SE Numbering & Production (1 Viewer)

[John A Roberts]

Yesterday SUGS listed an SE 8x32 for sale, see the images at: https://www.birdforum.net/threads/nikon-8x32-se-cf.420403/
It prompted me to look at the information that I’d previously collected on SE numbering, which may be of interest to some.
(Corresponding information about Nikon’s other premium Porro EII and E lines is at: EII - Increased Brightness following on from 100th Anniversary Edition )


Overview
The SE was introduced in 1998 and last listed in 2013 [see the correction in post #3 below]. See a photo of an 8x32 from Tobias Mennle’s review (below).
Compared to Nikon's other leatherette covered premium Porro offerings, the SE is immediately recognisable by it's RA covering.
Optically, it differs from the EII series in having longer eye relief combined with a flat field image, see the specifications compared to those of the EII.

Tobias has reviewed the 8x32: greatestbinoculars: Nikon 8x32 SE binoculars review
Roger Vine has reviewed the 10x42: Nikon 10x42 SE CF Review
And also the 12x50: Nikon 12x50 SE CF Review

For some reviews from when the SE was in production, see those of Steven Ingraham and Kimmo Absetz at: Early Reviews SE and EII Porro Binoculars
And back in 2005 Henry conducted some interesting technical comparisons of the optics of the SE 8x32 and the EII 8x30: Review: 8x30 EII, 8x30 E, 8x32 SE


Numbering & Production
In relation to what I've observed, each of the three models had two number series (and observed ranges):
a) 8x32
• 500k (500,238 to 505,762)
• 550k (550,069 to 550,999)

b) 10x42
• 002k (002,220 to 008,655)
• 050k (050,157 to 050,604)

c) 12x50
• 300k (300,027 to 300,681)
• 350k (350,259 to 350,433)

So all were three produced in relatively small numbers, with the specialised 12x50 being by far the least popular.


John

 

[dries1]

John,

Thanks for this. Just to let you know, the SE 10X42 I believe was out in 1997 - prior to the 8x32 coming out, perhaps why the larger production #s - (I need to get this confirmed). Additionally I have a SE 12X50 with serial #3014XX.

Andy W.

 

[John A Roberts]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for that. Going back to Nikon’s own listing of introductions which dates from 2005 (and which I should have checked before posting!),
it indicates that:
• the 10x42 SE was introduced in 1995, while;
• both the 8x32 SE and 12x50 SE date from 1998.
See a copy courtesy of Ed at: Anyone know how Novar compares to Mikron?

And back when I was searching for info about the numbering of the Nikon Porros, I didn't concentrate as much on the SE's as either the EII's or E's.
So as with you, it's likely that others will also know of later units in the various number series.


John

 

[dries1]

Thanks John much appreciated, that info clarifies the SE production dates, as well as the Nikon HG DCF models in 8/10X42.
The serial number range with Nikon binoculars can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing. Brock did some research on the SE serial # ranges and provided some info, but at the end there were still ???s.

Regards,

Andy W.

 

[henry link]

I've noticed before that the date in Nikon's official History of 1998 for the introduction of the 8x32 SE is incorrect. I'm looking at my 8x32 SE sales receipt (serial # 500053) from Eagle optics which has a shipping date of October 27, 1997. Mine was from the first shipment they received.

 

[dries1]

I've noticed before that the date in Nikon's official History of 1998 for the introduction of the 8x32 SE is incorrect. I'm looking at my 8x32 SE sales receipt (serial # 500053) from Eagle optics which has a shipping date of October 27, 1997. Mine was from the first shipment they received.

Now I am really confused. Thanks to Henry we now know that the serial # starting point is 500XXX and 1997 for the SE 8X32. The one thing I am fairly sure of is that the SE 10X42 was the first to be delivered to marketplace.

 

[PeterPS]

a) 8x32
• 500k (500,238 to 505,762)
• 550k (550,069 to 550,999)




John

There also are a couple of hundred SE 8x32s with SN=551xxx, here is one sold on the BF:
https://www.birdforum.net/threads/nikon-se-8x32-binoculars-£350-postage-uk.332221/

 

[David Swain]

There also are a couple of hundred SE 8x32s with SN=551xxx, here is one sold on the BF:
https://www.birdforum.net/threads/nikon-se-8x32-binoculars-£350-postage-uk.332221/

Proud owner of 550,802. Not for sale.

 

[dries1]

Did someone ask you to sell them?

 

[puprescue]

Yesterday SUGS listed an SE 8x32 for sale, see the images at: https://www.birdforum.net/threads/nikon-8x32-se-cf.420403/
It prompted me to look at the information that I’d previously collected on SE numbering, which may be of interest to some.
(Corresponding information about Nikon’s other premium Porro EII and E lines is at: EII - Increased Brightness following on from 100th Anniversary Edition )


Overview
The SE was introduced in 1998 and last listed in 2013 [see the correction in post #3 below]. See a photo of an 8x32 from Tobias Mennle’s review (below).
Compared to Nikon's other leatherette covered premium Porro offerings, the SE is immediately recognisable by it's RA covering.
Optically, it differs from the EII series in having longer eye relief combined with a flat field image, see the specifications compared to those of the EII.

Tobias has reviewed the 8x32: greatestbinoculars: Nikon 8x32 SE binoculars review
Roger Vine has reviewed the 10x42: Nikon 10x42 SE CF Review
And also the 12x50: Nikon 12x50 SE CF Review

For some reviews from when the SE was in production, see those of Steven Ingraham and Kimmo Absetz at: Early Reviews SE and EII Porro Binoculars
And back in 2005 Henry conducted some interesting technical comparisons of the optics of the SE 8x32 and the EII 8x30: Review: 8x30 EII, 8x30 E, 8x32 SE


Numbering & Production
In relation to what I've observed, each of the three models had two number series (and observed ranges):
a) 8x32
• 500k (500,238 to 505,762)
• 550k (550,069 to 550,999)

b) 10x42
• 002k (002,220 to 008,655)
• 050k (050,157 to 050,604)

c) 12x50
• 300k (300,027 to 300,681)
• 350k (350,259 to 350,433)

So all were three produced in relatively small numbers, with the specialised 12x50 being by far the least popular.


John

very late reply, i have Nikon 8x32 SE number 505909. also 550189, which is in your specified range. also 12X50 SE 301045.

 

[dries1]

I have also seen an SE 10X42 with serial # 001XXX for sale in Japan.

 

[John Frink]

Proud owner of 550,802. Not for sale.

550,978 here.

 

[picknick]

Cool, I have 500985 on mine. Great Info.

 

[b-lilja]

550,826 original owner...NFS either .