Carl Zeiss 7 X 50 B (1 Viewer)

[tenex]

I don't know why the rubber on some of these binos has such issues, unless perhaps subjected to high heat? We had both the 7x50 and 15x60 in our family (1980s T* vintage), the latter for three decades, and never had discoloration or cracking. It stayed quite nice and flexible.

Steve, you've said nothing about the glass surfaces and internals, which will matter more to value than the cosmetic condition of the rubber bits. But it's such a lovely (and rare) thing I'd be tempted to keep it. Do you like it yourself? Some people prefer 7x and this was my father's model of choice, which he carried around in our mountains and other areas of the western US. Individual focus is not for birders (nor is this weight), but for other purposes, at 7x you can find a setting that works and just leave it.

 

[SteveDean]

Tenex. I agree with your thoughts, I have an eclectic range of collections of what I consider fine engineering. These include beautiful books, motorcycle helmets, watches, Vintage RC cars etc. The family member who left me these binoculars also left a stunning 1977 Seiko 6138 chronograph, which I wear regularly, plus his actual snow combat trousers from WW2. But for whatever reason I have not bonded with these bins, they’ve simply sat in my cupboard for years. Understanding more about binoculars, and these in particular over the past few days, I realise it would be ‘tragic’ for these to sit in the dark never to be used. This Covid lock down has concentrated my mind somewhat on different unfinished projects, hence the decision to move a number of items on. Hope that makes sense!

Reference the internals, I’m not an expert, learning the majority of things about Zeiss from this forum over the past few days. But, they do seem in remarkably good condition. The coating and lenses are unmarked, and there seems to be no leakage or condensation on the inside. I suspect they’ve spent their life cosseted in a cupboard. This particular family member was a successful rep for CK TOOLS and was partial to buying German luxury items when he fancied and never using them.

 

[Recoil Rob]

I've had a pair of the black 7x50BGAT for years, the rubber covers can rip, here in the US I get replacements direct from Zeiss.

 

[wllmspd]

Cloudynights members do like “mining” thrift stores for rare arcanely labelled binoculars, but they also do appreciate good quality and 7x50nis a good size for dark skies.

Peter

 

[SteveDean]

All good updates guys, thank you

 

[Patudo]

.. But for whatever reason I have not bonded with these bins, they’ve simply sat in my cupboard for years.

This very much struck a chord, Steve. My father collects watches and pens that I have no affinity for and which, if they were left to me, would mostly be moved on.

 

[gaborpinter]

Interest

SteveDean,

I have sent you a private message.

Kind regards,

Gabor

 

[102874]

Good afternoon all. I'm from the US. Several years ago I inhera pair of Carl Zeiss 7x50B black rubber covered binoculars. Made in West Germany. A "T*" is on them also. Used them a few times. Then recently became curious if they are any value , like the person who started this thread. Found a couple on Ebay recently but don't seem to exactly match mine. Very good condition I think considering the age and just a very few scuffs. Appear to never been really cleaned up. I haven't done anything to them. Anyone that can give a realistic value to them or someone to email with pictures? Thanks for any help!

 

[Sebzwo]

Those were really good and expensive ones back then.
I'd let them clean and refurbish (seals, gaskets and such) at some professional place with original parts first. Zeiss would be best. Better don't disassemble it yourself and don't "clean" it yourself. You might damage it.

"Only a few scuffs" covers a very wide range. In good condition they might be like 500 bugs or more. But people would look for "new old stock" mint condition with no damage and scratches at all and only really top condition coatings and optics plus maybe even the original packaging, bag and paperwork including sales receipt and proof of maintenance.