

Okay now that you have cut or bent/broken off the excess this is what you have.

Even of you file the rough edge it will still be a uneven fit and you will see there is a notch area where a little lever came out. So first to glue it on use superglue gel, or something similar. It needs to be a gel. This is just to glue the two pieces together. Then, and I have not done this yet, secure it all the way around with something like JB weld.

I had already bought a Dark Energy plate as I figured I would be getting resin lenses off a real one. Really wishing I snagged those Kaligar modded ones in the Junkyard right now, but I already bought these.

Anyway I hot glued them on the plate. The idea being I can take it off and use the plate if I ever manage to snag real ones, but I would likely just sell this as a set and get a new plate. Be careful not to glue the lens part in the center. If you do your lenses won't spin. Do one side at a time giving the glue time to dry and not hitting the center.

Still need to JB weld the seem and add the detail ring but you get the idea.

I need a beer,....and I don't even drink.

God I miss my all real parts pair with the video camera built in.

 

[Jamesfett]

$850 for a real one, (nothing against the seller. Go for it). I HATE STAR WARS FANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love ya, really.

 

[Beeb89]

That's a GREAT walk through on how to mod those lenses! Thanks for posting those. I can absolutely relate to the headache these can be but the end result, and money saved, is totally worth it!

 

[Beeb89]

I've also modified the thread title to reflect the direction it's going... I'm diggin' it!

 

[Beeb89]

Here's the bases that I'm planning to offer to those interested... One features clear plexi top cover and the other with MDF. Both feature the Aurebesh MB 450 and a clear Star Wars MB 450 Macrobinoculars plaque and a choice of black or clear supports. These will be shipped unassembled... you will need to put a small amount of super glue on the base of the supports for maximum stability. These can also be customized if you wanted. I'm including a pic of my base that I customized as an idea of what can be done. I'm starting an interest thread in the Project Run section if you're wanting to order one.

Here's the link to the Project Run thread: Luke's Macrobinoculars Display Base

Thanks!

 

[Jediseth]

$850 for a real one, (nothing against the seller. Go for it). I HATE STAR WARS FANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love ya, really.

Gee thanks! Lol

 

[woodywaverider]

Gee thanks! Lol

I saw one go for £250 on eBay without the lens today, still too rich for my blood

 

[Jediseth]

This one? It’s not mine. I hate to break it to you, it’s probably going to get worse. These will one day dry up.

 

[Jamesfett]

Gee thanks! Lol

Like I said, go for it. It just amazes me how much a piece of an old camera goes for. There were tons of these and you would not think there are that many fans who want macros compared to how may of these there were made worldwide back in the day, but man oh man.

If I had the coin I would snag the full build one in the Junk Yard. I have been so tempted to break my no credit rule, but I resisted.

Congrats on the sale by the way.

 

[woodywaverider]

This one? It’s not mine. I hate to break it to you, it’s probably going to get worse. These will one day dry up.
View attachment 1577095

Yep that’s the one, it wasn’t me that bought it though, I’ve seen them go for much higher as well. Though there are alternatives,

Haco, Soligor, Fujitsu, Fodor all made very similar cameras. Though those also are not cheap.

I did manage to find a junked camera for relatively cheap, like totalled. Took a gamble on it and waiting for it to arrive to see if it is any good or is beyond useable.

 

[Jamesfett]

Metal focusing knobs.

I have been looking for these. I wanted metal but was going to settle for resin.

Not now.

Go here.

Interest - Machined mystery wedge/triangle and other macro-binoculars parts

Hi guys, before starting on a bigger (Star Wars) project, I'm restocking a bit my older projects and doing a few quick parts as well that people might need :-) I have already machined a few aluminium triangles for the Macros (with Tatooine Machine's approval) and am looking to see how much...

www.therpf.com

 

[Jamesfett]

Does Luke have one or two focusing knobs on each lens? I think one. I have seen both on Macros but the lens itself only comes with one. Seems odd they would add another.

Thoughts?

 

[teecrooz]

Mine both came with 2.

 

[Beeb89]

Yeah, there’s 2 on each lens… you can see the one on the bottom section of the lens in the second pic

 

[Jamesfett]

Well that answers that.

Thanks

 

[Jamesfett]

Need help again.

Which black circle is correct? The first one that is a flipped numbered disc from the Eumig:

Or this one. Also is the bubble piece over the Eumig label or is the label removed?

Thanks

 

[Jediseth]

Need help again.

Which black circle is correct? The first one that is a flipped numbered disc from the Eumig:

View attachment 1577451


Or this one. Also is the bubble piece over the Eumig label or is the label removed?

View attachment 1577453


Thanks

The bubble strip is definitely over the label, they tend to always cover up anything that says it’s from Earth. Also the disk is there but I’m guessing it could have fallen off later which typically happens with Star Wars props. I have it on mine, I’d have to dig up all my references if you want specifics. I do have a reference photo of it missing in an exhibit after Star Wars but in ANH I believe it’s there.