FYI Leica range finder

[stenger]

I had a Leica 1600 range finder freeze up at 15 F. It cost us a nice whitetail. As soon as I warmed it up it started working again. Brand new battery also. The display was visible but it would not range at all. Calling Leica this week

 

[pwrdbycotn]

My leica hd-b 10x42 wouldn't work at 17F, not even the display. Once they warmed up they were fine. I, too, am calling leica.

 

[stenger]

My display works but no range not even close targets. Sounds like an issue

 

[IdahoRedneck]

I keep mine in my inside coat pocket, never had a problem

 

[stenger]

Watch the I phone to to shut down also.

 

[FEENIX]

I had a Leica 1600 range finder freeze up at 15 F. It cost us a nice whitetail. As soon as I warmed it up it started working again. Brand new battery also. The display was visible but it would not range at all. Calling Leica this week

I used mine way below zero without any problem. It's normally stowed conveniently in my vest pocket or inside a layer of clothing. IIWY, exchange/return it.

IIRC, there was post (not the 1600B) that others were not ranging as advertised, i.e. past 1000 yards.

Good luck!

 

[Takem406]

Never had an issue with my 900.
How far are your shots in PA usually? Figured most hunting back there would be from a treestand inside 100 yards.

 

[kcebcj]

After reading this thread I decided to test my Lecia 1600B. Battery has been in all hunting season. The temp here is 10 degrees so I laid it on the table out on the deck for 45 minutes. Shot up the hill and got an instant reading of 594 which is correct. So this one does not seem to be effected by the cold. Cold for a longer period may have an effect??

 

[bkondeff]

I'm not sure many small electronic devices are meant to work well in conditions well below freezing.

I hunted in low 20deg temps and noticed mine did not range one time when I purposely left it out for over an hour. Typically mine is left in my shirt pocket with enough insulation/body heat to keep it from freezing and have never had an issue down to temps as low as 0 deg F.

I must say, my 1600b has worked very well in my opinion for the 3 years I have had it. The ballistic calculator is useless, and the temp reading is also, again because it's always reading my body temp, but the range, angle, and baro pressure is great and quick in a very conveniently sized package.

I use my cell phone SHOOTER app to calc drops if shooting over 400yds, use my handy handy Kestrel for near instant wind and temp readings, and the RF gives me a very accurate and quick range, shoot angle, and baro pressure. Quick shots are kept to 500 yards or under when my drop lines work fine.

My biggest issue is keeping my phone battery from discharging too fast, but I carry a small backup portable charger that helps.

 

[pyroducksx3]

If you set your phone to airplane mode it will go a couple days or longer without a charge. When I want to see if I have any messages I just turn off the airplane mode.

 

[Boman]

I used my leica 1200 old model in temps from 0 to -25 for two days with no problems. This was 4yrs ago. Yesterday I used my Bushnell arc 1300 in temps from 14 with -13 wind chill. No problems either. I guess im lucky. Id hate to have one cost me a deer

 

[Mike 338]

If you set your phone to airplane mode it will go a couple days or longer without a charge. When I want to see if I have any messages I just turn off the airplane mode.

I turn my phone off and it'll last at least a week or more. If I spot something, I turn it on first so it's up when I need it. I definitely don't want messages when hunting anyway.

 

[bkondeff]

Problem with my phone is it takes a minute and a half to turn on. Thanks for the airplane mode tip.

I do really like the shooter app, works great with my RF. Used to kill an elk at 565yds and a whitetail at 665 this year. Elk at 8000' elevation and the whitetail at 2000'. Makes for very different tables.

 

[bruce_ventura]

Most laser rangefinders use a CR2 battery, which has a lower temperature limit of +14F. With a new battery, rangefinders will function below that ambient temp. With a partially discharged battery, operation below +14F is not guaranteed. However operating below +14F will always reduce the battery life. The battery is not rated at all for operation below -4F.

In temps below freezing, keeping the LRF inside your jacket or sweater is a good idea. Also, keep a spare new battery with you at all times.