Shape and color of Leitz-logo? (3 Viewers)

[Etiennef]

I recently got hold of a really nice pair of Leitz Trinovids 8x32. I've been wanting a well preserved pair for quite some time, primarily because of the super stylish retro-appearance. :t:

During the time I was looking for a pair noticed that the logotype appears in (at least) 4 different forms. I would guess that the logo has been modified over time, but if anyone knows a bit more about dates or has any other info about the revisions, it would be very interesting to hear about it.

The different logos I've encountered are the following, arranged in what : believe is the chronological order for these:

1. No outlined logo, just the "Leitz"-text under one of the eyecups.
2. Rectangular logo in black on the binocular body.
3. Circular logo in black, same location as above.
4. Circular logo in red, same location as above.

I'm not sure about the exact appearance of the red logo. But based on many pictures Iv'e seen the red logo, unlike the black ones, doesn't seem to have the relief-effect on the writing.
(The does however not apply to the armored versions.)

I was keen to get one with a circular black logo, which actually does not seem to be that common. I usually see the rectangular one or the circular red one (on Ebay and other auction sites). The one without an outline I only see a bit now and then, especially when it comes to the 10x40 version...

(Perhaps it's insignificant little details to most, but I typically find these things quite interesting. It would be interesting to get some more information if such exists).

 

[NDhunter]

There is a post here on the Leica subforum from 2-19-2012, with some history and leads to more about the early Leitz and Leica binoculars.
garymh. who posts here used to work for Leica, now with Zeiss, and
he wrote a book on the history of Leitz, Leica. That would be a great thing to get.
He is a great guy and helpful with questions about ser.#'s, changes, etc. He has a large collection
and I do recall him posting some pictures of some of them.

I hope this helps. Those early Leitz and Leicas are very desirable.

Jerry

 

[mnich]

I recently got hold of a really nice pair of Leitz Trinovids 8x32. I've been wanting a well preserved pair for quite some time, primarily because of the super stylish retro-appearance. :t:

During the time I was looking for a pair noticed that the logotype appears in (at least) 4 different forms. I would guess that the logo has been modified over time, but if anyone knows a bit more about dates or has any other info about the revisions, it would be very interesting to hear about it.

The different logos I've encountered are the following, arranged in what : believe is the chronological order for these:

1. No outlined logo, just the "Leitz"-text under one of the eyecups.
2. Rectangular logo in black on the binocular body.
3. Circular logo in black, same location as above.
4. Circular logo in red, same location as above.

I'm not sure about the exact appearance of the red logo. But based on many pictures Iv'e seen the red logo, unlike the black ones, doesn't seem to have the relief-effect on the writing.
(The does however not apply to the armored versions.)

I was keen to get one with a circular black logo, which actually does not seem to be that common. I usually see the rectangular one or the circular red one (on Ebay and other auction sites). The one without an outline I only see a bit now and then, especially when it comes to the 10x40 version...

(Perhaps it's insignificant little details to most, but I typically find these things quite interesting. It would be interesting to get some more information if such exists).

Rare logo on the attached photo, binoculars in beautiful condition

 

[Troubador]

I recently got hold of a really nice pair of Leitz Trinovids 8x32. I've been wanting a well preserved pair for quite some time, primarily because of the super stylish retro-appearance. :t:

During the time I was looking for a pair noticed that the logotype appears in (at least) 4 different forms. I would guess that the logo has been modified over time, but if anyone knows a bit more about dates or has any other info about the revisions, it would be very interesting to hear about it.

The different logos I've encountered are the following, arranged in what : believe is the chronological order for these:

1. No outlined logo, just the "Leitz"-text under one of the eyecups.
2. Rectangular logo in black on the binocular body.
3. Circular logo in black, same location as above.
4. Circular logo in red, same location as above.

I'm not sure about the exact appearance of the red logo. But based on many pictures Iv'e seen the red logo, unlike the black ones, doesn't seem to have the relief-effect on the writing.
(The does however not apply to the armored versions.)

I was keen to get one with a circular black logo, which actually does not seem to be that common. I usually see the rectangular one or the circular red one (on Ebay and other auction sites). The one without an outline I only see a bit now and then, especially when it comes to the 10x40 version...

(Perhaps it's insignificant little details to most, but I typically find these things quite interesting. It would be interesting to get some more information if such exists).

Etienne

My wife's 1976 Trinovid 8x40s has the black circular Leitz logo. I believe that the red circular one was introduced shortly after this when production was moved to the Leica factory in Portugal.

You will find the following site helpful: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Roof-Prism_Leica_Binoculars

Lee

 

[jan van daalen]

I recently got hold of a really nice pair of Leitz Trinovids 8x32. I've been wanting a well preserved pair for quite some time, primarily because of the super stylish retro-appearance. :t:

During the time I was looking for a pair noticed that the logotype appears in (at least) 4 different forms. I would guess that the logo has been modified over time, but if anyone knows a bit more about dates or has any other info about the revisions, it would be very interesting to hear about it.

The different logos I've encountered are the following, arranged in what : believe is the chronological order for these:

1. No outlined logo, just the "Leitz"-text under one of the eyecups.
2. Rectangular logo in black on the binocular body.
3. Circular logo in black, same location as above.
4. Circular logo in red, same location as above.

I'm not sure about the exact appearance of the red logo. But based on many pictures Iv'e seen the red logo, unlike the black ones, doesn't seem to have the relief-effect on the writing.
(The does however not apply to the armored versions.)

I was keen to get one with a circular black logo, which actually does not seem to be that common. I usually see the rectangular one or the circular red one (on Ebay and other auction sites). The one without an outline I only see a bit now and then, especially when it comes to the 10x40 version...

(Perhaps it's insignificant little details to most, but I typically find these things quite interesting. It would be interesting to get some more information if such exists).

According to Gary Hawkins book about the story of the Leica Trinovid, on page 13 he states:
The first example from 1962 carried the Leitz script logo engraved on the letter ring around the eyepiece.
In 1965 this was changed to a black square logo on the front right side of the body.
In 1971 it was changed into a black circular logo.
In 1977 this logo was changed into red with the single word Leitz (no Wetzlar written under it anymore) in silver.

Hopes this clears it for you.

Jan

 

[Troubador]

According to Gary Hawkins book about the story of the Leica Trinovid, on page 13 he states:

In 1977 this logo was changed into red with the single word Leitz (no Wetzlar written under it anymore) in silver.

Jan

Jan, does Gary confirm the red circle marked the move of production to Portugal?

Lee

 

[Etiennef]

According to Gary Hawkins book about the story of the Leica Trinovid, on page 13 he states:
The first example from 1962 carried the Leitz script logo engraved on the letter ring around the eyepiece.
In 1965 this was changed to a black square logo on the front right side of the body.
In 1971 it was changed into a black circular logo.
In 1977 this logo was changed into red with the single word Leitz (no Wetzlar written under it anymore) in silver.

Hopes this clears it for you.

Jan

Thanks, this is very helpful.

The only thing that conflicts a bit with this is the info below (although i believe your source is more reliable ).

You will find the following site helpful: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Roof-Prism_Leica_Binoculars

Yeah, I've looked around a bit on that site and found it helpful. But some of the details can be a bit off I noticed (although most of the info seems reasonable).

For example: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Trinovid_6_x_24

If the 6x24 only was produced in 1963-1965, it should reasonably not be available with a round logo. But the picture clearly shows just that.

Although It could be the result of a repair. Alternatively it was produced a bit later as well.

 

[jan van daalen]

Jan, does Gary confirm the red circle marked the move of production to Portugal?

Lee

Hi Lee,

Yes, that's correct but his book is full of hundreds of anecdotes like that

Jan

 

[jan van daalen]

Thanks, this is very helpful.

The only thing that conflicts a bit with this is the info below (although i believe your source is more reliable ).




Yeah, I've looked around a bit on that site and found it helpful. But some of the details can be a bit off I noticed (although most of the info seems reasonable).

For example: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Trinovid_6_x_24

If the 6x24 only was produced in 1963-1965, it should reasonably not be available with a round logo. But the picture clearly shows just that.

Although It could be the result of a repair. Alternatively it was produced a bit later as well.

Do You have a serialnr, so I can look up for you the date when it's manufactured?

Jan

 

[Etiennef]

Do You have a serialnr, so I can look up for you the date when it's manufactured?

Jan

Ah, even better

773148

It's the 8x32 150m @ 1km version if it makes any difference.

 

[Etiennef]

Speaking of odd versions: I came across this one some time ago on the Swedish equivalent to Ebay.
http://www.tradera.com/item/342678/232877846/seitz-wetzland

It sold for some serious cash (about 225 EUR) considering that it's in exceptionally bad exterior shape. And the seller did not really get the title correct either...


It has both the rectangle-logo, and the engraving near the eyecup.

On the other hand it's quite easy to swap the rings with the serial number, even by accident (if you have two binoculars). Just unscrewing the eyecup will release the ring.

 

[jan van daalen]

Ah, even better

773148

It's the 8x32 150m @ 1km version if it makes any difference.

1973

 

[Etiennef]

1973

Ah, nice!
Thank you very much!

 

[Elmer Fudd]

Counterquestion: how does the old workhorse perform in comparison with one of the newer fellas?

And for those who like literature:

 

[Elmer Fudd]

The show must go on:

 

[Elmer Fudd]

And finally:

 

[Troubador]

Warhorse

This is what a well-used 1976 Leitz Trinovid 8x40 looks like :king:

Lee

 

[Etiennef]

Thanks for the product booklet.

Regarding performance It's a bit hard for me to provide any comparison to today's equivalent since I actually don't own any new binoculars of that caliber.

But I have a Docter Aspherical 8x32 from the 1990's, and the Docter is clearly better when it comes to brightness and contrast. The Leitz is a bit dull in comparison.

My overall impression is that the Leitz, at typical eBay bidding prices, is more or less on par with new optics in the same price range. If looking for pure optical performance there are of course better second hand options for that price.

But of course I did not buy them for performance. I bought them because they are super cool in a very stylish retro-way!
I ordered a new strap to replace the old one in leather. Now it only look really good and do not give any "old" impression at all.

-

Some other observations:
The field of view is better on the Leitz than the Docter (spec says 150m vs 130m), but I must admit I have a hard time to actually position my eyes so the whole field can be seen at once. Nevertheless, 150m is well above average even today, so even with some loss I have plenty of margin to most modern binoculars.

The only really annoying thing I have noticed is that my eyelashes have a tendency to just come into contact with the ocular lenses a bit now and then. This results in small amounts of smear on the lenses over time. It does not exactly affect optical performance at any significant level, but it's annoying and does not happen on any other binocular I have.

I'm thinking about replacing the eyecups with new ones. The ones I have are a bit cone-shaped, and a new pair would probably give me some extra clearance.

 

[Etiennef]

I took the Leitz for some more extensive testing today. And now I feel I should revise my previous statement a bit.

When the light is plenty the optics in the Leitz perform really good. I tried using the binoculars in "B-mode" (eyecups folded back), and this made it much easier to get a full field of view.
When you do get the full view it's really a "Wow!"-experience. With such a wide view you almost forget that you are looking through binoculars.

The only really annoying thing is the eyelash-issue, which gets worse with the eyecups folded back. I could of course go hunting for a longer eye relief version of the Leitz, but at the same time the FOV will go down to 130m... It would be a shame to lose one of the stand-out optical features of the binocular.

 

[garymh]

If the 6x24 only was produced in 1963-1965, it should reasonably not be available with a round logo. But the picture clearly shows just that.

Although It could be the result of a repair. Alternatively it was produced a bit later as well.

A later run of the 6x24 was produced for the American market due to high demand for this model. The binoculars from this later production run carried the round logo. I am still trying to get a date for this later run (as information about it is very hard to find) but my lists of serial numbers show that it was after 1971.

I like to think that most of my info is as correct as possible as I spent years studying Trinovids from information in the Leica archives.


Gary.