OK guys, have a look at this close-up pic of a 3-500z. This was found in an L7 (not mine). That's not lens distortion or an optical illusion, it really looks like that. makes noise when you pick it up and move it around. This LOOKS like brand new tube. As does its partner. 93xx date codes, paint that looks fresh and not burned. I can't figure how this got out of the factory this way but it doesn't look like shipping damage to me. The wonky tube has a yellow dot sticker on top like someone knew... Wow. The moral of this story is always give unknown tubes a good look before you power them up. I hate to think of what would have happened if I had hit this one with full HV.
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73
-Jim
NU0C
Jim Shorney
