TMB Planetary ?

I have recently purchased a new TMB Planetary II 4mm EP and a nice used 3.2mm here on Amart. My new one came with a rattle and Astromonics said to tighten the internal barrel lock ring, so I did it and eliminated most of the rattle. My used one came with an even worse rattle, but I tightened it as much as possible and eliminated most of that rattle.

Anyone have the same experience with these EPs, and any lasting issues you may want to share?

Are these promblematic EPs?

I haven't looked at the latest ones, but the construction of the originals consisted of several things threaded together. There is a retaining ring in the barrel that holds the lens there. In the upper part, removing the rubber eyeguard reveals a retaining ring for the adjustable eyeguard. The eye lens itself is surrounded by a metal lip that can be grasped and unscrewed, removing a lens cell holding the upper optics. It, too, has a retaining ring. It's all pretty straightforward. For safety's sake the rule is to figure out which way gravity will hold the lenses in if something were to come apart unexpectedly and hold the eyepiece that way while unscrewing anything to get to something else. As long as you don't unscrew the retaining ring on either of the two lens cells (barrel cell and upper cell) the lenses should stay safe and sound.

Alan:

Mike gave you the long answer, here's the short answer...

YES

I have several of the TMB/xx Planetary's, the complete set except for the 8mm. The ones that I use on a regular basis are the 4mm, 6mm and the 9mm. Both the 4mm and the 6mm have had off and on rattle problems. The 9mm has been free from rattles, probably because I purchased it from Mike and he had disassembled it and blacked the various surfaces, I think he has the tools to properly tighten the rings up.

So, Mike, what are the proper tools and where do you buy them?

Jon

Alan:

Mike gave you the long answer, here's the short answer...

YES

I have several of the TMB/xx Planetary's, the complete set except for the 8mm. The ones that I use on a regular basis are the 4mm, 6mm and the 9mm. Both the 4mm and the 6mm have had off and on rattle problems. The 9mm has been free from rattles, probably because I purchased it from Mike and he had disassembled it and blacked the various surfaces, I think he has the tools to properly tighten the rings up.

So, Mike, what are the proper tools and where do you buy them?

Jon