[lilcrazy2]

Dennis
That is the early Series E made prior to 1990. A nice view but the later FMC E models have better coatings, and are more desireable. I would guess this auction would end close to the $150-$200 mark when the dust settles. Here is a pic of what the later ones look like. Easy way to tell is from the logo and marking on the left top plate
Tom

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by lilcrazy2

Dennis
That is the early Series E made prior to 1990. A nice view but the later FMC E models have better coatings, and are more desireable. I would guess this auction would end close to the $150-$200 mark when the dust settles. Here is a pic of what the later ones look like. Easy way to tell is from the logo and marking on the left top plate
Tom

Are those yours? Are they optically good. They look like they are pretty compact which I like.

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

Are those yours? Are they optically good. They look like they are pretty compact which I like.

The seller on E-bay that I bought the Taylor Vintage Binoculars from sent me a list of recommended Vintage binoculars. The Taylors didn't work out for me the focus was too tight. Here they are:

"Tasco 1xx series - These are the oldest Tascos I believe, from the late 50s and early 60s
Tasco 4xx series
Tasco World Class porros

Bushnell Custom
Bushnell Featherlight = Fuji Photo Optical optics
Bushnell Rangemasters

Yashica classic body style porros

Agfa - these are German made, not Japanese

Canon - classic body style porros, the 8x30s are really nice

Nikon E series
Nippon Kagaku

San & Steriffe 9xx series

Taylor Optical Mark II series

Jason Venture series porros
Jason Statesman series

Bausch & Lomb Zephyr classic body style porros
Bausch & Lomb Discoverer classic body style porros

Celestron Nova series classic body style porros = Tamron Optics I believe

Swift Mark II series
Swift Holiday
Swift SportKing Wide Angle
Swift Neptune
Swift Audubon
Swift Kestrel

Sears Discoverer

Carl Schulz

Some Binolux
Some Empire
Some Mirakel

Sunset classic body style wide angle porros

Happy Hunting!"

[FrankD]

Dennis,

The list seems fairly accurate based on my experiences so far.

[mercedes_sl1970]

The Canon 8x30s are very nice. I also briefly had a set of Fujinon Meibos from that era and the views were very clean and sharp. There are some gems around.

Andrew

[Nixterdemus]

Now, w/tout sheet in hand may the force & dineros be w/youse whilst perusing finely crafted/hardly used glass from days of yore.

[steve@37n84w]

Originally Posted by mercedes_sl1970

The Canon 8x30s are very nice. I also briefly had a set of Fujinon Meibos from that era and the views were very clean and sharp. There are some gems around.

Andrew

Yeah the 8x30's are really good...and the little suckers are built like tanks.

Steve

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by steve@37n84w

Yeah the 8x30's are really good...and the little suckers are built like tanks.

Steve

How tight is the focus on the Canon 8x30's? That seems to be the Deal Killer for me.

[steve@37n84w]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

How tight is the focus on the Canon 8x30's? That seems to be the Deal Killer for me.

Stock close focus is about 9' for my eyes. This porros have much more inward movement of the ocular assembly then need for infinity focus for my eyes so I could tweak them for even closer focus by adjusting for more outward travel of the ocular but of course still making sure the oculars stay within their ocular tubes. 9' however seems plenty close for this type of binocular so I'll probably leave the stock ocular adjustments as is.

Steve

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

How tight is the focus on the Canon 8x30's? That seems to be the Deal Killer for me.

Sorry. I mean how tight is the actual focus wheel to physically turn?

[vop]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

Sorry. I mean how tight is the actual focus wheel to physically turn?

It probably depends on how good you clean and lubricate them. They are old things, has to be taken care of.

Not like a brand new Zeiss/Nikon that you just take out of the box and use.

Yes?

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by vop

It probably depends on how good you clean and lubricate them. They are old things, has to be taken care of.

Not like a brand new Zeiss/Nikon that you just take out of the box and use.

Yes?

How do you lubricate them?

[steve@37n84w]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

Sorry. I mean how tight is the actual focus wheel to physically turn?

If the focus wheel is to stiff just clean and lube the actual focus mechanism/screw. Five minutes and they're good as new.

Steve

[steve@37n84w]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

How do you lubricate them?

Unscrew the cap on the front/objective side of the center hinge. Insert a small screwdriver into the exposed hole to loosen the slotted screw that retains the threaded ocular adjustment mechanism within the center hinge. Then simply turn the focus wheel until the oculars move to the rear and the focus screw disengages and lift the ocular assembly from the ocular tubes. I usually clean the threads with an old tooth brush and alcohol or solvent and lube with grease. It's really quite simple once you've done a pair or two.

Steve

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by steve@37n84w

Unscrew the cap on the front/objective side of the center hinge. Insert a small screwdriver into the exposed hole to loosen the slotted screw that retains the threaded ocular adjustment mechanism within the center hinge. Then simply turn the focus wheel until the oculars move to the rear and the focus screw disengages and lift the ocular assembly from the ocular tubes. I usually clean the threads with an old tooth brush and alcohol or solvent and lube with grease. It's really quite simple once you've done a pair or two.

Steve

Interesting.

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by steve@37n84w

If the focus wheel is to stiff just clean and lube the actual focus mechanism/screw. Five minutes and they're good as new.

Steve

Would there be a way to lubricate the Sightron's?

[Nixterdemus]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

Would there be a way to lubricate the Sightron's?

Did they assemble them from pieces?

[FrankD]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

Would there be a way to lubricate the Sightron's?

Dennis,

Good question. A vintage porro and a current roof are two totally different animals. I have not attempted to take apart any current roof for a couple of reasons. One is the waterproofing issue and, two, they don't seem as readily accessible in terms of a "field repair". Accessing key components via readily available screws does not seem a strong point for any current roof. Based on what I have seen from several videos it appears as if the manufacturers do remove the rubber armor on some models to access many of the necessary components.

I don't feel comfortable attempting this on a current roof prism model that I intend to use on a regular basis.

Of course, something simple like a shot of lubricant at a key spot by the focus may do the trick. I haven't had the need to do it myself so don't want to comment further.

[steve@37n84w]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

Would there be a way to lubricate the Sightron's?

I have no experience with this model at all but it certainly wouldn't hurt to try Frank's suggestion. A very small amount of lubricant at the right place might do the trick. I like silicone based lubricants for applications of this nature.

The waterproof sealed nature of modern roofs is a double edge sword in my opinion. It's great when everything works but their construction is more expensive and not conducive to simple maintenance.

I do overnight fishing trips on the river several times a year and usually have a pair of binoculars for checking out the wildlife. I have several waterproof/nitrogen sealed roofs and porros which would seem ideal but I always opt for one of my vintage porros. I don't have over 30-40 dollars in them at the most, they put up great views, and most importantly if I take a spill in my kayak I can dry and or clean them myself.

Steve

[Steve C]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

Would there be a way to lubricate the Sightron's?

If Vortex and Nikon (those I have experience with ) can adjust focus on their binoculars, it would be a logical conclusion that Sightron can too. I would also think that It would be possible for a hobbyist to do so as well, but I don't know how to get the focus shaft out of a roof, never have tried. I'm still learning too much about the vintage porros to even look.

So, what I suggest is to call Sightron and talk to somebody in their service or repair department. I have a notion they can regrease the focus pretty easily.

[Steve C]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

Would there be a way to lubricate the Sightron's?

If Vortex and Nikon (those in my experience) can clean and adjust focus on their binoculars, I'd bet Sightron could too. That is likely one of the easier things to do in a roof...IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING...and I don't . Not with a roof for sure.

I'd just get on the phone and call Sightron, talk to somebody in the service or repair department and see what they say. It might be just a simple warranty issue.

I agree with Steve that one of the draws to a good vintage porro is that taking one apart and cleaning it up yourself is not hard. Maybe a roof isn't either...but these are different animals.

EDIT: I got curious and called Sightron, yes, they say that is a simple, cost free warranty issue. Just send it in with an explanation.

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by Steve C

If Vortex and Nikon (those in my experience) can clean and adjust focus on their binoculars, I'd bet Sightron could too. That is likely one of the easier things to do in a roof...IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING...and I don't . Not with a roof for sure.

I'd just get on the phone and call Sightron, talk to somebody in the service or repair department and see what they say. It might be just a simple warranty issue.

I agree with Steve that one of the draws to a good vintage porro is that taking one apart and cleaning it up yourself is not hard. Maybe a roof isn't either...but these are different animals.

EDIT: I got curious and called Sightron, yes, they say that is a simple, cost free warranty issue. Just send it in with an explanation.

My Sightron seems to be getting looser with use everyday. I just need to use them more and they will be ok. I need to do MORE birding. HaHa! The lube and focus does loosen up. Excellent binoculars they are. There is alot of things I like about them! Without a doubt the BEST value in an all around birding binocular available on the market today(even beat the EII for value). I have mine in an Eagle Optics case with a belt loop and they are so light and convenient to take anywhere with you. Very nice. Heh, you can get into birding for $150.00 and that is pretty hard to beat.