Mark, Good news on the Elite 7x26. I figured what the hell, I have two of them. I just wiggled the rubber armor around the objective housing and exposed enough of the lens barrel underneath to see that it indeed looks like it is metal. I see machining marks along the edge, which is very sharp. If it is not metal, then it is the most metallic plastic I've ever seen. BTW, the rubber snapped back with no issues. I'll await any further evidence either way, but it does seem to be metal.
Mike
Mike V - thanks for all the work and effort you have gone through doing your research.
Some additional info for you. Have literally had dozens of the Custom Compacts pass my hands. Have only retained a few pairs. One is the 60's 6x25 version which you described - lift up eye cups, diopter on left side, and really not designed to be carried around the neck with no practical attachment place to be found. I have jury-rigged a system which is heavy nylon black ties snugged up around the body with a cord running underneath, positioned so the compact hangs against my chest and yet can be tucked into a shirt pocket. Not pretty, but functional.
If you have not run into the rubber covers for the Customs. an after market product which I tried to use, I found them most unsatisfactory. Reason. When in place they affect both the focus and collimation.
Again, thanks for all your research.
John
Mike - Mine has the hole in the end, but that means the strap or string starts in the wrong place. I believe the original compact was thought of as a purely pocket binocular, John
Over the past couple or more months I have purchased thru eBay, 3 pair of 7x26 Custom Compacts in as new condition. One pair is a Bushnell 7x26 non-Audubon. Blue lens coating. They are the only Cust. Comp. that I have seen with a diamond pattern focusing knob perimeter which is very 'grippy' to the finger.
The next pair is 7X26 Audubon - came in a box specifically used by Audubon labeled binoculars. Box bears designation BUSHNELL Custom Compact Binocular Model 10-7261 and the binoculars have a raised designation on the right hand barrel which says BUSHNELL. The lenses are blue coated. Box has a label from G.I. Joe's priced at $279.99. Google this seller. Maybe Wiki.
The last pair of 7x26 came in an Audubon box and were virtually brand new. They as well as the previous one had the Audubon bird logo on the LH barrel. The box bears designation Baush & Lomb Custom Compact Binocular 7x26mm Model 61-7261.The lenses are green coated and the right hand barrel has raised letters BAUSH & LOMB. Thes binoculars were originally purchased Nov. 25, 1991 from a retailer named LECHMERE. Price tag $259.99.
The 7x26 have a very narrow(depth of field) focusing range and are a bit more fussy as to eye placement. The optics are as outstanding as the 6x25 and the entire older Custom Compact series are in my opinion a first rate binocular. Well ahead of their time in every way. Hung around your neck, you soon forget they are there at 325 grams.
May 24/16