I traded a client out of this K & E level. Made in 1953 per the serial number. Only problem is I can't focus the cross hairs. Anyone on here ever use one of these? Any suggestions on how to loosen the eyepiece to focus the crosshairs?
Kevin
Try pulling straight back on the eyepiece as you very slightly rotate it counter-clockwise. There is a bit of lube on that part that's probably dried up some.
Nice piece, good luck
OK thanks. There is also a very small screw sticking out of the eyepiece. Maybe a place to insert lubricant?
I would not do that. If my suggestion does not work you will probably need to unscrew the complete eyepiece assembly to free up the eyepiece focus. Sometimes that can be done by gripping it tightly with your hands and turning CC. Sometimes it needs some more encouragement. The assembly I am talking about is the eyepiece end of the telescope (the rear 1 inch or so... not the eyepiece itself)
It might be useful to post some other views of your level. I'm not seeing the adjustment capstans for the crosshairs. That makes me wonder about the levels construction. Whatever you do do not force anything.
Take the lens cap off! 🙂
> I traded a client out of this K & E level. Made in 1953 per the serial number.
The Texas Highway Department had a number of K&E levels with that same tan finish on them. I had thought it was a special order for our sunny climate. Now I wonder where else levels in that color were sold.
Looks like the same color as the K&E 6e(s) that I used back in the 70s.
Loyal
I'm guessing this level was manufactured in Detroit. It was found in an attic in Michigan (probably near Auburn Hills, where my client lives.)
> The Texas Highway Department had a number of K&E levels with that same tan finish on them. I had thought it was a special order for our sunny climate. Now I wonder where else levels in that color were sold.
I'm guessing this level was either made and/or sold in Detroit. It was found in an attic at an estate sale I'm assuming not too far from there.
Kevin, how did you use the serial number to find out what year it was made? Website?
www.surveyhistory.org/how_old_is_my_k_&_e%20Instrument.htm
You have something in that picture I haven't seen since the mid 60's. A key to the box.
B-)
funny memory
The pic above has a tag that says "eye end".
One of our old wye level boxes had a similar tag on the inside of the box that said, "Objective". I don't think anybody knew what that meant.
The level would fit both ways, but the lid wouldn't shut if was in there bassackwards. Sooo..one of the mental giants on the crew drew an eye with a magic marker on the side opposite the 'objective' tag. Problem solved...I guess.
