Binocular viewing problem

[batwingh]

I just received a Swift SW380B compound scope through Amazon. I picked this one because it was/is Oliver's recommended beginning amateur microscope. My problem is that try as I might I have trouble getting the two binocular images to merge. They occasionally do, which makes me wonder if it is my old eyes having trouble. Focus isn't a problem. Everything is crisp. It's just merging the two circles. Any thoughts?

[MichaelG.]

... My problem is that try as I might I have trouble getting the two binocular images to merge. They occasionally do, which makes me wonder if it is my old eyes having trouble. Focus isn't a problem. Everything is crisp. It's just merging the two circles. Any thoughts?

it is certainly possible that ‘old eyes’ are a problem ... but it is also possible that the binocular is out of collimation.
I am not suggesting that you dismantle a new ‘scope but [to appreciate the potential problems] have a read through this:
https://archive.org/details/APracticalG ... ollimation

If you recognise any of the problems that Ron illustrates, the forum may be able to advise.

MichaelG.

[75RR]

My problem is that try as I might I have trouble getting the two binocular images to merge.
They occasionally do, which makes me wonder if it is my old eyes having trouble. Focus isn't a problem. Everything is crisp.
It's just merging the two circles. Any thoughts?

It could be a collimation problem, which might have been missed at the factory or caused by rough shipping.

You might however want to try adjusting your chair height and posture first. It could be as simple as that. Do you have a problem looking through field binoculars?

[Element 56]

Is it just an interpupillary issue? Have you adjusted the distance of the eyepiece tubes?

https://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/resources/la ... 0for%20you.

If this a new instrument and the problem persists you should probably return it. Trying to go at a collimation issue right out of the gate is not a good idea IMO. Some are simple to adjust some not but with a new instrument it should not be your responsibility.

[batwingh]

Thank you, MichaleG. I don't think I have any of the problems Mr. Green listed, but it's an interesting read.

[batwingh]

Thank you, 75RR. Those are both some of my thoughts as well.

[batwingh]

Thanks, Element 56. I agree. I only took delivery a couple days ago, so I'm going to try a couple days of simple adjustments without anything invasive, and then contact Amazon.

[EYE C U]

HAD THE SAME ISSUE MANY YEAR AGO..YOU JUST HAVE TO FORCE YOUR EYES TO DO IT...THEN ONCE THEY LEARN IT'S EASY

[Roldorf]

Young people also have problems with merging the images on a binocular microscope. Oliver has a video on one of his channels where he mentions this but I could not find it.

[75RR]

Young people also have problems with merging the images on a binocular microscope.

Not just young people, movie directors also have this problem

Then again, maybe young people have this problem because movie directors have this problem!

[batwingh]

Problem solved! It was chair height and posture. Thank you, everyone for you help.

[MichaelG.]

Problem solved! It was chair height and posture. Thank you, everyone for you help.

Great result ... Thanks for letting us know.

MichaelG.

[batwingh]

Young people also have problems with merging the images on a binocular microscope. Oliver has a video on one of his channels where he mentions this but I could not find it.

I found it. That was helpful. Thank you.

[EYE C U]

eye cup can help you too...