If you use a Kowa TSN4 (or similar) scope with the Bogen quick-release plate,
you have probably found that the small alignment screw that is supposed to go
into the Kowa body is too big. Some have drilled out the Kowa hole, which I find
a frightening idea.

I just chucked the screw in my Makita driver/drill (of course, your B&D will
work just fine<G>), but not so tightly as to damage the threads. I then applied
a "diamond-type" finger nail file to the side of the insert portion of the screw
as it was rotating, taking off just enough metal so that the screw fits firmly
in the Kowa body. My scope is now solid as a rock on the tripod. I carry the
tripod/scope on my shoulder, swinging it around all the time, and it has never
done the famous "Kowa/Bogen helicopter trick."

Jerry Blinn


E-mail from: Jerry Blinn, 15-Jul-1997