[Bachrider]

Saw an ad for used Trinovid Leitz Wetzlar binocs, listed as Leica brand. They are 7x42: anyone have any experience with this binoc? Good, average, bad? Thanks

[ceasar]

I have a Leitz 7 x 42 BA Trinovid. (Green Armored)

The Leitz 7 x 42 version is a good binocular for a roof prism that does not have phase coating.

All the Leitz Trinovids used Uppendahl roof prisms (which contributed to their handsome appearance) and were not phase coated. Optically the 7 x 42 might be the best of that lot because of it's large exit pupil and long eye relief. It is not as bright or as sharp as the Leica 7 x 42 Trinovid which replaced it and which has phase coating and SP prisms. I own both of them.

I haven't tried the other versions like the 6 x 24, 7 x 35, 8 x 40 and 10 x 40. Some people particularly like the 7 x 35 for it's compactness and handsome lines but by and large the complaints about this entire line of Leitz Trinovids is that that they are not as bright or as sharp as roof prisms with phase coatings.

I think that the 7 x 42 version is still a good user/collectible. For yourself it will depend on the price and condition. Most of the prices that I've seen for these 7 x 42s have been too high IMO.

Bob

[Bachrider]

Thanks Bob, I appreciate the info!

[BillN]

I have the Leitz Trinovid - 7 x 42, 8 x 35 and 10 x 40 - I plan to add all the other sizes in the range as I see them for sale.

The 7 x 42 are the ones I use 80% of the time for birding - for my use they just are ideal

Th 8 x 35 are smaller and ideal for carrying most places as they usually come in a soft pouch, (versus the regular hard case)

They have real character, (don't ask me to define what that is), and are very well made - I think that they are great and would not wish for any better.

They are a £/$ bargain compared with the modern stuff and for me, because of their smaller physical size and lower weight, preferable.

If they are optically in good condition and the price is good you should not be disappointed.

some people love this guy - some people don't - but his review is worth reading

http://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/trinovid/10x40.htm


Good luck

[ceasar]

Just a caution on that 10 x 40 Leitz shown in the Rockwell link above which shows a side by side view of it next to a newer Leica 8 x 42 BN to illustrate how compact it is.

The Leitz 7 x 42 is significantly longer than the Leitz 8 x 40 and 10 x 40. My Leitz 7 x 42 is longer than my Leica 7 x 42 BN which is about the same size as a Leica 8 x 42BN.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/trinovid/10x40.htm

Bob

[Pinewood]

Originally Posted by BillN

I have the Leitz Trinovid - 7 x 42, 8 x 35 and 10 x 40 -

Hello Bill,

8x35?

Do you mean the 7x35 or the 8x30? I do not know of a Leitz 8x35 Trinovid.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur

[BillN]

Originally Posted by Pinewood

Hello Bill,

8x35?

Do you mean the 7x35 or the 8x30? I do not know of a Leitz 8x35 Trinovid.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur

Arthur - sorry 8 x 32 Leitz Trinovid

[gulf1263]

I had a pair, they were some of the last made and had a form of phase coating since I compared them to another pair without.
My understanding is that Leitz made a limited number with this experimental coating for sale.
I have compared them to the uncoated 10x40's and 8x40's and the extra performance was very visible.
Like an idiot I sold them.
Does anyone have any further info on these?
Thanks
Art