IJWesley Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 Hi I was focusing some Acclaim Zoomspots last night and it was a real bind! Even after loosening the focus lock, it was almost impossible to slide the lens to change the focus. In the end, I had to open the barrel and slide the lens (not something I like to do whilst up a ladder). Has anyone else experienced this problem, and how do I fix it? The lanterns are about 2 years old and have had only done a couple of shows. Thanks Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_towers Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 Yes. This happened to one of our acclaims (pre 2007 version) when I were a lad (and still at school) I think it was something to do with the alignment of the lenses inside the tube, my advice would be get it down and look inside. Profiles are pretty simple fixtures (ish), so any problems should be fairly obvious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryson Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 Another thing to check: I had some Selecon Acclaim Fresnels that had a red "heatproof" washer underneath the focus knob. I say "heatproof" as they would melt and stick to the light when subjected to high temperatures! Selecon very kindly sent me a replacement load of real heatproof washers, but it's possible that something similar has happened to your gear, perhaps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IJWesley Posted March 7, 2008 Author Share Posted March 7, 2008 Many thanks for the suggestions - I'm off on my holiday so will check them when I return after Easter Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the kid Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 Another thing to check: I had some Selecon Acclaim Fresnels that had a red "heatproof" washer underneath the focus knob. I say "heatproof" as they would melt and stick to the light when subjected to high temperatures! Selecon very kindly sent me a replacement load of real heatproof washers, but it's possible that something similar has happened to your gear, perhaps? Ahhhh maybe this is the same issue I have with my selecon 1k's. I have one thats so stiff its constantly undone but sticky enough to hold its place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leejackson3a Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 I use brute force on mine as they are a bit of a pain it seems the only way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david.elsbury Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 We have the same problem on our Selecon Acclaim fresnels. To the point that I worry when trying to change the focus and the lamp is on, due to the sheer amount of force to get it to slide. Best advice I have is to run the knobs a couple of times each way while the lantern is off, preferably on the ground, then it should behave while up the ladder. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_s Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 I used brute force on an Acclaim fresnel once. It wasn't a good idea :) Sticky focus mechanisms does seem to be one of the few downsides to what would otherwise be a decent range of lanterns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryson Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 Unless I wasn't clear enough in my post: Selecon replaced the washers upon request. No problems, no fuss - they were aware of the problem and were prompt to fix it. So if you have sticky washers, drop Selecon an e-mail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boatman Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 Acclaim Fresnels also have a problem with the earth braid which can get jammed under the lamp housing. You need to open it and bend the earthing tag upwards so that the braid is not lying on the base. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aotea Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Thought I would answer. Back in 2006 when the new Rama 1k was released Selecon swapped the red fibre washers over to the white teflon washers as these don't stick to the metal work as the previous ones did/do. If anyone has units that are sticking then drop me an email or contact a Selecon dealer who can make sure you get hold of the white teflon washers. Email address is lmccoy@seleconlight.com I will be happy to sort for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ollydod Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 I bought one of these just the other day for photographic purposes. Straight out of the box, the focus is as sticky as a really sticky thing, but it wasn't difficult to fix. First thing I found is that the condenser bolts have to be loosened to open and close the access door, not that that's particulraly relevant here. Anyway, undo the knobs completely and remove the springs. Replace the washers in their proper orientation (nylon washer uppermost). With the door open, smear a little high melting point grease along the track where the screws go. Close and do the same on the outside. HMP grease comes from car shops and is used in such things as wheel bearings. Don't worry, high melting point won't make a mess unless you shove a ridiculously large amount in there. That will have made some difference, but the main cause of the problem is a little tab on the condenser sleeve (is that the right term?) which rests upon a rail that you'll see at the half-past-three position, looking into the unit from the front with the front condenser right back. (Turn it off first, folks!!!) After using the lamp only a couple of times, I can see where the paint is rubbing off this track. So, smear this with HMP grease as well. After doing this my Selecon now drives like a Rolls Royce. Didn't like it much before, but now I'm going to be buying another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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