Malkoff LED / Reflector

I just installed my Malkoff 4-5-6 D Cell LED into my 6 Cell Maglite and there is too much "spill" for me. The LED is awesome, I just want it more focused.


I want a totally focused beam, a stream of pure light, maybe I would say spotlight looking? Right now when I focus it the tightest, I still have a large circle of unfocused light surrounding my focused beam. (This is the best I can explain it without taking pictures, I can take pictures tonight though).


I'm using the Standard Reflector Gene sells on his website pre-cut.

Is my solution looking into a new Reflector? If this is the case, does anyone sell a pre-cut Reflector that's purpose is to make a solid beam of light, no spill?

Thanks!

get KD's aspheric

Might as well get the KD Cree and aspheric kit. The Cree in that will be better suited for the lens than the SSC in the malkoff dropin.

SSC's generally don't throw as well as Cree's, I have a similar situation with my Malkoff in my Mag, I can't get a super tight and clean hot spot. Gene told me some SSC's focus better than others.

I guess you made sure the drop in was properly installed, push down all the way, sitting level, etc? Depending on where the LED sits will effect the beam.

Purrkieset said:

Right now when I focus it the tightest, I still have a large circle of unfocused light surrounding my focused beam.

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What you're describing is the (ugly) spill beam created by the portion of the LED which does not shine on the reflector. It's a characteristic inherent to lights which use forward-facing LEDs in reflectors. The only way to get rid of it is to use some kind of refractive optic rather than a reflector. This can be either an aspheric lens or a TIR optic. Switching reflectors will not help.

Either a optic that does not make spill light or using a fitting lens without the reflector would be the choice. Any light with just a reflector will have some kind of spill.

If you're getting a hole in the hotspot its most likely because the dropin is not seated far enough down into the body of the flashlight to allow proper focussing. It should focus to a relatively tight hotspot. Purrkieset I sent you an email.

Thanks, Gene

Thanks Gene, I did push it down all the way until it stopped.


Does anyone have the link to the KD Aspheric? I would like to purchase one.

Mine is the same way, a really tight spot, but still significant flood, but it works for me. I hope you find a mod that fits your needs best.

Purrkieset said:

Thanks Gene, I did push it down all the way until it stopped.


Does anyone have the link to the KD Aspheric? I would like to purchase one.

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There have been a couple of threads about this. This is the only one I have.
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=176061

Mine focuses well with no hole, etc., but there is still plenty of spill. I like it that way, as it's a more usable light -- for me. As others have stated, the aspheric is probably your best solution.

Mine is perfect too. If you are looking for the tightest spot (or square ) then you should try the aspheric lens. I used to like my Aspheric mag when it was all the hype, but then it really useless to me due to the tight spot of the light.

Purrkieset said:

Thanks Gene, I did push it down all the way until it stopped.


Does anyone have the link to the KD Aspheric? I would like to purchase one.

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IMHO, an aspheric lens isn't really going to help things. If all you absolutely want is a beam of light with no side spill, then they will do give you that with the soul P4 LEDs. Still, when you focus the beam as tight as you can; you will have a very decent throwing light as well as a wide useful side spill thanks to maglites reflector.

Could someone explain why my "Beam Shot" at 3FT looks nothing like the "Beam Shot" at 3FT in this link? Mine doesn't even come close to getting as "Tight" as his.

He's using the same Reflector as me too.


https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/162945

What does it look like? Does it have a donut? Or a tail like a comet?

Gene

Gene43 said:

What does it look like? Does it have a donut? Or a tail like a comet?

Gene

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Mine looks like a "tennis ball" in the center with a VERY large sphere / circle surrounding it.

Could my LED unit be too far down I'm thinking? Should I unscrew it and let it come up a little?

What you are describing sounds about right for this dropin. The only way I know of to get a tighter hardly any spill beam would be to go aspheric as previous posters have stated.

Gene43 said:

What you are describing sounds about right for this dropin. The only way I know of to get a tighter hardly any spill beam would be to go aspheric as previous posters have stated.

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I'll try to get a picture posted.. I've been busy.


Yeah, I'm thinking about ordering the Aspheric but I would like the protective bezel deal as well and it's not ready yet.