New Old Trinovids (1 Viewer)

[Boogieshrew]

Dennis,
one thing that does make me a little unsure about the 7x35 is the narrow focus wheel. It is so small.

How do you find it? Is it hard to use? How do you think it would be ok with gloves on?

How does it compare to the Nikon SE 8x32 focus wheel? That’s the one I own that reminds me most of the Retrovid. I’ve never used it with gloves on though.

Seasons greetings

Talking of gloves, I wonder if the Retrovid focus will be stiff in the cold?

 

[ceasar]

Here is a picture of the Leica Ultravid HD 7x42 next to the Retrovid 7x35. Although the height is not greatly different the Ultravids are bulkier and chunkier than the much slimmer Retrovid's. The Ultravid's weigh 28 oz. and the Retrovid's weigh 21 oz. for a weight comparison.

Regarding the picture of the 7x35 shown in post 258 above: Why is the binocular called "Retrovid" when it says "Trinovid" on it?

Bob

 

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Regarding the picture of the 7x35 shown in the post above: Why do they call the binocular "Retrovid" when it says "Trinovid" on it?

Bob

That is a name we started calling them on Bird Forum. They are actually Trinovid's.

 

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Dennis,
one thing that does make me a little unsure about the 7x35 is the narrow focus wheel. It is so small.

How do you find it? Is it hard to use? How do you think it would be ok with gloves on?

How does it compare to the Nikon SE 8x32 focus wheel? That’s the one I own that reminds me most of the Retrovid. I’ve never used it with gloves on though.

Seasons greetings

Talking of gloves, I wonder if the Retrovid focus will be stiff in the cold?

The focus wheel is a little narrow but it is big in diameter so you have more leverage and it has nice indents on it. I find the focuser similar to a Nikon SE or EII too. The focus action is really smooth and fairly easy with just the right amount of tension. Leica's in general use greaseless focusers so I think this one would work fine in the cold and gloves should not be a problem with it. I was looking the binocular over and it is really a piece of art work. The craftsmanship and machining on it is superb. You could very well display it in a display case.

 

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Just did a quick search to check availability. Found the rubber and silver leatherette version for AUD1800 and 1995 respectively. Not sure if they were ready to ship or back order but both AU sites and non Leica store. The Leica store has mention but no pricing, it'll be absurd when they do.

Looks like the site with the rubber version is backorder while the silver leatherette is available for purchase. That price however I could buy an SLC or (almost an) EDG and paid not much more for my UV+ (was a good deal). Then there's the MHG for 500 less.
I'm sure for many the value is there/justified though.

That is interesting. I think just the leatherette versions are available in the US. The SLC, EDG or MHG are nice but they are not a piece of art work like the Retrovid. If you like to collect binoculars the Retrovid should be at the top of your list.

https://www.leicacamerausa.com/?gcl...c2wQjNszshnK6OfLlCh7fBIX8B6OjwfRoCplAQAvD_BwE

 

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Have to disagree with the above.
While I don't have a 7x35 Retrovid or intend to buy one, I can say that the Zeiss 8x25 which I do have is clearly much more compact as it just about folds in half and weighs very little. There's no comparison here and it's been greatly discussed regarding small binoculars vs true compacts. Secondly I find the Zeiss to view and handle excellently regardless of EP size and so on. I actually find it similar in viewing comfort to my Leica UV+ 7x42 whereby I find the '12-'15 Trinovid 8x42 much more comfortable by comparison.
I'm sure the Retrovid are nice but to be reasonable they are not a true compact nor waterproof with the main charm being their housing (not to mention the 7x35 form factor which may be appealing to some).

Quite a few members have commented how comfortable the Zeiss Victory's 8x25 are. I think what it is you got lucky and that binocular even though it only has a 3mm exit pupil fit's your eye sockets and face perfectly so the exit pupil even though it is small hit's your eye perfectly. Usually a bigger exit pupil will be more comfortable because it gives you more room to move your eyes around in it. Do you find the Zeiss 8x25 to be brighter than your Leica Ultravid HD 7x42 in low light also?

 

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You're confusing me Dennis. Are the rubber versions not retro or are they too military looking? Never mind.

I will say they are a most attractive bin to me, leather or rubber. Their form and configuration (7x35 versions) are right in my wheelhouse.

They are just available in leatherette so rubber armor is just a distant dream. I think Leica went with just leatherette because they feel it has more of a vintage look.

 

[F88]

That is interesting. I think just the leatherette versions are available in the US. The SLC, EDG or MHG are nice but they are not a piece of art work like the Retrovid. If you like to collect binoculars the Retrovid should be at the top of your list.

https://www.leicacamerausa.com/?gcl...c2wQjNszshnK6OfLlCh7fBIX8B6OjwfRoCplAQAvD_BwE

I agree. Aesthetically and collection wise they show their value above.

 

[F88]

Quite a few members have commented how comfortable the Zeiss Victory's 8x25 are. I think what it is you got lucky and that binocular even though it only has a 3mm exit pupil fit's your eye sockets and face perfectly so the exit pupil even though it is small hit's your eye perfectly. Usually a bigger exit pupil will be more comfortable because it gives you more room to move your eyes around in it. Do you find the Zeiss 8x25 to be brighter than your Leica Ultravid HD 7x42 in low light also?

We've discussed this prior but to revisit I don't feel they match my eyes or face perfectly. Like many who use them without glasses they fall a bit short on the eye cup extension as do to UV+ 7x42 for me. However regarding the 8x25 I easily accommodate this by brow positioning/angle. if it were a real faff I'd be looking to modify the cups (add wings etc) or simply choose another binocular but I make them work easily so I don't have a problem. I can't simply jam them into my eye sockets like I can with my Trinovid for example but for a compact I find the viewing quality, comfort and handling excellent.
Brightness, of course once things get dim a full size binocular has its advantages but considering the size difference it's not as dramatic as you may expect.
Comfort wise, in my collection, I find my '12-'15 Trinovid 8x42 and EDG 8x32 more comfortable than my UV+ 7x42 so make of it what you will. Eye relief vs cup extension at play is part of it.
I don't dispute EP size vs comfort but it doesn't always tell the full story.
The 3mm (EP) of the 8x25 doesn't struggle for me.

 

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We've discussed this prior but to revisit I don't feel they match my eyes or face perfectly. Like many who use them without glasses they fall a bit short on the eye cup extension as do to UV+ 7x42 for me. However regarding the 8x25 I easily accommodate this by brow positioning/angle. if it were a real faff I'd be looking to modify the cups (add wings etc) or simply choose another binocular but I make them work easily so I don't have a problem. I can't simply jam them into my eye sockets like I can with my Trinovid for example but for a compact I find the viewing quality, comfort and handling excellent.
Brightness, of course once things get dim a full size binocular has its advantages but considering the size difference it's not as dramatic as you may expect.
Comfort wise, in my collection, I find my '12-'15 Trinovid 8x42 and EDG 8x32 more comfortable than my UV+ 7x42 so make of it what you will. Eye relief vs cup extension at play is part of it.
I don't dispute EP size vs comfort but it doesn't always tell the full story.
The 3mm (EP) of the 8x25 doesn't struggle for me.

I agree with about everything you said. The Zeiss 8x25 fell way too short on the eye cup extension for me and that was the primary reason I sold them. I also found them a bit finicky for eye placement like most compacts. Like you my UV HD 7x42's are a little short on eye cup extension also. I find my EDG 8x32 and 8x42 more comfortable than my UV HD 7x42. The new Retrovid 7x35 is actually more comfortable than my UV HD 7x42. I can touch the eye cups to my eye sockets without getting black outs.

 

[F88]

I agree with about everything you said. The Zeiss 8x25 fell way too short on the eye cup extension for me and that was the primary reason I sold them. I also found them a bit finicky for eye placement like most compacts. Like you my UV HD 7x42's are a little short on eye cup extension also. I find my EDG 8x32 and 8x42 more comfortable than my UV HD 7x42. The new Retrovid 7x35 is actually more comfortable than my UV HD 7x42. I can touch the eye cups to my eye sockets without getting black outs.

Before the Zeiss I briefly owned some UV 8x20 which I quickly came to realise were just too finicky and simply not worth the fuss for compact convenience. The Zeiss on the other hand have been one of my best binocular buys, otherwise I would simply give up on compacts had I not had such a good experience.
I can completely understand why many won't tolerate a compact due to them being finicky or too compromised in view and/or handling. This is why, for me, the Zeiss are so good.
Anyway, back to the Retros. How's the view? Clearly it's quite good and comfortable which are greatly important factors. On a less arbitrary level how's things like the colour balance and contrast? As I've said before my EDG (8x32) are my favourite view in part because I like their bold rich colour and contrast.
Care to elaborate on your impressions and/or comparison?

 

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I had the UV 8x20 and I too found them too finicky. I like the view on the Retrovid a lot. Like most Leica's they have beautiful saturated colors and excellent contrast. In that respect they are similar to my EDG's. The EDG's being flat field have sharper edges but the Retrovid has quite good edges. I almost think they are a little sharper than the UV. If you don't look closely at them you would think they are tack sharp but they are a little less sharp than the EDG. The 7x35 format is very bright even in low light with it's 5mm EP. I think the 7x35 format could be better for some people rather than the 8x32. Both have their advantages. The 7x35 could be a full time birding binocular if it wasn't so pretty to look at.

 

[NDhunter]

Have there ever been originals with eyecups that push in and out? I think they all came with foldable rubber eyecups (or else fixed ones earlier).

You are correct the original eye cups are fixed, and they are not really foldable.

Some users just cut the rubber down for more eye relief for eyeglasses.
They easily remove for modification or cleaning.

I would enjoy a photo of the late original red label Leica next to the new
model. I wonder if the new one is as slim as the UP prism model.

Jerry

 

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The new Retrovids 7x35 are W 4.2 H 5.2 D 2.0 inches. If somebody has the old Trinovids 7x35 perhaps they could measure them and then we could see which is smaller.

 

[F88]

Thanks for your impressions Dennis and I hope you have plenty of time to enjoy the Retros over Christmas.
Cheers mate.

 

[zzzzzz]

You are correct the original eye cups are fixed, and they are not really foldable.

Some users just cut the rubber down for more eye relief for eyeglasses.
They easily remove for modification or cleaning.

I would enjoy a photo of the late original red label Leica next to the new
model. I wonder if the new one is as slim as the UP prism model.

Jerry

Posted by Canip

 

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Posted by Canip

It looks like the new Retrovid is as slim as the original Trinovid. I guess the SP prisms didn't make much difference versus the UP prisms as far as size and optically UP prisms have no advantage either. Outside of the slide up eye cups on the new Retrovid they look almost exactly alike. I am amazed how small the 10x40 Retrovids are. They are almost small and slim as the 7x35. It is a good idea the way the optical tube just flares out at the objective end to keep the optica tubes slim. That would be a handy sized binocular with a 10x40 format! Hmmmm.

 

[ceasar]

This thread is confusing and has the potential to become much more confusing!

Is it definite that what we have been calling the new "Retrovid" binoculars, despite the fact that the binocular has TRINOVID printed on it, have SP Prisms rather than Uppendahl Prisms?

Is there any information from Leica identifying the type of prisms used in them?

Bob

 

[45northmt]

If you get a Retrovid you GOT to have leather or it wouldn't be a Retrovid.

I'll have to disagree with you... they were available with rubber armoring starting at least in the 1970's. And a couple years ago when these were initially announced, a rubber armored model was to be offered. I'm not easy on binoculars, and want nothing to do with leather.

Too bad, I'd have bought an armored 7x35...

 

[45northmt]

Here's the Original-Neo-Retro-Trinovid from a couple years ago...

https://www.leicastoresf.com/242934?quantity=1&custcol2=193