Rattling eyepiece element, does it matter?

[Hypernova]

The pre-owned 28mm UWAN that I received today seems to have a loose element which I have tracked down to somewhere in the group that resides in the nose piece section. A sound can be heard when handling the eyepiece and shaking it gently. Is this bound to present a problem in use or is it a design idea to stop the lenses being pinched by contracting metal? There is a retaining ring on the field lens side which I suppose could be tightened but I haven't the guts or tools to attempt to tighten it.

Any ideas?

[John]

The UWAN's / Nirvana's (inc the 28mm) that I have used didn't have rattles Tom so I don't think it's a design feature.

It probably won't affect the performance at all though.

[Damo636]

Mine doesn't rattle either Tom. It's more than likely the bottom retaining ring needs a little tweak up. A small precision screwdriver should be small enough to fit into the slot and give it the slightest of turn. It's easy enough done, i had the same issue with a couple of different TMB Planetary's, although it was the top retaining ring on them.

[RikM]

I have had a loose retaining ring on a filter. I tightened it down just enough to stop the rattle and all was well.

[LukeSkywatcher]

I had an EP that rattled. A quick twist of the retaining ring and it was fine.

[Hypernova]

Done, just had a go at tightening the ring with a small flat-bladed screwdriver and now all seems well. At first it seemed that nothing had moved so I guess that it was only slightly loose to begin with.

TBH I was quite scared of the screwdriver slipping and scratching the field lens of my new eyepiece, gladly that hasn't happened!

Thanks all.

[Moonshane]

well done Tom! I was just about to suggest you did what you did.

[John]

Funnily enough, after posting earlier in this thread, I checked my 4mm Nirvana and it had developed a slight rattle from the lower lens assembly. So I've just tightened the lens retaining ring and it's gone. Maybe they work loose over time

Glad you have got yours sorted Tom - I know what you mean though about the worry of a sharp implement near an expensive to replace piece of glass !

[barkis]

Yep, good advice already dispensed, but I would not risk a metal tool to tighten the ring. A wooden toothpick should do the job, or two diametrically opposed if the ring is stubborn with one.

Ron.

[LukeSkywatcher]

Yep, good advice already dispensed, but I would not risk a metal tool to tighten the ring. A wooden toothpick should do the job, or two diametrically opposed if the ring is stubborn with one.

Ron.

Yep wooden tooth picks are best. Tweezers are too risky as is a screwdriver.

[JonF]

Maybe they work loose over time

Mostly as a result of people shaking them to see if they rattle........

[John]

Mostly as a result of people shaking them to see if they rattle........

Quite possibly

[johninderby]

Yep wooden tooth picks are best. Tweezers are too risky as is a screwdriver.

Use a spudger instead.

Spudger:

Cheap plastic tool from Apple designed for taking apart ipods etc without scratching anything. Just google "Apple spudger".

John