Minox rip-offs ??

[mook]

It's a pretty slow day here at work.....so I thought I'd try to get to the bottom of a long-running puzzle (to me anyway)......

I've noticed on a certain auction site that there are often ludicrously specified compact binoculars (120x50) advertised that go by the 'Minox' brand. I've seen the very same types of binocular in stores throughout the Canary Islands too....

Now, I for one don't believe that they are Minox & never have....but surely 'Minox' is a trademarked brand?? Or did they split at some point & some 'lucky' Chinese company got their hands on the brand name too??

It's not important, I won't lose sleep over it, but how come Minox don't assert their corporate rights?? Anyone know the story??

As I said, it's a slow day.......

Cheers,

Mook.

PS. I once saw the very same type of cheap compacts sell on the 'bay described as 'Zeiss' and some chump paid over £100 for them....jeez....bet he wasn't chuffed when (if) they turned up.

[davem]

Just had some poor soul on the email asking about their 120x50 minox they've bought. I told them they were fakes and that as they were being illegally passed off as Minox and just using the brand name, they should be asking for their money back.

Quite frankly we've given up keeping track of all the 'minox' on Ebay which as Mook quite rightly points out come from the Canaries area.

The amount of hassle it would take to put an end to this supply of fake minox would take more money and time than it would be worth. Most people who really want a Minox usually end up with the correct one anyway!

BTW, the new HGs were launched at the BBWF last weekend and were extremely well received. We ourselves had our first look at the 8x33s which the Germans brought over and were pleasantly surprised by the DOF on all of them. We know we aren't the best in that field with the Aspherics and BLs, but with the HGs we seem to be getting much more in line with user's requirements :D

ATB,

Dave.

[mook]

Typical....a slow day suddenly picks up!

Anyway, many thanks davem for clearing that up - guess it costs nothing to print a brand name onto a generic product these days.....Those who do a bit of research should know what models/products the real manufacturer makes - especially if they're going to part with good money!

I'm liking the sound of the HG's more & more....look forward to trying them out - even better if the depth of field has been improved.

Cheers,

Mook.

[PYRTLE]

Have tried them and optically they are very good - particularly the focusing system which is so smooth and consistent. If you cannot afford the big boys 8 x 32s or cannot distinguish any difference in performance you could save a few pounds.

[MacGee]

BTW, the new HGs were launched at the BBWF last weekend and were extremely well received. We ourselves had our first look at the 8x33s which the Germans brought over and were pleasantly surprised by the DOF on all of them. We know we aren't the best in that field with the Aspherics and BLs, but with the HGs we seem to be getting much more in line with user's requirements.Dave, what's the minimum IPD on the 8x33?

Michael.

[davem]

Will get back to you with a full list of the IPDs as soon as I get a chance. Just got the first review of them that needs to go on our website and an advert to finish first!

ATB,

Dave.

[davem]

Will get back to you with a full list of the IPDs as soon as I get a chance. Just got the first review of them that needs to go on our website and an advert to finish first!

OK, that's done, so here we go...

IPD for all 5 models in the HG range is 58mm (closest) to 75mm (widest).

ATB,

Dave.

[MacGee]

IPD for all 5 models in the HG range is 58mm (closest) to 75mm (widest).Thanks, that's useful to know. Another one I can cross off the list.

Michael.

[davem]

Thanks, that's useful to know. Another one I can cross off the list.

Hi Michael,

what max' or min' IPD value do you need?

Dave.

[MacGee]

what max' or min' IPD value do you need?My IPD is 59mm at distance, 57mm at about 4m, 54mm at 3m. I'll check out the Zeiss Conquest (min IPD 54) at closest focus when I can. If that's no good it's the Victory (and risk divorce) or a compact.

Michael.

[etudiant]

Query on this topic of Minox ripoffs.
Does anyone know how it is that there are so many really junk compact binoculars carrying the Minox label?
These glasses are usually in the x21 to x25 objective size class, with magnifications all over the lot, 7x, 8x, 12x, 16x etc.
It seems unlikely that the real Minox, which sells good optics, has anything to do with this stuff. It is puzzling that they seem unable to act to protect their brand.
Was the Minox name in the public domain at some time?

[davem]

I don't think it's that they are unable to protect their brand, more that it's an awful lot of trouble to actually trace the source and do anything about it.

Most people do a lot of research before buying binoculars and checking the manufacturer or distributors' websites will normally be part of that process. Doing this with Minox will easily show any potential ebay purchaser that this type / design of binoculars with the strange slanting logo does not feature anywhere in their product range and Minox Germany do have a tendency for leaving a lot of discontinued models on their website!

HTH

Dave.