Protective film cover over lens of new SkyTrak-don't remove?

[FirGir]

Apologies if I missed it in my search but are you guys leaving the protective film cover over your SkyTrak lens as they suggest? Cracked open the box to my new SkyTrak and was a bit surprised by this. The protective film cover has bubbles in it and has pull tabs to remove, and a card saying not to remove it. Called SkyTrak to confirm and they confirmed. They are sending me a replacement film cover to try and put it on without bubbling but it’s not a clean look, especially the pull tabs.

[allen2be]

Confused me too. I pulled of the plastic sheet with the pull tabs. I think it was saying to leave the rectangle piece that looks like it could probably also be pulled off if you tried hard enough.

[FirGir]

I honestly don't think that's the case. I tried to be very specific when asking them the question, and I mentioned the bubbling and we were talking about using a debit card to even out the bubbles. Not trying to concern you in the process though...I mean, how can I be confident that the readings aren't being impacted?

[Shifty]

funny it would have the pull tabs on it. Just like; "don't touch that button", lol

[FirGir]

That thing has no shot of staying on there after a couple bourbons...

[brnixon]

I think they screwed up assembling yours. Mine has the film cover with the tab on the back, not the front. That one is designed to pull off (although I just left it.) The film on the front of mine is smaller with no bubbles at all. I can't imagine having those bubbles in there won't affect the cameras. I believe the films are of a different material as they feel very different.

[FirGir]

And that's a question I asked in the chat before they made me call, "..is there a second protective film under the protective film?" But I don't think I asked it again when I was on the phone. Mine was missing the quick start guide too so maybe just a new packer. Thanks for the input!

[TorchRedRob]

I got one of the original ones in 2014. We all pulled our film off back then. There was no warning at that time. Maybe the film has changed, but mine's been fine for 2 years without the film. I'd leave it on if that's what they are now saying, but if you inadvertently removed it, I wouldn't sweat it.

[allen2be]

Yeah, forgot to mention the one I pulled off was on the back of it.. don't know how that would affect anything. Been fine for me.

[Griffinto]

There is a second protective cover that is adhered to the plastic. The one with the tab is intended to be pulled off.

[FirGir]

Cool, thanks. It also states on page 9 of the User Guide to "be sure to remove the protective film from its optics lens..." so it's def coming off.

[Shardak]

Come on guys its a little plastic film, dont overthink it! It is not integral to the operation of the device. They recommend keeping it in place to avoid scratches to the plastic housing. My plastic housing arrived all scratched up already (very fine scratches all over it, and even some fingerprints!), but the device functions just fine.

I also run a cell phone with no screen protector. I like to live dangerously.

[paulvangageldonk]

Yes remove the film under the first film is another film

SO YES REMOVE THE FILM WHIT THE PULL LABELS

[FirGir]

Bruh your sewing machine was new when I posted this lol - and I'm taking the film off now! Welcome to the forum and congrats on the SkyTrak, Peace!!