Steve C
Well-known member
We are always getting into this discussion on some level in various posts on multiple threads. The question I think needs to be discussed. Bear with me here there are lots of questions to follow. 
So as it says in the title, what is a binocular factory? For instance, we hear there are very few places in the world that qualify. The number is typically less than the number of fingers on two hands. So let us list these places. Who are they, where are they, and why, in your either/or professional/personal opinion, deserving of a place on your list?
What does this factory or facility (whatever you think it should be called) need to do to make your list? For example, if they do not mix, pour, cure, cut grind, polish, and coat glass for every conceivable lens application in a binocular, are they banished from your list? What if they do not cast their own binocular bodies, mold their own armor, and machine their own focus mechanisms? What if they do not manufacture every single component on the binocular bearing their name we remove brand new from the box? Are they a factory? If not a factory how do you define them? Are there a number of units needed in terms of annual production in order to make the list? Can they make only their own brand name, or can they make instruments for multiple customers?
Where does the line from “factory” to “facility” happen? My thinking of the definition of facility here is at some point they cease making enough of a percentage of their own components to be booted in disgrace from your list. For your list, what is that point? Is there a size limit to this facility (or whatever name you wish to use)? Where does manufacturing fade into assembly?
Is the only legitimate entity in your thinking confined to your definition of a factory? We hear about how many “brands” are nothing more than poor Johnny come lately excuses who just go to one of said factories on your list, buy whatever they have on the shelf for the right price, put their name on it and sell it to an ignorant and unsuspecting public. There has to be, it would seem to me, a continuum of sorts between on one hand the super factory that does it all, to the poor pitiful re-brander of somebody else’s goods.
There is the endless debate of who makes it? Where is it made? Like somebody thinks their bargain brand binocular is great simply because they have convinced themselves it is made by some company who makes this really great brand for somebody else. This cheap one I bought is great too because it is made by the same outfit.. It has been pointed out many times the germane points are design, quality, workmanship, warranty, and service. How much mixing of these can occur outside of your factory?
I hope this is sufficient to make the point of the post and enough to start a discussion. There are lots of questions I asked, certainly there are more than those I asked.
I have other points that I’ll bring up as the discussion progresses. I hope it progresses as I happen to think it has potential to be pretty useful. The point is there must be some sort of definition concerning what is or is not legitimate.
So as it says in the title, what is a binocular factory? For instance, we hear there are very few places in the world that qualify. The number is typically less than the number of fingers on two hands. So let us list these places. Who are they, where are they, and why, in your either/or professional/personal opinion, deserving of a place on your list?
What does this factory or facility (whatever you think it should be called) need to do to make your list? For example, if they do not mix, pour, cure, cut grind, polish, and coat glass for every conceivable lens application in a binocular, are they banished from your list? What if they do not cast their own binocular bodies, mold their own armor, and machine their own focus mechanisms? What if they do not manufacture every single component on the binocular bearing their name we remove brand new from the box? Are they a factory? If not a factory how do you define them? Are there a number of units needed in terms of annual production in order to make the list? Can they make only their own brand name, or can they make instruments for multiple customers?
Where does the line from “factory” to “facility” happen? My thinking of the definition of facility here is at some point they cease making enough of a percentage of their own components to be booted in disgrace from your list. For your list, what is that point? Is there a size limit to this facility (or whatever name you wish to use)? Where does manufacturing fade into assembly?
Is the only legitimate entity in your thinking confined to your definition of a factory? We hear about how many “brands” are nothing more than poor Johnny come lately excuses who just go to one of said factories on your list, buy whatever they have on the shelf for the right price, put their name on it and sell it to an ignorant and unsuspecting public. There has to be, it would seem to me, a continuum of sorts between on one hand the super factory that does it all, to the poor pitiful re-brander of somebody else’s goods.
There is the endless debate of who makes it? Where is it made? Like somebody thinks their bargain brand binocular is great simply because they have convinced themselves it is made by some company who makes this really great brand for somebody else. This cheap one I bought is great too because it is made by the same outfit.. It has been pointed out many times the germane points are design, quality, workmanship, warranty, and service. How much mixing of these can occur outside of your factory?
I hope this is sufficient to make the point of the post and enough to start a discussion. There are lots of questions I asked, certainly there are more than those I asked.
I have other points that I’ll bring up as the discussion progresses. I hope it progresses as I happen to think it has potential to be pretty useful. The point is there must be some sort of definition concerning what is or is not legitimate.
