HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
Hi all,
At my wits ends trying to find a tool to help center my objective lenses on my Nikon Optiphot. Screws look like they need (basically) a hex socket, at about 1mm (can't actually measure - my calipers are to wide to fit inside the recessed space). This kind of socket apparently doesn't exist. Tried (and failed) to use a 1mm hex machine screw, but the cap is too wide.
Any recommendations where I can get this tool, or what I might use instead? Is it expensive (it shouldn't be...)? Ebay is no help, ifixit is no help. At this point desperate.
At my wits ends trying to find a tool to help center my objective lenses on my Nikon Optiphot. Screws look like they need (basically) a hex socket, at about 1mm (can't actually measure - my calipers are to wide to fit inside the recessed space). This kind of socket apparently doesn't exist. Tried (and failed) to use a 1mm hex machine screw, but the cap is too wide.
Any recommendations where I can get this tool, or what I might use instead? Is it expensive (it shouldn't be...)? Ebay is no help, ifixit is no help. At this point desperate.
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Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
Have you seen this very recent post
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=9617
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=9617
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Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
Never used Nikon. However, I would first try an inch size wrench. As you probably know there are two series of hex keys. One for metric sizes and one for inch sizes. Both sets of keys may be bought a low price at local hardware store.
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
Missed this post completely! Thanks Hobbyst, I'll try the watchkeys - looks like amazon has them for pretty cheap. I'll update the post once I try it.
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Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
Can't see the photo very clearly. But isn't it a female screw? At least the non-circulated screw looks like female which would need male wrench?
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Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
So the circulated screw head must be male. Sorry, I didn't realize this at first.Tried (and failed) to use a 1mm hex machine screw, but the cap is too wide.
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
I don’t think that will get you very far ... Watch keys fit squares
The original idea in that thread could probably be adapted though, by using a hex key to make the broach.
MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
Section 5. on page 9 of this manual has me thoroughly confused:
https://lavinia.as.arizona.edu/~mtuell/ ... ctions.pdf
MichaelG.
https://lavinia.as.arizona.edu/~mtuell/ ... ctions.pdf
MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'
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Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
The original idea in that thread could probably be adapted though, by using a hex key to make the broach
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
I tried using a gum eraser pushed into the bore. Best I could measure it across the hexagonal flat was 0.050". I don't have a wire EDM machine and wouldn't know how to operate it if I did.
-JW:
-JW:
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Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
How about narrowing the outer diameter of the screw? If you don't have a lathe, you could try to fit the screw into a drilling machine and use a file. And get some heatTried (and failed) to use a 1mm hex machine screw, but the cap is too wide.
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
Maybe (note the maybe) you could make something similar to this. It's for my PZO Biolar DIC condenser. Obviously to be fabricated with the proper diameter for the bore and slot to span two opposite flats.
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Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
If, as indicated by JWW the hex is actually, 0.050” it may even be easier than thatLeitzcycler wrote: ↑Sun Jun 14, 2020 4:50 amHow about narrowing the outer diameter of the screw? […]Tried (and failed) to use a 1mm hex machine screw, but the cap is too wide.
... The caps of Imperial screws have more elegant proportions than Metric ones
[ some useful numbers in these tables: http://www.csgnetwork.com/screwsochdcaptable.html ]
MichaelG.
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Edit: This page has a chart which includes the smaller metric sizes:
https://practicalmaintenance.net/?p=386
Too many 'projects'
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
1. There are female allen keys on eBay, although their external diameter seems to be excessive, and must be reduced
2. Although not perfect, a female key with at least 2 parallel surfaces might suffice in this case, since it is centration rather than tightening of the screws, so the improvised square keys created by Leitzcycler might actually work fine.
2. Although not perfect, a female key with at least 2 parallel surfaces might suffice in this case, since it is centration rather than tightening of the screws, so the improvised square keys created by Leitzcycler might actually work fine.
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
Sorry, but it seems impractical [most probably impossible] to usefully fit a hexagon inside a square.
But, as I wrote yesterday:
.The original idea in that thread could probably be adapted though, by using a hex key to make the broach.
MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
If the heads are 1.5 mm, slightly larger than JWW's measurement, it looks like that is the smallest common nut driver size, for example:
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/ ... 31-1438-ND
https://www.mcmaster.com/52965A22
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/ ... 31-1438-ND
https://www.mcmaster.com/52965A22
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
The square drive watch winders should work. They are fairly inexpensive and most are sold in sets of varying sizes. All you need is a size which will contact three or even two sides of the hex. You don't need much force as you are not tightening or loosening the lug. You could probably turn it with tweezers or even small hemostats.
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Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
Since torque requirements are low, plaster casting in aluminum is probably a sufficient method for fabricating a key.
1942 Bausch and Lomb Series T Dynoptic, Custom Illumination
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
As per my previous comment to Hobbyst46 : I struggle with that geometry
... This is the best fit of which I am aware:
https://undergroundmathematics.org/thin ... 8/solution
[ or are you suggesting offsetting the axes ? ]
I would much rather adapt a suitable hex-socket cap-head screw to serve as a driver.
MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
A T4 torx wrench is .053 inches across the points so all you need is a T4 torx screw.
Edit: See here for sizes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torx
Edit: See here for sizes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torx
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
Tried the cheap amazon square keys this morning, and the problem is that the key itself is too large for the holes. Might try to sand down the outside, see if that works.Charles wrote: ↑Mon Jun 15, 2020 1:08 pmThe square drive watch winders should work. They are fairly inexpensive and most are sold in sets of varying sizes. All you need is a size which will contact three or even two sides of the hex. You don't need much force as you are not tightening or loosening the lug. You could probably turn it with tweezers or even small hemostats.
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
Well I gave this a shot this morning. The smallest allen head screw I had required a 2mm allen wrench. I had to turn down the head to 3.22mm so it would fit in the bore of the turret. Unfortunately the allen key in the turrent isn't 2mm, so I'll assume that my original measurement was correct at 1.27mm (0.050").
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Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
From the table I linked earlier, that should mean you need to find a #0 Unified screwJWW wrote: ↑Mon Jun 15, 2020 9:55 pmWell I gave this a shot this morning. The smallest allen head screw I had required a 2mm allen wrench. I had to turn down the head to 3.22mm so it would fit in the bore of the turret. Unfortunately the allen key in the turrent isn't 2mm, so I'll assume that my original measurement was correct at 1.27mm (0.050").
... Nice job though.
MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
... bet that will be interesting to find. Probably have to buy a 100.
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
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or alternatively, start with a countersunk screw
[which uses a smaller size key than the cap-head]
Unbrako lists #1 and #2 as having 0.050” recess
see p43 : http://www.unbrako.com/images/downloads ... _Guide.pdf
MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
... farted around with this again today with no success. I found a 0.050" Allen Cap Screw at ACE Hardware. Unfortunately I only bought one. Physically viewing the end hex it appears to be the same size as the male key in the turret. I even made another mold of it with a kneaded eraser, photographed it with my cell phone along with a scale and measured it in ImageJ. Not super accurate but pretty darn close. It sure looks like a male 0.050" hex in the turret. Instead of machining something again I used a aluminum bit holder I had figuring it would work. It worked but I couldn't get the cap screw to work. I thought that maybe I needed to turn the diameter down a hair but my lathe chuck wouldn't go small enough to grip the threaded side of the cap screw. So I put it in my aluminum bit holder and chucked that up. I took a couple super light cuts but on the third cut if flew out and I lost it. Like I said in the beginning, I only purchased one (65 cents). I also purchased a 2mm keyed one and it didn't work.
... getting tired of farting around.
-JW:
... getting tired of farting around.
-JW:
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Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
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I feel your pain, JW !
More later ...
MichaelG.
[ Just woken up in the middle of the night, I should be asleep ]
I feel your pain, JW !
More later ...
MichaelG.
[ Just woken up in the middle of the night, I should be asleep ]
Too many 'projects'
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
Use a file instead of a cutting tool, much less torque.
Re: HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives
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Your ‘forensic’ technique is admirable, JW ... but there is an [unquantifiable] risk that the rubber you are using to take your impression will ‘spring back’
Your results do look convincingly like 0.050” but the reason I mention this is that one of the preferred sizes for Metric hex keys is 1.3mm, and I am not entirely convinced that a 30micron difference will be detectable without physical access to the Nikon nosepiece component.
You will be doing a great service to the community if you can identify the correct size ... so please persevere !
MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'