Bubble in Pentax binoculars' compass

[christopherb]

I have a Pentax 7x50 marine binoculars with built in compass. The compass has stopped working due to a large bubble in it. Can this be repaired? I've looked on the Pentax web site and it isn't on the list of products they will repair. If it's possible to fix it myself can anyone provide instructions? It probably won't be a DIY job so can anyone recommend a reliable and affordable repairer?

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Look for camera repairers, as for being affordable that's another mater. I used these people a couple of times they are regarded as the industries best, fortunately they were reasonably local for me. You could check with them if they could do anything.

H. Lehmann Ltd in Stoke-on-trent ST4 5AA

 

[ashtead]

You might be able to search binoculars which will throw up names of experts? I did this just now and found the name of actionoptics for binoculars repairs . I have never used them though but others might know of them and you could message based on the thread. I had to have leather case from WW2 Binoculars repaired and was very pleased with suggested leather worker gained via forum .

 

[christopherb]

After some emailing around I found the only repairer of Pentax binoculars in this country (John Pye & Sons). Sadly they can no longer get replacement compasses and the last ones they had in for repair (presumably under guarantee) had to be completely replaced with a new unit. So I've bought Seago 7x50 Floating Waterproof Binoculars with Compass from Force 4 Chandlery which are a third of the price and have all the features of the Pentax. Time will tell if they will last but the Pentax bins weren't old, yet still the compass failed. In fact the Seago is not much more epensive than a good hand bearing compass! It's also much shorter, so easier to keep steady. I'm keeping the Pentax ones as spare.

 

[actionoptics]

After some emailing around I found the only repairer of Pentax binoculars in this country (John Pye & Sons). Sadly they can no longer get replacement compasses and the last ones they had in for repair (presumably under guarantee) had to be completely replaced with a new unit. So I've bought Seago 7x50 Floating Waterproof Binoculars with Compass from Force 4 Chandlery which are a third of the price and have all the features of the Pentax. Time will tell if they will last but the Pentax bins weren't old, yet still the compass failed. In fact the Seago is not much more epensive than a good hand bearing compass! It's also much shorter, so easier to keep steady. I'm keeping the Pentax ones as spare.

I used to be able to buy the compass modules but when I was running out these spare parts, I tried to buy some more.
The only source I could find was the Scandinavian factory which wanted a minimum order of 500.
There are so many binoculars currently available with the same compass module but it seems no one is
interested in bringing in spare parts. It is quite easy to fit a replacement compass so it would be economical.