Surefire E1B MaxVision discussion

[Vox Clamatis in Deserto]

Has anyone noticed that the lens for the EB1 maxvision seems to not be tinted, meaning it does not have an anti reflective coating on it? The lens even seems like its plastic but I know it isn't.

Didn't notice but I believe you are right. Also, is the E1B-MV lens slightly convex on the front surface? Most of the small Surefire lights seem to have coated lenses but I did find an old EB1-C in the drawer with an apparently uncoated lens.

When I try to compare the reflections off the front surface of the glass in these lights, the image from the E1B-MV appears smaller leading me to believe that the lens is slightly domed like many wristwatch crystals. Looking at the MV lens with magnification I can see some Newton's rings around the periphery where the glass meets the edge of the reflector.

And, with watch crystals, sometimes both sides of the glass, acrylic or sapphire are coated, sometimes only one side is. For example, the early version of the Omega X-33 'Mars Watch' had both sides of the domed sapphire crystal coated but it was a real fingerprint magnet. The next version had only the bottom surface of the crystal coated. I've got both versions of the watch and I can see the wisdom of the change.

 

[Flashlight Dave]

Didn't notice but I believe you are right. Also, is the EB1-MV lens slightly convex on the front surface? Most of the small Surefire lights seem to have coated lenses but I did find an old EB1-C in the drawer with an apparently uncoated lens.

When I try to compare the reflections off the front surface of the glass in these lights, the image from the EB1-MV appears smaller leading me to believe that the lens is slightly domed like many wristwatch crystals. Looking at the MV lens with magnification I can see some Newton's rings around the periphery where the glass meets the edge of the reflector.

And, with watch crystals, sometimes both sides of the glass, acrylic or sapphire are coated, sometimes only one side is. For example, the early version of the Omega X-33 'Mars Watch' had both sides of the domed sapphire crystal coated but it was a real fingerprint magnet. The next version had only the bottom surface of the crystal coated. I've got both versions of the watch and I can see the wisdom of the change.

Well at least its not just mine then. So can we conclude that maybe Surefire is using ultra clear glass or maybe crystal?

 

[Toehead]

I purchased an E1B-MV to replace my G2ZX. I do mis the momentary tail cap. Is their a tail cap that is compatible with the E1B-MV that I can purchase? Are there any downsides such as losing the hi-low feature or anything else?

 

[Lucky Duck]

Check the Malkoff Devices website, they show an e series tailcap with momentery and constant on operation that may work with the E1B-MV. Am planning to pick one up myself, will keep you posted.

Reasonably priced too with built in Malkoff goodness!

Also I understand that the High/Low function is in the head not the tailcap.

 

[Vox Clamatis in Deserto]

I purchased an E1B-MV to replace my G2ZX. I do mis the momentary tail cap. Is their a tail cap that is compatible with the E1B-MV that I can purchase? Are there any downsides such as losing the hi-low feature or anything else?

Check the Malkoff Devices website, they show an e series tailcap with momentery and constant on operation that may work with the E1B-MV. Am planning to pick one up myself, will keep you posted.

I think the original E1B-MV tailcap has the same clicky functionality as the Malkoff tailcap. You can certainly get momentary operation by not pressing the clicky button all the way. Also, you can double-clutch the clicky and switch to low mode before clicking the button fully to continuous on.

Optics Planet has the OEM SureFire Z68 tailcap for ten dollars less than the Malkoff e-series tailcap. The current Z68 version seems to have exactly the same switch mechanism as the original E1B-MV tailcap but has a full shroud which allows the light to tailstand in candle mode. There are older versions of the Z68 with a different switch and unfortunately some fakes as well.

There is a black Z54 e-series Surefire switch listed as a lock-out tailcap with a momentary button discussed in old threads here. That might be what you are looking for if you don't want a clicky.

Some classic SF tailcap taxonomy in this CPF thread from 2007:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...-with-IMAGES&p=2116459&viewfull=1#post2116459
​

 

[Toehead]

That was a very useful link. Looks like the Z54 is the only option. Of course it looks discontinued and I can't find any alternatives. Really surprises me given how many people modify surefire lights that they don't have them available or have any type of newer version. That's one of the reasons I like Surefire lights.

Malkoff has them but with the tail stand versions.

 

[carrot]

That was a very useful link. Looks like the Z54 is the only option. Of course it looks discontinued and I can't find any alternatives. Really surprises me given how many people modify surefire lights that they don't have them available or have any type of newer version. That's one of the reasons I like Surefire lights.

Malkoff has them but with the tail stand versions.

I think that LumensFactory has got you covered with their E-series twisty tailcap.

https://www.lumensfactory.com/en/product_detail.php?pid=371

Since the E1B-MV relies on toggling the power to switch modes this should work just fine, although triggering the low mode will require a quick double twist.

 

[Vox Clamatis in Deserto]

I think that LumensFactory has got you covered with their E-series twisty tailcap.

https://www.lumensfactory.com/en/product_detail.php?pid=371

From the link above:

Perfect for high current setups such as the IMR-E2 setup for the E Series lights and tactical momentary applications.

This tailcap follows design of the original Z52 twisty tailcap that was used on the early generation E Series lights and would be the perfect replacement of all worn out tailcaps.​

I'd say that the E1B-MV is definitely a high current light so this tailcap should be a great substitute for the hard anodized Z52 (or black Z54). :thumbsup:

 

[Toehead]

Thanks for that info. Lumens Factory recommended the matte finish version to match the E1B-MV. I just ordered one.

 

[Federal LG]

Wow... it´s been a while since my last post.

Anyway, I love this little light. It is small, bombproof construction, bi-directional pocket clip, aggressive knurling, monstrous output in high mode, "wall of light" beam pattern... My only dislike is about it´s runtime in high mode. Mine is a battery eater, and I only use SF CR123 batteries...

What is your average runtime in high mode? Sometimes I think Surefire should have given us "only" 300 lumens, but with a better runtime...

 

[Flashlight Dave]

Wow... it´s been a while since my last post.

Anyway, I love this little light. It is small, bombproof construction, bi-directional pocket clip, aggressive knurling, monstrous output in high mode, "wall of light" beam pattern... My only dislike is about it´s runtime in high mode. Mine is a battery eater, and I only use SF CR123 batteries...

What is your average runtime in high mode? Sometimes I think Surefire should have given us "only" 300 lumens, but with a better runtime...

I agree. 300 lumens with more runtime would be better. One option is to use the head of the Tactician on the body of the E1B MaxVision with a RCR 123. The advantage is that you can have it come on low all the time depending on the setting you have it on. The light produces around 500 lumens so its not so good on runtimes but you can have it come on low first and you are using rechargeable batteries.

 

[Vox Clamatis in Deserto]

Yep, I like the E1B-MV but as I lamented earlier in this thread, I miss a bright long lasting mid-level setting like the ones on the PK-PR1 and Surefire Sidekick lights.

Love the feel of the tiny MV light with a Z68 tailcap though. :thumbsup:

 

[J_C_S]

New guy here so please go easy on me! I bought this light and it's my first SF and First light that's cost over $30 so a lot of this stuff is foreign to me. I'm loving the light but I do want to run rechargeables in it. I believe I need the 16340s? However, I don't want to mess up the light and I see others have been using them but surefire recommends against it. How come it's safe to use them in this light and not other surefire lights? Also what brand do you guys recommend for the batteries and charger?

Thanks,

 

[Lucky Duck]

Well, I did pickup one of the Malkoff E-Series Tailcaps for my E1B MV. And after using it for a few weeks I'll be the first to call it a...WINNER!

It adds tail stand capability to an already fine light. Something I value in any light that I carry. It does not add any draw backs with that capability.

The tricap design is easier to manipulate than the crenellated E1D/E2D tailcap. At least with my fat fingers.

The design is also kinder to said thumb and fingers as the "flanges" not as thin and are more a bit more rounded than of the E1D/E2D type tailcap.

 

[Vox Clamatis in Deserto]

The tricap design is easier to manipulate than the crenellated Z68 tailcap. At least with my fat fingers.

The design is also kinder to said thumb and fingers as the "flanges" are less sharp and are more rounded than of the Z68.

For clarification, the standard Z68 actually does not have the crenellations:

https://www.opticsplanet.com/surefire-protective-rear-cap-assembly-black-z68.html

The similar (unnumbered?) tailcaps of the E1D and E2D are the ones with the cutouts in the shroud.

Like you, I initially tried the E2D tailcap but for me the Z68 seems to feel better. Tailstanding in a single cell light is a useful feature to me as well.

A shrouded tailcap does seem to make the small E1B-MV handle much better in my butterfingers. I'll have to check out the Malkoff, thanks for the report. :thumbsup:

 

[Nimitz68]

I have replaced the stock tailcap with an E1D/E2D scalloped shrouded tailcap and love it on this light. Having large hands it gives me additional purchase which I am missing on the standard configuration. In case anyone is wondering I just spoke with Surefire and there is no official designation for this tailcap. They use an internal code/SKU but it does not have an official name.

 

[Lucky Duck]

I have replaced the stock tailcap with an E1D/E2D scalloped shrouded tailcap and love it on this light. Having large hands it gives me additional purchase which I am missing on the standard configuration. In case anyone is wondering I just spoke with Surefire and there is no official designation for this tailcap. They use an internal code/SKU but it does not have an official name.

I stand corrected! (See above)

 

[Nimitz68]

Well, I did pickup one of the Malkoff E-Series Tailcaps for my E1B MV. And after using it for a few weeks I'll be the first to call it a...WINNER!

It adds tail stand capability to an already fine light. Something I value in any light that I carry. It does not add any draw backs with that capability.

The tricap design is easier to manipulate than the crenellated E1D/E2D tailcap. At least with my fat fingers.

The design is also kinder to said thumb and fingers as the "flanges" not as thin and are more a bit more rounded than of the E1D/E2D type tailcap.

I was not aware Malkoff made this. It looks really nice and very functional. Thanks for mentioning this.

 

[Vox Clamatis in Deserto]

If you're thinking about getting an E1B-MV, Amazon has them for less than $90 in their Deal of The Day which expires a few hours from now at midnight PST.

 

[ATF628]

...Amazon has them for less than $90...

Yup, got mine for $83 and loving it! I'm not a flashaholic but I've wanted a Surefire for well over 10 years now and I'm glad I was able to pull the trigger at a much more reasonable price.