Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Vari-X 3 headed back to Leupold for the 2nd time

While hunting yesterday I thought my 1.75-6 Leupold seemed quite dark. Today I took it and several other scopes out and checked out targets at 100yds. The 1.75-6 was about twice as dim and when I hold it in the light right the rear lens has a white film across the inside of it. I sent it back years ago for a similar issue and they said it was a problem with an interior coating not bonding with the glass and was only on the Vari-X 3’s.


Has anyone else had an issue like this with the Var-X 3’s?

I had and have a lot of vx3's and never had that problem

That sucks man. I've had them stop tracking, but never had one with bad glass or other internal issues. Doesn't surprise me though, it was not long before they brought the VX3i out, as it was supposed to be an "upgrade" to the VX3 models.

Sorry, I re-read your post. You are dealing with a Vari-x III? The last poster said VX3.. There is a difference.

Yeah mine is a Vari-X III. The first time is looked like snow flakes all over the lens. Turnaround was quick and I’ve didn’t have any more issues until a few days ago. I checked zero a few weeks back on a bluebird day and didn’t notice anything weird but in the early light and clouds it was really dim through the scope. The rear lens looks frosted inside now.


I guess I’ll send it back again it just seems strange that I’ve had this issue twice.


It’s been solid for tracking and holding zero. I guess I’ve owned it 15yrs or so.

Same issue, different lens I’ll bet.

That makes sense. In my mind they just replaced every lens in it but I bet you’re right.

Never saw that on any of mine. I did have a very early M8 4x develop what looked like a delamination between two joined lenses at the objective end. The image at the ocular end looked fine, but it was spooky-looking at the front, like something might break loose any time. Sent it in and got a nice call saying they no longer had those lenses to repair it with and would I like a brand new 2-7x or a brand new 4x as a replacement. Took the 4x. Happy customer.
Rex

Not Leupold, but the coatings on the prisms of my Swarovski SL 10x50s went bad after about 25 years. Image turned yellowish and dim. Took them to the Outdoorsman's here in Phoenix, and they made a quick diagnosis by looking backwards thru the objectives. Came back from the free rebuild with new rubber armoring and I'm sure are still going strong for the current owner. Age can take a toll on most coatings it appears.

Dang that sucks H. I like the older Leupolds. Hopefully they repair it and not try to replace it with a cheap fredom or something. If yours is a gloss scope, those are more desirable too. Good luck with it buddy!!

I had a vari-x II 4-12 x40 AO go really dark on me maybe 15 years ago. They told me it had lost its gas seal and had to be re sealed. I never have felt like it was as clear even after they repaired it