So I just got my first projector, a Mitsubishi HC3800, and it looks great, but while I was setting it up, I noticed a long (7.5mm+) hairline scratch visible from certain angles on the lens. I find this very odd considering the unit is brand new, and I'm not sure how it happened given it was in padded packaging. The lens cap was included but not on the projector--rather in the accessory compartment of the shipping box.

So, is this something I should be concerned about in terms of the image and the price paid for the unit? Is the scratch going to affect things to the point where I need to do an exchange?

Thanks guys!

Are you sure it's a scratch and not a hair or something on the lens? If it were my projector it would be going back after a call to whomever sold it to you.

So I just got my first projector, a Mitsubishi HC3800, and it looks great, but while I was setting it up, I noticed a long (7.5mm+) hairline scratch visible from certain angles on the lens. I find this very odd considering the unit is brand new, and I'm not sure how it happened given it was in padded packaging. The lens cap was included but not on the projector--rather in the accessory compartment of the shipping box.

So, is this something I should be concerned about in terms of the image and the price paid for the unit? Is the scratch going to affect things to the point where I need to do an exchange?

Thanks guys!


I just wanna know how the heck you got a ruler inside the lens barrell? You sure its wasn't 7.25mm?:)

Are you sure it's a scratch and not a hair or something on the lens?Ditto here.

My Mits pj came with some goo on the lens, but was otherwise "factory perfect". I think they might unpack these things in California or something and do a final test...

Anyway, take the corner of a sheet of lens tissue, and touch the "scratch" just to make certain it's not something else.

Mine actually had the goo on it too. I was cleaning that off with a special cloth from my camera for cleaning lenses, and as I was rotating the focus ring, I saw the scratch from certain angles. The size of the scratch was my visual estimate. The scratch was on the outside of the lens, not inside the barrel. =)

At first I thought it was a hair, but it wouldn't go away after using the cloth, and I could actually feel it with my finger a little bit, through the cloth. Very annoying. I think I just got unlucky with this one.

Anyway, I ordered from the big A, set up a return, and they are sending me a new one overnight at no cost (cross-ship), shipping to be reimbursed. The other one is on its way back. Hopefully this will be "the one"!

Thanks guys.

Mine actually had the goo on it too.Good grief; mine looked awful when I got it, and others here have noted the same problem...

That yours has a scratch on top of it (well, underneath it actually!) is a real shame. Glad they're taking care of you.

I can't begin to imagine what the heck goes on in final testing at Mits that results in goo-globs-and-scratches on the final projection lenses. Would love to know where it's done and what kind of slobs/slobbery goes on there! :eek: