Kowa 553 glass issue?

eaglemountainman@gmail.co · Oct 9, 2024

I was going to suggest a call to Doug ( Cameraland ), but I see he already reached out to you. That's why why he gets my business...

OrionsStar · Oct 9, 2024

wscott406 said:
hey, gents -

I got an amazing condition Kowa 553 with original box etc originally sold by cameraland (amazing guys) - and have been using it the last few weeks, I don't know if it's just me but the glass seems bad. Very very underwhelming even with tons of attempts to focus both wheels at various ranges. Very hazy and the 13-39x56 razor I came from was way better. Even the athlon before that.

Has anyone seen issues like this before? There literally isn't a single mark to the body or glass and nothing I can think of or see that would be causing it.

Super bummed with only weeks before the season. Not sure what to do.

Kowa should repair no problem. Doug is awesome as well. I would call Kowa for warranty work. I use a 883 and am very impressed. Also the 553 now uses great glass. Could this be an older non-crystal glass?

OneHi · Oct 9, 2024

I own a Kowa TSN-554 which is the straight version of the 553 and it's very clear no complaints other than the restricted tunnel-like FOV just like my Meopta S2 20-60.

And I openly admit that I am a genuine glass snob...

JAYgs8163 · Oct 9, 2024

OrionsStar said:
Kowa should repair no problem. Doug is awesome as well. I would call Kowa for warranty work. I use a 883 and am very impressed. Also the 553 now uses great glass. Could this be an older non-crystal glass?

The glass is the same on the old one also. The only thing they changed was the eyepiece.

sp6x6 · Oct 10, 2024

I had same experience as OneHi, I favor the Swaro STC

Kowa 553 glass issue?

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