Have any of you noticed flaws in your Fresnel lens? Did you return it or keep it? How much of an imperfection are you willing to accept?

Gee Suzanne, ....I didn't know there were some FLs with imperfections. Mine seems to be okay. What type of flaws are you speaking of?

Bob

the only thing I have noticed was immediately obvious; they seat very unsteady; it is a design flaw in the wheels or groove it sits in; mine will only sit one way without wobbling; you have to turn it around a little bit at a time until you find the most steady place.

Like Bob....I guess I'm wondering what flaws that you are talking about. Mine seems to O.K. with the exception of the wheel balance.

What imperfections did you notice?

I am talking about imperfections in the resin such as spots, pits, lumps, and an unevenness or distortion in the resin in places that looks and feels wavy instead of smooth.

My fresnel lens only has a few spots in the resin that HL said were normal, intending to replicate the imperfections found in old glass. The lens is more stable than I thought it would be after reading the posts. I am very happy with the lens and feel lucky to have one.

The most glaring imperfection in mine is that it's not here yet.

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-Art

Well, not really an imperfection but.... ... mine came with 2 of the brass screws out of the lens and laying in the bottom of the packing. Guess thats not to bad but I really wonder about the quality control on this item. Anyway, once I put it on display all is well.

KYKEEPER - Pat

Okay....with all this talk about imperfections I went and opened the door to the curio with the FL on the top shelf. I took a close look at the lens, turned it 360 degrees a couple of times, and the only thing I noticed was one very small bubble in the resin. The lens wobbles just a wee bit as you turn it, but this is a collectible and not a replacement part for the space shuttle. I don't consider the wobble an imperfection on something that costs $80. The little air bubble in the resin? You really have to strain and stare to find it so I'm ruling out that as an imperfection. Can you guess what I have left? (Answer below...)


A perfect Harbour Lights Fresnel Lens! Maybe mine is a variation worth much more that the regular ones! Maybe I'll start the bidding at $668...

Happy New Year!

Bob

Would you return your Fresnel lens if it was did not have crisp edges all around, if it had three sections that were very distorted and wavy? Would you feel it was not as valuable? Would it lessen its resale value?

Many HL models have minor imperfections. HL uses lots of molds to keep the imprint fresh and crisp, but some pieces are a tad sharper. And the paint job on some models within an edition is a better. For example, some seahorses are more clearly defined than others. For the most part these differences do not devalue the models. As long as the piece is not broken or suffering from major paint flaking it should be worth the same as any other w/in its edition.

Put any 10 models of the same edition side by side and some will stand out as nicer. (We collectors rarely have the opportunity to make our choice this way.) Reminds me of JC, Paulie, Warren, and I staring at 7 Coquille River models side by side in the Lighthouse Keepers suite at the 1st Reunion. After we got over the fact that we were looking at 7 of 'em, folks started noticing small differences. For example the base of one model might cause it to slant ever so slightly differently from another. Enough staring at these and we discovered some real mold variations in the way doors and windows were sculpted and re-sculpted. Would never have seen these if there weren't enough to compare together. (Anyone have a collection of Coquille varietals?)

Suzanne, one question I'd ask is if you tried to return the piece would the dealer be able to replace it? If the imperfections are substantial, HL might consider it defective. I suggest touching base w/ customer service at Harbour Lights and see what they say. Your dealer would probably need to speak with them about it anyway so HL's hearing directly from you first would smooth the way to determine if it warranted replacement. HL wants happy customers and they are v. helpful about this sort of thing. Good luck!

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/im

Imperfections??? I am glad you're worried about imperfections, i can not find this piece anywhere, be glad you have one. I am going to have to resort to paying top dollar for one if i want one.

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I checked my lens allover and all I could find is that unless it is positioned on my lighted base just right there is a very slight wobble.I keep the original base in the box.I am very satisfied with mine.I turn the light on in the evening and enjoy its beauty. Bill O'Brien oseabee

So Skip, since your e-mail is wrong that you have listed here.... I have been unable to give you a store location of a Fresnel that I saw on the shelf at a store yesterday.

SaintWackoPaul '
Keep the Flame

It sounds like everyone's Fresnel lens is perfect, which makes me think this lens should be returned. I guess the real test of its value would be if anyone would want to buy it. I have a feeling that they would not.