FW3A, a TLF/BLF EDC flashlight - SST-20 available, coupon codes public

Yeah this is a major bummer. I’ve got a small stockpile of Carclo optics so I was looking forward to easy swap outs for playing with beam patterns but this completely changes that if this change is permanent.

If it is I’ll still probably get the sapphire lens but that’s far from ideal.

Yep.

Not only is an all plastic optic+lens combo much more scratch prone, but the problem with the sapphire optic is that it’s less optically efficient than glass ones.

While an AR glass lens might achieve 98-99+ optical efficiency, a sapphire one might only get 90-92.

So, if we take the 2800 lumens number:

2800/0,98 = 2855 lumens
2855*0,9 = 2570 lumens

That’s quite the lumen loss.

If there is absolutely nothing that Neal can do for all the (pre)orders already being made for the copper version, I'll swap all the 'cheap crap' out my FW3C version and replace it with the original pieces from my FW3A version. Then I'll have the 'downgraded' FW3A as my go to EDC 'beater flashlight' and the 'upgraded' FW3C for collecting purposes, problem solved :D

Although I truly hope that Neal can arrange with Lumintop that for everybody who already made a (pre)order for the copper version, it will effectively ship with the Carlo Optics and the AR coated glass lens, as it was stated on his website when we where making the (pre)order ... And to be honest, a shiny special copper version with 'cheaper' optics and plastic lens will not fit right, especially considering the higher price tag it comes with ;-)

:BEER:

- SAM -

No issues with the sapphire lens, but I’m not exactly abusing the light.

I do not really understand the bad reputation of sapphire. My daily watch has a sapphire lens for 7 years now, and it is a common product for watches. It is larger and more exposed than the FW3A lens and I sometimes hit hard objects with the watch with no problem. And I like that it does not show one single scratch after all these years.

Until we start doing FW3A infrared mods. Come on Blue!

Yeah, sorry contactcr.

I completely forgot that the future of lights are main white LEPs along with infrared aux LEDs.

I realize that Neal is put in a bad position, but I feel that the switch in spec is not worth it for me. I have a handful of different Carcio optics but I understand none will work without the glass lens. That’s not worth it for me and I can’t be bothered to source my own.

I have emailed Neal about my wish to cancel the order if it comes with the new optic without AR glass lens. Hopefully he will respond soon with news that the most recent FW3A orders will come with the Carcio/AR glass or new optic.

While I would prefer the glass lens+carclo optic combo, I’ll happily order even with the new optic.

Fortunately, I already have a supply of Carclo 10507 optics and compatible AR-coated glass lenses from flashlightlens.com.

Nothing from flashlightlens.com looks like a perfect fit. Close, yes, but the measurements I’ve seen reported for the FW3A are 23x1.5mm. It will work, but I’m not sure the waterproofing will be perfect.

Er, not seeing 23x1.5 on flashlightlens?

The time has come to resign a FW3A….
I was thinking of buying one SST-20 and one LH351D…
One FW3C that I already had in the cart…

I also think that for the next BLF project you should look for another manufacturer. A change of specifications on the fly and without notice… :-/

None of the SST-20 group buy lights have shipped yet.

It would be nice if Neal could provide a date when these changes started and if it actually applies to orders made before the changes were known. I dont think it should be “okay” for them to make changes to what we ordered.

Agreed. All orders placed before Lumintop changed the decscription on the order page to remove glass lens really ought to ship with the glass lens plus Carclo optic. Hopefully this change will only apply to orders after Lumintop announced the change.

Hopefully…. time will tell I guess.

I imagine Neal is as surprised & disgusted by this change Lumintop decided upon as most of us are.

I feel bad for Neal that Lumintop placed him in the lurch like this. It sux. :frowning:

I wonder if Neal can also offer a standard AR tempered glass in addition to the sapphire AR one? They exist, as they’re on the original… unless they were custom cut.

Closest I could find on that site is 22.61mm x 1.90mm. There’s also a 22.61mm x 0.95mm, which I guess could be useful for adding a GITD o-ring. There’s also a Borofloat Lens option too… which is similar to Pyrex with better clarity, but has a 5% transmittance loss over UCL.

I wasn't so sure this thread would someday hit 15,000 posts...

But with self-inflicted controversies, anything is possible!

You're "only" 11971. I doubt it will reach that number. Did you mean 10k?

No, with controversies like this, I believe 15k posts will be inevitable.

Agreed…. only 3026 to go also.

“Lens Gate” will be good for many, many extra posts. :smiley: . :+1:

As will ’Color Gate’, ’Material Gate’, and any other pending ’Gate’ that may arise. :wink: