Another Noob Question - Dead Spot on a LM Serac S3

[DaveK]

Recently, my trusty LM Serac S3 has developed a sort of circular "spot" on the inside of the lens. It's completely invisible when the light is off, but very obvious when on.

It's difficult to photograph, but here's a reasonable attempt (2nd Pic):




It looks almost as though the "spot" is less opaque than the rest of the lens, almost like when you wipe a patch of condensation from a window, if that makes sense.

Any ideas what it might be, and how I might get rid of it? I'm certain it wasn't there until recently.

[Crouton]

I would think that if you were try a very mild abrasive,  I use Brasso,  you might be able to polish out the imperfection.  I'd try the light without the lens first to make sure it isn't coming from the reflector or the LED.

[Spoonrobot]

almost like when you wipe a patch of condensation from a window, if that makes sense.

That looks like the anti-reflective coating coming off. It happens sometimes, most of my lights that have the coating show very apparent wear if you know how to spot it. It's much easier to see if you have the lens out of the light. Do you chaps have Rain-X over there? Applying some should make it a lot less obvious.

I wouldn't do anything else to the lens. Any sort of polish or abrasion will most likely just make it diffuse and reduce light output as well as possibly removing more of the coating.

[Nightshade]

Dave, SpoonRobot is spot on about the S3 spot. The glass has a anti-reflective coating on the inside of the lens. My S3 developed the same symptom in the center of the lens. Leatherman replaced the light for me, despite many "character" marks on the light. LM most be upgrading emitter bins with production, as the replacement light is noticeably brighter on it's max setting. More so than just simple led lottery.
Great light, the pocket clip is pure genius, imo. 

[DaveK]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Maybe I shoudl see about returning it under warranty. Or, does it matter that much?

[Benner]

For me, I'd leave it as it seems the only sort of defect you'd notice whilst white walling and not in actual use.

[John]

I'd leave it to but! if you can get the lens out just ask them for a lens maybe? 

[John]

Or just get a better quality  lens from these guys 
http://www.flashlightlens.com/str/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=ucl_lens

[DaveK]

To be hionest, I can't notice it in use, or even "white walling" it. I only noticed it when switched off.

I'm not actually sure how to get the lens out 

[John]

To be hionest, I can't notice it in use, or even "white walling" it. I only noticed it when switched off.

I'm not actually sure how to get the lens out 

Do you have a picture of inside the head?

[Benner]

I'd be very surprised if the lens can be removed.  I expect it is one sealed unit.

[John]

I'd be very surprised if the lens can be removed.  I expect it is one sealed unit.

You never know  some can! it depends on the build 

[DaveK]

I think it's sealed.

[Bowman1911]

Or just get a better quality  lens from these guys 
http://www.flashlightlens.com/str/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=ucl_lens

Excellent Advice!!!

[DaveK]

Or just get a better quality  lens from these guys 
http://www.flashlightlens.com/str/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=ucl_lens

Excellent Advice!!!

Yeah but - how do I get at the old one? 

[Benner]

I'm pretty sure they will be all epoxy filled so you can't (Fenix's are I believe).  Terry is the guy you need.

[DaveK]

Now I know it's nothing to be too worried about, I'm not too concerned. I doubt Whitby's would fix it for me anyway, so I'll probably just live with it.

It's still my favourite light.

[Bowman1911]

Or just get a better quality  lens from these guys 
http://www.flashlightlens.com/str/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=ucl_lens

Excellent Advice!!!

Yeah but - how do I get at the old one? 

Yeah, sorry! I don't actually own any leatherman lights, but I have bought a lens for my Novatac from them before & it was a great improvement.