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  1. R

    Vintage bins...

    Hi and welcome to Bird Forum. The challenge with vintage binoculars is finding some that do not require a service to be useable. There are plenty of used binoculars for sale. It will take some experience and persistence to find the good ones. I enjoy using vintage Nikon and Swarovski...
  2. R

    Swarovski 8x30W: exact dating and cleaning vulcanite

    Transmax gets mentioned in this and several other BF threads. With John Roberts excellent charts I was able to date my Habicht 6x30 to 1990. The coatings on mine reflect the same colors as yours. I would agree with your comments and would say the view is quite enjoyable. But a side-by-side...
  3. R

    Swarovski 8x30W: exact dating and cleaning vulcanite

    I think Swarovski will be your best source for determining a production year. Guesstimating from the table I wonder if that serial number might be from the late 1970's to early 1980's. It was a popular design.
  4. R

    Swarovski 8x30W: exact dating and cleaning vulcanite

    I wonder if 1/80 at the bottom of one page represents the month and year of printing. A water dampened towel works well for leatherette cleaning.
  5. R

    Lubricating focusser of old Japanese Porro with end cap of focusser shaft locked on solid

    The machine oil should keep it loose for longer than a bit of lighter fluid or WD40. As the oil mixes with more old grease it may gradually tighten again. Good to see vintage bins back in service after a single fix.
  6. R

    Pocket alpha binocs. What?

    I don't mind spending money on good binoculars as long as the performance there and they fit properly and are easy to use. The combination of smaller exit pupil and double hinge found in some compact bins is unworkable for me. And yet my wife loves that configuration.
  7. R

    buying nikon edg from kyoei osaka from us?

    I've seen that store mentioned on Cloudy Nights a few times. Results from CN US Customs should go smoothly as long as the Customs Declaration is filled out correctly.
  8. R

    how important is resale value in the purchase of a binocular to you?

    Resale value is not important because I buy binoculars to fit a specific use.
  9. R

    Storing unsealed binoculars - Desiccant pack needed?

    I store all dried binoculars in their carry case. I don't use desiccant because in-house humidity is controlled. For storage of IS binoculars for very long I would remove the batteries.
  10. R

    Quality minimun.?

    I am not clear on what your budget is. If it is 600 Euro then look at the Nikon Monarch 7 8x30.
  11. R

    Nikon Prostaff P3 8 x 42- was it damaged in shipping?

    Hi. Just to be clear is the whitish haze when you are looking at something through the binoculars? If so try looking at an object that is away from direct light.
  12. R

    Swarovski sellers dilusional?

    Binocular prices can be as irrational as for watches, cameras and potentially any product. Those sellers are fishing for the buyer who hasn’t done homework or has to have the item right now. But those prices are nothing. Have you seen the madness in Rolex watches? Three times msrp for some...
  13. R

    need for sticky threads supporting asking for/giving advice? -- some questions to ask someone (or yourself) before giving (or asking) recommendation?

    I've moderated a non-birding forum for several years. We've stickied seemingly important items like helpful hints for beginners, faq's, posting tips for new members and even forum rules. New members frequently have a specific question so they just post it without checking faqs. Same with...
  14. R

    Should I keep a pair of Nikon Monarch M7 that was shipped with zero protection?

    I've dealt with LL Bean and many other sellers of binoculars and other things. While there has been an occasional problem in shipping and defective merchandise I've never came across a situation of someone intentionally ruining or damaging merchandise. That's pretty serious if true.
  15. R

    7x35 - a forgotten class of binoculars

    Yes, I had a pair of Sears 7x35 wide angle bins that were first purchased in 1972. I recall the joy of seeing greater detail in birds, other wild life and night sky objects. Good memories. Used those for years, but a pair of Vixen produced 8x32 bins delivered better color and clarity. So...
  16. R

    country of origin info?

    What an opaque country of origin disclosure points to is the globalized nature of manufacturing. Parts frequently come from a variety of countries. Some countries establish a floor for the percent of local content before the Made In label can be used. Knowing that a non-detailed 50% of the...
  17. R

    country of origin info?

    Because components can come from more than one country naming a single location as the country of origin can be arbitrary. And for me the country of origin is of little value compared to the manufacturers reputation for making quality binoculars and standing behind them.
  18. R

    Which to Sell?

    I would sell the bins that get the least use. However you may want to consider whether you have had to use a backup binocular. If not this may be an opportunity eliminate duplication in sizes and free up some money for a different size bin.
  19. R

    Zenith Tempest Prismatic Coated 7x50mm Binoculars with leather case

    Are they marked possibly on the front for country of origin?
  20. R

    is there still demand for SLC 10x42? are they still relevant?

    Is this a question of need or want? If the 10x42 does a better job in some situations then I would say keep them. If not really then it's probably time to move them on. However, if you just enjoy the design and optical performance regardless then hang on to them. Most of us have fun with...
  21. R

    What Really Constitutes a Alpha Grade Pair Of Binoculars ?

    The criteria I've noticed in this and many prior threads are price paid and status that comes from owning, and carrying binoculars from just three legacy European brands. The Alpha designation summarizes those criteria. I find the term to be distracting and useless when it comes to picking...
  22. R

    What Really Constitutes a Alpha Grade Pair Of Binoculars ?

    B.F. has many prior threads on this popular topic. Price paid seems to be an important and measurable characteristic of alpha binoculars.
  23. R

    What Really Constitutes a Alpha Grade Pair Of Binoculars ?

    Q: What defines an alpha birding binocular? A: It's up to the individual birder.
  24. R

    Does anyone mark their diopter setting

    I can see marking the diopter setting if it helps setting the bin up. Anything to reduce the chances of missing a bird.
  25. R

    If you own both 10x and 8x, in what situations do you use each?

    My go to bins are the Nikon 8xx30 E II for most birding and other wildlife observation. The same series 10x35 are used less frequently for eagles, hawks and other far away critters.
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