[henry link]

Simon,

The only binocular I have that's roughly comparable to the Nikon 7x50 is a Leitz Marseptit from around 1960. The images are very similar as you would expect given that the optical designs are nearly the same. AFOV's and eye relief are essentially identical. Off-axis sharpness is similar. I can't really compare contrast, light transmission, etc. because the Nikon needs internal cleaning. The optics are so similar in most of these old 7x50's that I wouldn't expect big differences, unless something went wrong.

Ironically, the "Feather-Weight" Nikon comes across as a big bruiser compared to the Leitz. The Nikon weighs 1060g vs 920 for the Leitz. I took a photo of them together. The Nikon is taller and has curiously large eyepiece housings for the size of the eyepiece optics. Everything about the Leitz seems more delicate and finer, even the engraving on the prism cover.

I thought you might be interested in seeing some of the Nikon offerings from a 1985 brochure. They still had a Zeiss style 7x50 CF, but with rubber roll-down eyecups like the E series. The 12x40 was made by combining the 10x35 eyepiece with a 40mm objective. They could have made an 8x40 by combining the 7x35 eyepiece with the 40mm objective, but they never did.

Henry

[Simon S]

Henry, thanks so much for all the wonderful information. I was using the 7x50 yesterday at work and the optics are really good, I think better than my Jenoptem T3M a really sharp view with close to perfect colour fidelity.
I have bought a pair of Nippon Nova's, the MIOJ eye focus model often found on the US ebay sites.

[Paskman]

Originally Posted by henry link

Simon,

The only binocular I have that's roughly comparable to the Nikon 7x50 is a Leitz Marseptit from around 1960. The images are very similar as you would expect given that the optical designs are nearly the same. AFOV's and eye relief are essentially identical. Off-axis sharpness is similar. I can't really compare contrast, light transmission, etc. because the Nikon needs internal cleaning. The optics are so similar in most of these old 7x50's that I wouldn't expect big differences, unless something went wrong.

Ironically, the "Feather-Weight" Nikon comes across as a big bruiser compared to the Leitz. The Nikon weighs 1060g vs 920 for the Leitz. I took a photo of them together. The Nikon is taller and has curiously large eyepiece housings for the size of the eyepiece optics. Everything about the Leitz seems more delicate and finer, even the engraving on the prism cover.

I thought you might be interested in seeing some of the Nikon offerings from a 1985 brochure. They still had a Zeiss style 7x50 CF, but with rubber roll-down eyecups like the E series. The 12x40 was made by combining the 10x35 eyepiece with a 40mm objective. They could have made an 8x40 by combining the 7x35 eyepiece with the 40mm objective, but they never did.

Henry

Ooh a 12x40, I wonder what the field of view was? Yes a 8x40 EII would also be an interesting concept

Paul

[LPT]

The following have been added to my collection since the last posting on June 17/10:
1) Barr & Stroud CF 24 8X30.5
2) Bausch & Lomb U.S. NAVY BU.SHIPS MARK 28 MOD 0 7X50 with Variable Density Filter Attached
3) BBT Krauss Paris Grand champ décigrades 8X30
4) BBT Krauss Paris Modele 1933 Type 2 8X30 (views after restoration)
5) CAL No 5 CDN Mk 2/4 (Upgraded from REL C.G.B. 40 M.A.) 7X50
6) Hood Case for CAL No 5 CDN Mk 2/4 7X50
7) Huet Extra Lumineuse 7X (disassembled to show telemetric device in ocular) 7X22
8) Leitz Canada (ELCAN) 7X50B Civilian Model
9) REL C.G.B. 57 G.A. 7X50 (Fluorided, Canadian C/ Broad Arrow)
10) Ross BinoPrism No. 5 Mk IV 7X50
11) Tasco, Model No. 322 8X40
12) Zeiss Jena, DF 6x with case (captured by Canadian forces during battle for Lens generating station)

I would appreciate any comments, further information or corrections the members of this forum could provide about these binoculars and my descriptions of them.

Also, I am researching the BOP filter conversion of the Canadian 7X50 REL binocular and REL 7X50's in general. If a member has any 7X50 REL binoculars or a BOP converted one, I would be most interested in its details such as model #, year of manufacture, number of dry air ports, serial number, presence of coated lenses, presence of yellow Admiralty arrows, weight, and any other information about its history and manufacture.

Once again, thanks to members of this and other forums who have provided new information about the binoculars in the collection.

The new binoculars can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...652061/detail/
The entire collection including additions can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...405689/detail/

[LPT]

Additions to Vintage Binocular Collection

The following have been added to my collection since the last posting on August 12/10:
1) Colmont 8X M.G.(Ministère de la Guerre) 8X23
2) Gundlach-Manahattan U.S. Navy 6X30
3) Hensoldt Wetzlar Armée Française (Diagon) 8X30
4) Kershaw Vanguard 10X50
5) KOMZ (Kazan Optical-Mechanical Factory) 6X30
6) Lemaire 8X Lumineuse Stereoscopique 8X24
7) REL C.G.B. 37 M.A. 6X30
8) REL C.G.B. 37 M.A. 6X30 Graticule
9) SRPI Puteaux M.le. 56 8X30

I would appreciate any comments, further information or corrections the members of this forum could provide about these binoculars and my descriptions of them.

Also, I am researching the BOP filter conversion of the Canadian 7X50 REL binocular and REL 7X50's in general. If a member has any 7X50 REL binoculars or a BOP converted one, I would be most interested in its details such as model #, year of manufacture, number of dry air ports, serial number, presence of coated lenses, presence of yellow Admiralty arrows, weight, and any other information about its history and manufacture.

Once again, thanks to members of this and other forums who have provided new information about the binoculars in the collection.

The new binoculars can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...550061/detail/
The entire collection including additions can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...405689/detail/

[Martin Fagg]

Wow LPT, you have been doing a lot of shopping recently. That is some collection you have acquires just since August.

[LPT]

Additions to Vintage Binocular Collection

The following have been added to my collection since the last posting on October 14/10:
1) Barr & Stroud 10X CF.47, 10X49
2) BBT Krauss 312.26 MILLI 8X40
3) Bausch & Lomb Prism Marine U.S. Navy (experimental) 10X50
4) Hensoldt Wetzlar Marine-Dialyt 7X50 (with views of prism assembly)
5) J.D. Moeller Wedel Tourix 6X 6X22 (with views of prism assembly)
6) Kershaw Reliant 9X36 (Vanguard type internal focusing)
7) Kershaw Renown 7X30 (Vanguard type internal focusing)
8) Leitz Canada (ELCAN) 7X50B Civilian Model View of Schmidt-Pechan Prism Assembly
9) Nikon 7X35E CF
10) Spindler & Hoyer Gottinga 8X Modell B, 8X24
11) Warner & Swasey Prism Binocular Power 6 6X20.5

I would appreciate any comments, further information or corrections the members of this forum could provide about these binoculars and my descriptions of them.

Also, I am researching the BOP filter conversion of the Canadian 7X50 REL binocular and REL 7X50's in general. If a member has any 7X50 REL binoculars or a BOP converted one, I would be most interested in its details such as model #, year of manufacture, number of dry air ports, serial number, presence of coated lenses, presence of yellow Admiralty arrows, weight, and any other information about its history and manufacture.

Once again, thanks to members of this and other forums who have provided new information about the binoculars in the collection.

The new binoculars can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...762320/detail/
The entire collection including additions can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...405689/detail/

And my wishes for a healthy and happy New Year to the members of this forum.

[Kevin Purcell]

Very interesting. Nice photstream too!

6) Kershaw Reliant 9X36 (Vanguard type internal focusing)
7) Kershaw Renown 7X30 (Vanguard type internal focusing)

Your picture of the Kershaw Reliant 9X36 is here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwpg/5246198975/

The focusing knob is on the "wrong end".

Do you have any details on it's internal focusing scheme. I presume a negative lens below the prism assembly but I didn't know people were making "real" internal focus bins in the 1950s.

7x30

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39124063@N08/4575616535/

Very interesting.

[LPT]

"Your picture of the Kershaw Reliant 9X36 is here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwpg/5246198975/

The focusing knob is on the "wrong end".

Do you have any details on it's internal focusing scheme. I presume a negative lens below the prism assembly but I didn't know people were making "real" internal focus bins in the 1950s."

I term it "internal focus" because the eyepieces are not connected to a bridge as on conventional center focus designs. However, internally the arrangement of prisms and eyelenses is entirely conventional.
Here is a picture of the mechanism on a Vanguard which operates almost identically as that on the Reliant.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...n/photostream/
Also, regarding placing a focus knob on "wrong end", the Kershaw Portland had the focus knob on the objective end too. Rather awkward to use, and whenever I use this binocular I wonder why it was made this way.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...7623234405689/

[Kevin Purcell]

Thanks for those photos, LPT

So the EPs move in and out but are just not on a conventional bridge. Interesting. No sealing I presume this is just for looks (or to keep amuse a bored optomechnical engineer doing the design )

[LPT]

Originally Posted by Kevin Purcell

Thanks for those photos, LPT

So the EPs move in and out but are just not on a conventional bridge. Interesting. No sealing I presume this is just for looks (or to keep amuse a bored optomechnical engineer doing the design )

The disadvantages and advantages of this design are something to ponder.

Disadvantages may be: 1) Cost -It certainly looks mechanically more complicated and difficult to produce and assemble than the conventional bridge which would result in higher production cost. 2) Maintenance - I haven't disassembled any of these (Renown, Reliant, Vanguard) CF's yet because all were well-lubricated and focusing very smoothly when received, and curious as I am to discover exactly how they're built, I've decided to leave well enough alone because the disassembly is a little more daunting than the usual CF mechanism.

Advantages may be: 1) No Wobble - Cheap and/or very worn CF bridge designs may sometimes become loose creating a wobble which makes focusing difficult. No danger of that here. 2) Durability ? - I know three binoculars is too small a sample on which to base any conclusions, but, anyway, although both the Reliant and Renown are well used, were made circa 1950's, and had almost seized diopter adjustments when I got them, their CF mechanisms still functioned perfectly suggesting this may be a very durable low-maintenance feature. Most CF binoculars I have received in similar condition have required CF re-lubrication. 3) Sales - As well as being rather sleek and tidy looking the design is very distinctive, and it may have been hoped that it would make these binoculars stand out from others on the market.

[LPT]

Additions to Vintage Binocular Collection

The following have been added to my collection since the last posting on December 27, 2010:

1) BBT Krauss France M/50 (Danish Army/Airforce) 7X50
2) Hensoldt Wetzlar Nacht-Dialyt 8X56
3) Kershaw Monarch Ten 10X40
4) Lemaire Paris Azur 8X30
5) REL C.G.B. 37 M.A. 6X30 (pictures of case being used to store Bren light machine gun reflector sight)
6) S.P.J.P. (Société Parisienne Jumelles à Prismes) 7X 7X23 (with picture of disassembled linear movement ocular unit)
7) Taylor-Hobson Bino Prism No. 2 Mk III 6X30
8) Carl Zeiss Jena Delactis 8X40
9) Carl Zeiss (Oberkochen) 8X30

I would appreciate any comments, further information or corrections the members of this forum could provide about these binoculars and my descriptions of them.

Also, I am researching the BOP filter conversion of the Canadian 7X50 REL binocular and REL 7X50's in general. If a member has any 7X50 REL binoculars or a BOP converted one, I would be most interested in its details such as model #, year of manufacture, number of dry air ports, serial number, presence of coated lenses, presence of yellow Admiralty arrows, weight, and any other information about its history and manufacture. To date, 42 REL 7X50 binoculars have been catalogued of which 9 are BOP filter modified.

Once again, thanks to members of this and other forums who have provided new information about the binoculars in the collection.

The new binoculars can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...577485/detail/

The entire collection including additions can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...405689/detail/

[Jonathan B.]

Hi LPT,

I started following your collection on Flikcr before you began posting here. You’ve got some great binoculars, and your skills at restoring them are impressive. Your restoration of the BBT Krauss 8x30 is amazing. I’ve done a little research on the history of the development and promotion of binoculars for birding. Here’s some information on the Goerz Trieder.

This binocular is one of the first to be promoted by a published naturalist for the purpose of birding. The writer was Oliver G. Pike, who promoted photography for documenting birds and openly rejected the collecting of birds and eggs. He was a co-developer of early electric shutters, and he also invented bird-activated, trip-wire shutter releases.

Pike designed a field camera specifically for the purpose of bird photography, which he called the Bird-land Camera and marketed through the London firm, Sanders & Crowhurst. An illustration in his fourth book, Adventures in Bird-land (1907) shows him in a hide using the camera, made for 3.25 x 4.25 plates. His photographic illustrations in that book are remarkably good and required a tremendous commitment to his craft. Pike states that the book was written for boys, whom he encouraged to take up nature photography. He also promoted his camera, as well as Ilford plates and Goerz lenses. And he promoted the Goerz binocular:

“Another important thing that the successful field-naturalist should have is a good field-glass. The one I use, and always recommend, is the Goerz Trieder Binocular, which is recognized now by all naturalists to be the very best for bird-watching. It is small, light, and extremely powerful, and it is impossible to obtain a better glass anywhere. The naturalist equipped with one of these is bound to make discoveries in Bird-land, and Nature will be to him something quite new when looked at with these binoculars, which have been truly christened the ‘naturalist’s field-glass.’”

The one Pike used could have been the 12X, rather than the 9X. One can’t help but wonder if Goerz provided him sponsorship at some level, but he does not acknowledge the company. In his first book, In Bird-land with Field-Glass and Camera (1900), he did not promote Goerz optics. Instead an ad in the book for Sanders & Crowhurst plugs their own Naturalist’s Field Glass, “The most comfortable glass made for Watching Birds, &c.” It is only described as having “12 lenses,” so I wonder if it is a Galilean binocular, which would explain why it is not in your collection or the other fine collections exhibited online.

[LPT]

Originally Posted by Jonathan B.

Instead an ad in the book for Sanders & Crowhurst plugs their own Naturalist’s Field Glass, “The most comfortable glass made for Watching Birds, &c.” It is only described as having “12 lenses,” so I wonder if it is a Galilean binocular, which would explain why it is not in your collection or the other fine collections exhibited online.

Almost certainly "12 lenses" references a high quality Galilean binocular such as this one:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...7623234405689/
Your information about the Goerz Trieder is very interesting and my description of that binocular will be revised to include it. Thank you.

[Jonathan B.]

Originally Posted by LPT

Almost certainly "12 lenses" references a high quality Galilean binocular such as this one:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...7623234405689/
Your information about the Goerz Trieder is very interesting and my description of that binocular will be revised to include it. Thank you.

Thanks for that link. I had not found that collection, and since some of the earliest binoculars used by birders/ornithologists were Galilean, I'm trying to locate examples of a few particular ones.

JB

[Jonathan B.]

Originally Posted by Jonathan B.

Thanks for that link. I had not found that collection, and since some of the earliest binoculars used by birders/ornithologists were Galilean, I'm trying to locate examples of a few particular ones.

JB

Nix that. Now I can see it is in your own collection. My old bookmark for you is under your actual name, and I had not noticed the change. I missed that bin in your collection. Nobody else seems interested in Galilean bins. As you point out, despite the very narrow field of view, some of these perform quite well.

[sammyboy]

I've just bought a pair of old Galilean binoculars from a charity shop today for £10 (along with a not-so-cheap or vintage new pair of Vortex Diamondbacks from another shop!), which look very similar to the Flickr pair of Ross ones linked to a couple of posts ago. Mine look very, very similar, and have '12 Lenses' printed on the bridge between the two eyepeices, but no other markings on them apart from 'Made In France' on the back of that bridge. Can't even find any serial number on them either. They also have what I assume are sun/glare shades that pull or twist out from the objective lenses. They're in good condition considering their age, some paint wear but no dents, optics intact though a bit dirty, looks like in places round the edges the lenses are separating slightly but not to the detriment of the view.

Any idea on the manufacturer of these? They give a very good quality image, all brass construction and came in what looks like their original case (very battered, lid separated from the body of the case) that also has no markings on it but looks of good quality. I'm guessing as well they date from the turn of the last century, early 1900s?

[LPT]

Originally Posted by sammyboy

I've just bought a pair of old Galilean binoculars from a charity shop today for £10 (along with a not-so-cheap or vintage new pair of Vortex Diamondbacks from another shop!), which look very similar to the Flickr pair of Ross ones linked to a couple of posts ago. Mine look very, very similar, and have '12 Lenses' printed on the bridge between the two eyepeices, but no other markings on them apart from 'Made In France' on the back of that bridge. Can't even find any serial number on them either. They also have what I assume are sun/glare shades that pull or twist out from the objective lenses. They're in good condition considering their age, some paint wear but no dents, optics intact though a bit dirty, looks like in places round the edges the lenses are separating slightly but not to the detriment of the view.

Any idea on the manufacturer of these? They give a very good quality image, all brass construction and came in what looks like their original case (very battered, lid separated from the body of the case) that also has no markings on it but looks of good quality. I'm guessing as well they date from the turn of the last century, early 1900s?

Your dating is probably correct. Before 1894 I'd guess that the French were the world's most prolific manufacturer of binoculars, all Galilean, although the English and Germans made a fair number also. If there is no manufacturer's name on them, I have no idea who made them. 12 lenses - one of the better glasses so you think there would be a name.

[sammyboy]

Indeed, reading through this thread the 12 lenses versions sound like high quality items. I got it for £10 in a charity shop - good price or not would you say? They are indeed nice to look through, very sharp and clear though with no IPD adjustment I find the lenses are just slightly too far apart for me!

[LPT]

Additions to Vintage Binocular Collection

The following have been added to my collection since the last posting on March 10, 2011:

1) BBT Krauss 312.10 MILLI 7X50
2) Bell & Howell M19 7X50
3) Leitz beh Kriegsmarine (type II) 7X50 (w/case, filters, rubber eyecups)
4) Ross Stepmab 9X35
5) Ross Stepnac 6X30
6) Ross Stepnite 7X50
7) Spencer Lens Company U.S. NAVY BU.SHIPS MARK 30 MOD 0 7X50
8) SRPI Puteaux 8X24 (Finnish Army, Porro II)

I would appreciate any comments, further information or corrections the members of this forum could provide about these binoculars and my descriptions of them.

Also, I am researching the BOP filter conversion of the Canadian 7X50 REL binocular and REL 7X50's in general. If a member has any 7X50 REL binoculars or a BOP converted one, I would be most interested in its details such as model #, year of manufacture, number of dry air ports, serial number, presence of coated lenses, presence of yellow Admiralty arrows, weight, and any other information about its history and manufacture. To date, 46 REL 7X50 binoculars have been catalogued of which 9 are BOP filter modified.

Once again, thanks to members of this and other forums who have provided new information about the binoculars in the collection.

The new binoculars can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...188522/detail/

The entire collection including additions can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...405689/detail/

[LPT]

These were found in a box of Kershaw binocular parts. I think they are tools for servicing Kershaw binoculars but I don't know their purpose. Does anybody know what these are for?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...in/photostream

[LPT]

Additions to Vintage Binocular Collection

The following have been added to my collection since the last posting on May 13, 2011:

1) Fujinon M24 7X28
2) Hensoldt Wetzlar bmj Dienstglas 7X56
3) Hensoldt Wetzlar Sport-Dialyt 8X30
4) Kershaw Olympic 8X30
5) SarD BU.AERO U.S. NAVY MARK 43 6x42
6) Swarovski Habicht SLC 8X30WB (Mark III)
7) Wollensak Optical Company, U.S. Army Binocular M5 6X30
8) Carl Zeiss London, Binocular Prismatic No. 3 Mark I 6X24
9) Zeiss West Germany Dialyt 8X56B

I would appreciate any comments, further information or corrections the members of this forum could provide about these binoculars and my descriptions of them.

Also, I am researching the BOP filter conversion of the Canadian 7X50 REL binocular and REL 7X50's in general. If a member has any 7X50 REL binoculars or a BOP converted one, I would be most interested in its details such as model #, year of manufacture, number of dry air ports, serial number, presence of coated lenses, presence of yellow Admiralty arrows, weight, and any other information about its history and manufacture. To date, 51 REL 7X50 binoculars have been catalogued of which 9 are BOP filter modified.

Once again, thanks to members of this and other forums who have provided new information about the binoculars in the collection.

The new binoculars can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...417520/detail/

The entire collection including additions can be viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...405689/detail/

[henry link]

The Sards are beauties. The prism plates are in such good shape they must not have been stored in the infamous case.

[LPT]

They came in their case and there is a little bubbling of paint where the prism plates rest on the blocks in the case, but it isn't severe and there is hardly any paint loss.

Originally Posted by henry link

The Sards are beauties. The prism plates are in such good shape they must not have been stored in the infamous case.

[ronh]

LPT,
I have greatly enjoyed your photographs and descriptions. Although I know nothing about vintage binoculars ( I once looked through a fully coated narrow field Sard 7x70 and thought it excellent) there is one shown in a catalog view, that especially appeals to me, for its fantastic appearance, the Kershaw Vanguard. It is very beautiful:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/binocwp...57626901417520

I only wish I had known about this binocular when I was on Earth. It would have simply "set off" some of my best outfits. My buddies with the flying saucer will be taking a weekend trip there soon, however. They all want Vanguards too, and I am sure they will let me come along. Maybe we can find a few of these things, do you think? You would be a great help. Is it OK if we call you up when we get there?
Elvis