Overall I like it a lot. In particular the 90 degrees angle format and the programmable light modes. I think there is a green tint, when I cover the lens with a 1/8 Minus Green filter, which I got for member Boaz in this thread DC-Fix Diffusion Film I like light better.
Now the issue: even though the orange peel reflector smoothens the beam, there is still a hot spot. When using the light walking in the dark, the difference of brightness between the hotspot and the surrounding light corona makes me feel quite uncomfortable. Several times, when I turned my eyes to a dark area, I see (or imagine seeing) blotches of light dancing in front of me. I didn’t experience this kind of feeling with the cheap zoomie I used so far.
I don’t know what’s wrong with my vision but after trying with the diffusion films in front of the lens of the SP40, I like better when the hotspot is reduced. Now I would like to put those film under the glass of the reflector. I wonder if this is possible. Because I don’t have yet the tool to unscrew the ring that holds the reflector.
Thinking of getting a needle nose pliers to open it. But let’s assume I can take the reflector out. Is the glass glued to the reflector? The reason is that I’d like to place the films (1/8 minus green + diffusion film #7) under the glass to protect them from dust.
They push outward when you squeeze. You may want to make sure that you’re holding them firmly against the notches of the bezel when trying to rotate to avoid scratching the bezel.
I saw those tear up photos before asking here. The photos don’t show the reflector. We don’t even see the glass so I don’t know if it is glued to the reflector or not. For example, how to place the diffusion films between the reflector and the glass?
Oh thanks I didn’t know the name of that tool. Now I could get better hit shopping around.
I like the DC Fix on the outside of the lens on my SP40. It does not affect the gasket or water proofness positioned there and can be removed and replaced easily. Also scratch proofs the glass. If you do open it up, maybe a TIR would be an option.
I also stuck DC Fix on my SP40, but I actually cut the circle a little smaller than the lens, so the bezel sits around it instead of on top of it.
I reckon it didn’t make much difference in terms of waterproofing, but the tiny gap between the body and bezel irked me, haha.
Those lights I have with truly horrible beams (eg, anything with a G3), I know I’ll never want to remove the DF, so I’ll put it under the glass. Those I’d consider “undoing” as needed, it goes on top.
Exception is my Xeno E03 (not to be confused with the E03s from like 26 other mfrs) where I cut a circle to fit atop the lens to test the beam with/without. It got wedged under the lip of the bezel juuust enough to stay in place, so I left it. I could pry it off with a needle or pull it off with something sticky, if need be. It’s never come off even once.
The reflector definitely isn’t glued. I didn’t see any glue on the bezel ring, but on my light it was very tight and only came off slowly after applying heat with a hair dryer. I have no idea how people are opening theirs with gloves and jar openers and whatnot. Needle nose pliers might be difficult to use, as someone said use circlip/snap ring pliers. If you’re going to take pliers to it maybe try heating the outside up first.
DC Fix seems like a common and effective mod for this light. More details in that thread, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to use a TIR like I did. The reflector is very small so you have to file down any TIR you put in there and you end up without enough room for the LED. I accidentally dedomed my LED in the process, but my SP40 still works great.
Looks like a geeky solution, as I realize now I want it floody with wide angle. But the technicality is way out of my ability.
Finally my solution is the lowest tech possible. Just stick DC-Fix file #1 (the adhesive version) on the outside. Show photo below, but not sure why it doesn’t appear Imgur: The magic of the Internet
The hot spot is significantly reduced. There is some loss of brightness. The low mod is not enough for walking. Now I use it in medium mode. Overall the SP40 is now usable. The roughness of the film outside would make the cleanup / maintenance a bit more complicate. Let’s see how long this will last. I wish I could fix the slight green tint. But honestly, outdoor in the night this green shift is not noticeable.
If you put the photo link between two exclamation points ! it will display. You can get the image link by right-clicking and then selecting Copy Image Location etc.
