Natfire SF2 LEP $75!

I got one coming for review on 1Lumen but not sure when it will get here due to the covid deal in China. Thanks for the prelim…maybe this has the same internals (LEP module) as that Nealsgadgets LEP? Performance looks awesome for under $90 bucks. To get that performance in an LED light you’re spending at least $150 or more.

Looking forward to your review. I’d be interesting in seeing the beam somewhere in the neighborhood of 700m-800m if you can manage a place like that. Assuming the shimmering doesn’t mean these are destined for the bin…

After checking just now it seems to be poor contact with the battery, strangely doesn’t affect High mode. When it starts to shimmer a good smack on the hand will stop it. I really hate that this battery can’t be removed now, it would be such an easy fix. There’s some movement / rattle inside from a little too much room for the cell.

I have a neighbors house at 1100m I plan on shining it on and could perhaps go for another neighbors wool shed at 800m. I’ll say that out with no light pollution it’s quite difficult to find the targets being such a tiny spot.

There’s a plate at the rear they have glued in place. Any ideas how I’d pull it off without gluing something on to pull? Can’t drill a hole since I’d hate to hit the cell :confused:

Yeah, the tiny spot size is why I haven’t been too interested in these overall, as impressive as they otherwise are. But if it can do a little at 700m then it might be worth it to me. Medium-compact throwers keep me happy now out to around 400-500.

If you have something furry to shine it on (without blinding the poor thing) at a good distance, that would be awesome, too…but not something too bright like a sheep. :slight_smile:

Random note…have you ever seen the film/documentary called Sweetgrass? From some years back about herders in Montana…some of the last of the true mountain cowboy herders. I watched it last week for the first time and thought it was fascinating. I knew nothing about sheep other than a bit about wool fibers.

Maybe a soldering iron tip would loosen the glue? Is there any gap where a good thin spring steel hook/pick could fit…like the thin dental pick types but good quality.

Okay, this is a NCR 21700T which seems to be from Tesla.

There was a black sticker over the plate with holes to remove it. Not so good news is that it’s spot welder with wires, there’s no rear spring. I have a spot welder, so no issue for me, but everyone else won’t be able to replace it, should they ever need to.

I haven’t, no, nor do I want to see anymore of anything sheep related lol I’m surrounded by them.

I’ll try get the footage and better beamshots tonight and get this review done.

Pulled the whole driver out and cell. The cell is attached with a plug connector.

Thought I wrecked it since reconnecting the cell it didn’t work, I had to hold the switch down for awhile until the switch flashed red…PHEW

Pictures to come.

After watching this film, I think I understand you 100% there. :slight_smile:

















Here’s the shimmer on Low with the front lens removed. It’s not a battery connection issue, must be the driver

I’m tempted, but non removable battery makes it a hard sell. Also no lockout is a big negative too.

Watching with interest.

Yes, no lockout is an issue. It’s not an easy to press switch that sticks out, so not massive problem.

Battery can be replaced if you know what you’re doing. If someone doesn’t have a spot welder, then just carefully solder.

A local Batteries Plus store once graciously spot welded tabs on a nihm cell for me. They were quite kind and offered without my having to beg.

That’s a sticker?! :open_mouth:

I mean, I have the light right here in front of me - would NEVER have thought there was a sticker on the back. Perfectly applied i must say.
THANKS A LOT for taking it apart! Now I know exactly what to do, should I ever need it. :+1:

P.S. Regarding the replacement cells, if you’re EU based, NKON f.e. sells cells with tags already soldered on.

I heated it with my heat gun and it bubbled up over those two hole inserts, so glad it’s not too hard to dismantle.

Also did some candela measurements:

Confirming the readings of Funtastic - peak of my measurement was 534k cd, at 10m distance.

(Wainlight C8+ with Osram W1 clocked in at 107k cd, same setup, so maybe it’s also a little bit on the high side)

Playing with my camera’s exposure, looks wicked lol. Just finished all my footage for my upcoming review

I got my SF2 in a week and half ago. Tested it on Medium and Low and I did get the shimmer you mentioned. It’s not as visible as yours though, and it’s not like PWM, but it is there. It does not do this on High mode. Not sure what it is? I don’t want to take it apart though.

My numbers are similar to yours!