Canon 10 X 30 IS Binoculars - sticky Rubber Coating

[ahofmann531]

I have a 10 X 30 IS binocular [serial number deleted for privacy].  The rubberized coating is disintegrating and has become very sticky.  I see others have had this problem with other high end models.  How do I improve the condition or get them repaired?  They work perfectly but are very uncomfortable to use.

[SamInPgh]

Depending on how badly your coating has deteriorated, you might want to try the talcum powder method first. It won't reverse any of the damage but, for me, it seems to have stabilized whatever reaction was taking place. I gave mine one application a day for 3 days around 5 months ago and it took away the stickiness. I also no longer store them in the case they came (and rotted) in.

P.S. Just checked and they are starting to get a little sticky again. Time for another powdering...

[jojoaiders]

This is the best solution I’ve heard. How did you prevent the lacquer from getting in the small moving parts or on the button, etc.?

[JHarryF]

I used pieces of Frog Tape (the stuff that painters use). JeffBrew may have another product.

[SamInPgh]

I have the same problem, as I'm sure everyone who purchased them also has, whether they post here or not. This is obviously a manufacturing defect, albeit one that doesn't manifest until well after the warranty has expired. Canon USA should offer owners either free repair or a deeply discounted replacement. I love these binocs and expected them to last a lifetime with good care. I will never buy another Canon product unless this problem is addressed to my satisfaction.

[SamInPgh]

Well, I sent mine to Canon for a repair estimate and just received notice that I would be charged $250. I will call today and tell them to return my sticky, melting binocs and that I will never purchase another Canon product. Btw, my 30-year-old Bausch and Laumb 10x50's still perform and feel as new, as does my 35-year-old Nikon SLR camera. Bye-bye, Canon.

[Tajarvis]

I have the same issue on these lightly used bino's.    I called the service support line and "they are unaware of any such problem"!!!.... HA! I can't stand the sticky and hadn't seen these post until I signed up here and already authorized a $250 repair!  Very disappointed in Canon for not fixing this product defect!

[SamInPgh]

Hello. Per my post just before yours above, I rejected Canon's $250 repair authorization and the binos are on their way back to me. If you would do me a favor, I would very much appreciate it. Assuming that you have access to the serial # of the pair you sent them, could you check the ones you receive back and see if they are the same or not? I have seen others who authorized repair state that they were "as good as new". What I want to know is whether they are actually able to repair them or are simply replacing them. My suspicion is the latter. However, if they are able to somehow restore the rubberized coating, I plan to ask them to share information on how owners might best attempt the process ourselves (at our own risk, of course).

Thanks in advance.

-Sam

[Tajarvis]

Guess what!  When I authorized the $250 I immediately received a revised quote for $475 for a major repair required to fix a "focus problem" i didn't know I had!  I called and they advised that the housing holding the optics would have to take place to solve the sticky rubber problem!  I said absolutely NO. Send them back!  All of the sudden there was a 40% discount offer and I was back to the ~$250 range.  I accepted again.  I will let you know on the SN.  I think the SN is printed in/on the housing which they will have to replace so i'm thinking there will be a new number.  Amazing they still don't acknowledge the problem.

[SamInPgh]

Wow! That's crazy. It's really not surprising, though, that they still refuse to acknowledge the problem. Once they made the initial business decision not to take any responsibility, they had to stick by it (pun intended). Otherwise, all those customers that paid for the "repair" in the past would want to be compensated. IMHO, the way this was handled is grounds for a class action lawsuit but I'll leave that to the lawyers. Personally, I'd pay $250 just to see all the internal corporate memos and emails on this subject from the past ten years or so but, unfortunately, I don't have a spare subpoena on me. 😁

[Tajarvis]

Just received a new pair of binoculars for those I sent in for repair of the sticky problem.  Cost me $253.