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Jenoptem 8 X 30w (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter TR3K
- Start date
Hi TR3K,
The Jenoptem 8x30w is the later incarnation of the old Zeiss Jena 8x30 Deltrintem, from around and after the time of the East German collapse. The design dates back to the 1920s and the Jenoptem name was used after Zeiss West Germany won the sole rights to the name.
The primary difference is in the percentage of light transmitted, which starts at about 70% for the basic post WW2 glass and rises into the mid 80s with the final models.
Higher serial numbers, from about 6-7,000,000 are better. That represents glass made in the 1980s. There are some post reunification glasses with serial numbers above 7,300,000 built by Docter, which took over the line. Those have the best coatings.
In use, the differences are not stunning, so if you find an early pair that is clean and well collimated, buy it. It is an excellent bit of kit.
The Jenoptem 8x30w is the later incarnation of the old Zeiss Jena 8x30 Deltrintem, from around and after the time of the East German collapse. The design dates back to the 1920s and the Jenoptem name was used after Zeiss West Germany won the sole rights to the name.
The primary difference is in the percentage of light transmitted, which starts at about 70% for the basic post WW2 glass and rises into the mid 80s with the final models.
Higher serial numbers, from about 6-7,000,000 are better. That represents glass made in the 1980s. There are some post reunification glasses with serial numbers above 7,300,000 built by Docter, which took over the line. Those have the best coatings.
In use, the differences are not stunning, so if you find an early pair that is clean and well collimated, buy it. It is an excellent bit of kit.
barry robson
Well-known member
Hi TR3K and Etudiant
Thanks Etudiant for the info on the 8x30W - very interesting. I bought a pair in a market in Todmorden, Lancashire about 3 years ago, serial number 4726743 and stamped with the legend 'LOOK AHEAD WITH G.S.D' on the ends of the barrels. They cost me the princely sum of £7 ($10.99) and though the coating on the exit lenses is a bit shot, they are still not a bad little binocular and are in use on a daily basis in the studio - ideal for watching the birds on the peanut and seed feeders!
Thanks Etudiant for the info on the 8x30W - very interesting. I bought a pair in a market in Todmorden, Lancashire about 3 years ago, serial number 4726743 and stamped with the legend 'LOOK AHEAD WITH G.S.D' on the ends of the barrels. They cost me the princely sum of £7 ($10.99) and though the coating on the exit lenses is a bit shot, they are still not a bad little binocular and are in use on a daily basis in the studio - ideal for watching the birds on the peanut and seed feeders!
Hi barry robson,
You got a great deal.
Your binocs were made in 1977 as indicated here: http://www.europa.com/~telscope/zeissbin.txt
You got a great deal.
Your binocs were made in 1977 as indicated here: http://www.europa.com/~telscope/zeissbin.txt
chartwell99
Well-known member
Etudiant - the data you reference from europa.com shows annual and cumulative production and not serial numbers. Further, I think the style of serial numbers differed between the Deltrintem and Jenoptem models, although a number of commentators have noted an inability to distinguish the build or optical differences between the two models although the Jenoptem was advertised as less costly due to production efficiencies.
Hi chartwell99,
You are entirely right, but the Zeiss Jena production was pretty exactly reflected in the serial numbers, unlike for Zeiss West Germany.
There were repeated product modifications during the 60 odd years this glass was produced, for materials, coatings and internal design, but afaik, the optics remained the same.
Do note that there was a substantial amount of "fake" production, out of Japan, mostly for the 7x50 but also for the 8x30.
These will usually have a 6 digit serial number and lack the DDR logo. Reportedly, they were made under a license agreement but I do not have any idea whether that is true. There are detailed articles on telling the fakes from the reals if you are interested.
You are entirely right, but the Zeiss Jena production was pretty exactly reflected in the serial numbers, unlike for Zeiss West Germany.
There were repeated product modifications during the 60 odd years this glass was produced, for materials, coatings and internal design, but afaik, the optics remained the same.
Do note that there was a substantial amount of "fake" production, out of Japan, mostly for the 7x50 but also for the 8x30.
These will usually have a 6 digit serial number and lack the DDR logo. Reportedly, they were made under a license agreement but I do not have any idea whether that is true. There are detailed articles on telling the fakes from the reals if you are interested.
