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Vintage Audubon 8.5 x 44 (1 Viewer)

B

Bencw

Well-known member
Hi all,

I just bought my first Swift as an addition to my binocular collection, an Audubon gold 8.5 x 44, described as fantastic condition (aren't they all !!) .
Not received it yet, looks quite ok from the photo's, I have always wanted an Audubon, but paid a bit more than I thought I might for this one, £102, appreciate any views on what I paid (assuming as described) and how the gold model compares.
Ben

http://www.flickr.com/photos/95019762@N07/
 

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Hi,

We sold 1000's of the Swift Audubon 8.5 x 44 with only a few return because of the weight. They are a very good binocular, enjoy them.

Best
Mike
 
If they are in the condition started and the lenses a clear, you did OK for that price.
They are heavy, but wide with a slightly yellow tint that your eyes soon correct for.
Very tight eye relief if you fold the eye cups down, don't leave them folded as they may split with age.
If there is a leather strap, give it a good tug to make sure it's not rotten. I still remember a mint pair of British 7x50's hitting the road as the strap broke.
 
Simon S said:
If they are in the condition started and the lenses a clear, you did OK for that price.
If there is a leather strap, give it a good tug to make sure it's not rotten. I still remember a mint pair of British 7x50's hitting the road as the strap broke.
Click to expand...

Thanks Simon, nice to know I haven't over paid, just hope they are as described. I know what you mean about straps, I did the same, luckily only a cheap empire made 8x30, I put the neck strap on to go downstairs as I was carrying another binocular in my hands, suddenly the 8x30 was bouncing down the stairs, knocked a chunk of plaster out the the wall, then hit the radiator and ended up with a gash and dents in the prism covers, shame, it was mint until then.
 
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Simon S said:
If they are in the condition started and the lenses a clear, you did OK for that price.
They are heavy, but wide with a slightly yellow tint that your eyes soon correct for.
Very tight eye relief if you fold the eye cups down, don't leave them folded as they may split with age.
Click to expand...

Well, the Audubon arrived, cosmetically excellent, objectives and oculars nice condition,no scratches or marks, fantastic view I am really impressed. I am surprised how big and heavy they are, but I really like them. Now for The BUT, that there is definite dirt inside, on the prisms I think, possibly the start of fungus, it does not affect the view very much really, but I think with these I best get professionally cleaned ?
I often work on porro's myself, but these are maybe a bit too good for that I think.
I also have an excellent Hartmann 6x30 and a Ross Stepnada which are both in great condition but just a little dirty inside, maybe I can get a deal to clean all three if I take them to Kay Optical in Morden.
 
Kay optical have a good reputation, but you may find the swifts will clear if left in a dry cool room.
If the Stepnada is heavily fogged up and it's a coated version it may be ber due the the yummy coatings the fungus munch on.
 
Simon S said:
Kay optical have a good reputation, but you may find the swifts will clear if left in a dry cool room.
If the Stepnada is heavily fogged up and it's a coated version it may be ber due the the yummy coatings the fungus munch on.
Click to expand...

Cheers Simon, I will try that, I think I read that leaving them in sunlight can help too? Yes, the Stepnada is coated, foggy and definite spots of fungus. I had intended to tackle the Ross and the Hartmann myself at some point, but thought if I am taking the Audubon for a professional job I might as well take all three.
 
Bencw said:
Hi all,

I just bought my first Swift as an addition to my binocular collection, an Audubon gold 8.5 x 44, described as fantastic condition (aren't they all !!) .
Not received it yet, looks quite ok from the photo's, I have always wanted an Audubon, but paid a bit more than I thought I might for this one, £102, appreciate any views on what I paid (assuming as described) and how the gold model compares.
Ben

http://www.flickr.com/photos/95019762@N07/
Click to expand...

Ben,

The gold stripe reflects a product ranking system used by Swift-Pyser, Ltd., who was Swift's European distributor in those days, nothing more. The equivalent model in North America had a different focus wheel location, but the markings suited Swift Instrument's desires.

It's a nice specimen to have in your collection. :t:

Ed
 
Last edited:
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