Just got a new zebralight h502w in and have a couple of issues.
1. The lens was very dirty. It was wiped down but I could easily see finger oil on the edge of the lens.
2. The LED dome itself has a fingerprint on it and is very dirty. Very noticeable on the moonlight modes.
Is this common? I’m thinking of sending it back to get it replaced but don’t want to get another with the same issues (specifically the fingerprint on LED issue since the lens is easy to clean).
Where did you buy it from?
I don’t want to throw out any names as I don’t think the dealer is the problem (they will very likely replace mine with no issues). More of a ZL QC issue.
What I want to figure out first is if zebralights are known to come dirty or to have fingerprints on the LEDs (similar to how some thrunite lights came with fingerprints on reflector etc.). I might get it replaced or might choose another brand of light.
Basically to all those who have a zebralight:
1. Did your light come with fingerprints on the lens or the LED dome itself? (Check the dome by going into a moonlight mode).
Have you contacted the dealer about it?
Not yet, most likely going to soon. Just a bummer that I just got the light and I already need deal with sending it back and waiting again. Planned for some night activities this week.
Ah, how annoying! Hopefully the seller will issue a swift replacement!
I’ve needed a replacement before from this dealer and they got me the item basically the next day. I’ll just ask them to make sure to send me a good one.
other than the issue itself, how do you like the light? Been on my list for a long time as I love a flooder.
My first zebralight was an SC52 with a slightly off center LED... probably wouldn't have even cared, but given that it was my most expensive AA light to date, I did.
Dealer replaced it in under a week, and paid for return shipping.
All the ZL's I've gotten so far, (5 in total, 6th coming) have been packaged very well. I didn't notice anything on the lenses, but I do tend to also wipe off the lens as the first thing after getting a light.
If the smudge/fingerprint is on the surface, wipe it off... if it's on the dome, just contact the seller and get a replacement.
One thing I've noticed, is the click on my different ZL's is completely inconsistent. Works great on all, just not consistent from one to the next. The H502 has the softest one.
which one is your favorite?
The fingerprint is on the LED dome itself, and it’s a pretty greasy fingerprint. I tried to get pictures with my iphone but couldn’t get something that small clearly, might try again later.
It’s an otherwise very nice light. Very compact and I like the flood. I’m going to shine it around the backyard in a bit too. If I don’t like the beam pattern, hopefully the dealer would also let me change models but if they don’t I’m okay with that. I might pick up an sc52w down the road anyways.
I’ve been building lights recently and this is my first “production” light I bought in awhile so I want one that is “perfect”. I could deal with the dirty lens as I could clean that but the fingerprint on the dome bothers me too much.
No problems with fingerprints with my ZL SC52, H51, H51w, SC600MKII. I think they’ll take it back though, they won’t want to have bad news like that put out their on the WWW.
Try sending it back and again see if the new replacement will show the same issues. You’re lucky if given with a money-back guarantee if you don’t want another replacement.
I have an SC52 and SC600, both from IS, and no fingerprints on the LEDs. The SC600 is more recent, from the 1st preorder from IS.
Difficult toss up between the SC52 and S6330. The SC52 is just an awesome little light. Output with a 14500 is great... it looks like a keychain light but kills older maglites. Even in regular AAs it's really quite something. I just ordered the SC52w even though I own the regular version. Will probably sell one of them.
The 6330... it's a 2000+ lumen light smaller than a soda can. On the lowest setting it can run for a year, and it's more than enough for night adapted eyes. Each of the LED's is also independent from the others, so if you only have one 18650, you can still use it completely safely. It's basically three S600 lights combined into one.
If you have to get one, get the SC52. If you can afford it (it's the second most expensive flashlight I've bought to date) get the S6330. It's really just a tiny monster that side by side with an SRK, or tm11, easily holds it's own.
I can't wait for an update to the S6330... much as it's gonna hurt my wallet.
One commentary on the S6330, it will fit keeppower, orbtronic, and aw protected batteries, but not the longer cheaper protected panasonics from fasttech. Same goes for the SC600II.
The H502 is my only headlamp right now. I'm waiting for the upgrade to the h600 line before I guy a 18650 headlamp from them.
Just took a quick shine around the backyard before I put it back in the box and it’s pretty good for my needs. It lights up things even out to about 30 feet but it is very dim. Personally this type of light will work well for me because I take hikes on city trails and don’t need a super bright beam, just need something bright enough so I can see where I am headed. Also will come useful for up close work. This light definitely is not for those that want a good hiking light unless they like dimmer lights.
Dealer said this was first they heard of this problem so I just need to show them a picture. Hard to do with an iphone but I’ll post a picture here too if I can get it.
Another thing I noticed was that the light sits loosely in the headband unless you have one of the rubber loops around the spot where the pocket clip goes. Not sure if that is how it is suppose to work but just something to note.
I wonder if they changed chinese factories. That sounds bad.
Took some photos for the dealer, thought you guys would like to see. Excuse the crappy photography, this is about as good as I can get with an old digital camera I dug up. My iphone would not focus.
