I bought a friend a new Nikon SE 8X32.
I looked through it and thought, "Gee that's bright".
I compared the new model to my well-used SE and mine seemed a bit darker. The difference was subtle, but visible.
Thankfully, I purchased Residual Oil Remover (ROR) along with the SE.
For the first time, I used ROR and I am truly amazed with the results. The view through my SE is like new. So is the view through my Leica.
Absolutely nothing else compares, assuming you want a spotlessly clean lens.
ROR is available at
http://www.adorama.com/CPROR2.html
Adorama did a superb job...delivery time less than 24 hours!
PS
There's no perceptible difference between 504nnn, 505nnn and 550nnn SE's.
Have you compared it to Baader Optical Wonder Fluid, I thought that was the "best"?
I haven't tried either but when I need some new new fluid I was going to go for the Baader after all Henry Link uses the stuff and he says it's the "best" he's tried...