Swift Audubon 8.5x44 Model 804 (3 Viewers)

[elkcub]

Very interesting. I’d assume the the Holiday/Panoramics went through the same evolution. Same with the focuser position.

Paul,
I didn't really follow models other than the Audubon, to preserve my sanity, but yes they all went through a similar evolution. The focuser location also partially correlated with whether they were American or European (writ broad) models.
Ed

 

[has530]

the eye relief ahmmm......., looks tight.

I got the worst of both worlds from that problem when I briefly owned these. My eye socket shape with the big metal eyecups meant I couldn't get them close enough to see the full FOV while my long eyelashes were still brushing on the eye lenses. Definitely doesn't work for everyone!

 

[Mikbul]

I love my HR5's!

 

[Paultricounty]

I love my HR5's!View attachment 1524410

Nice glass! Imo this one and the same model with the FMC glass are the best in the whole Audubon series. Better in some ways than the ED model.

 

[Paultricounty]

A few 804R’s.

 

[Patudo]

The first attachment shows a 1965 Audubon with your Holiday on the computer screen in the background. They are the same mechanics, but only provide a measly 3mm more eye relief.

Elkcub do you use your Audubon with the metal eyecups in that position? My Swift #766 has similar eyecups but I need them turned all the way down to see the (very wide) field of view.

I have to admit I'm not a fan of those metal eyecups - much prefer rubber. When I fiddled with the metal eyecups on mine the fit etc. did not inspire confidence at all - in complete contrast to the rest of the binocular which I thought was extremely well made.

 

[elkcub]

Elkcub do you use your Audubon with the metal eyecups in that position? My Swift #766 has similar eyecups but I need them turned all the way down to see the (very wide) field of view.

I have to admit I'm not a fan of those metal eyecups - much prefer rubber. When I fiddled with the metal eyecups on mine the fit etc. did not inspire confidence at all - in complete contrast to the rest of the binocular which I thought was extremely well made.

Patudo,
I fully agree. I'm not a fan of the metal eyecups either, and like you prefer rubber — which were an innovation at the time. At this point they've become an achilles heel, however, since they are no longer manufactured and must be carefully preserved. I do that with a coating of ArmorAll every so often and it's works quite well. I wear glasses, and the rubbers need to be folded over without breaking, but I don't like leaving them in a folded position.
Regards,
Ed

 

[jebe68]

Just wrote my appraisal for the HR/5.... but not for the ED model

Still using your HR/5?

G'day Wes, Where there are Swift binoculars being discussed I will probably be floating around (usually reading rather than posting). I like the 804ED very much. With luck I might this week even get the required combination of clear skies, not being tired and not having to get up early the...

www.birdforum.net

 

[dozercsx]

My FMC Audubon's are still the finest glass I have ever owned... HR/5 2b(4) which we worked through with Elkub and team a few years back.
Still as awesome as ever, and in pristine condition. Center Field is simply better than anything I have ever looked through in contrast/ sharpness (I just tested them again). Let's GO Birding!
SN 971471, build tag J-B56 (Hiyoshi Kogaku, Japanese builders)

p.s. I just picked up her big sister, a Swift Navigator Mk1 7x50 (check out my "Barn Find" post) same builder, a year newer (1998), I'm putting her through her paces right now...

 

[z-ben]

These are good bins I have a pair of MC HR5 I am parting with BUT they are filthy inside so need a good clean if anyone is interested I do not fancy dismantling/re-assembly they are in good cosmetic mechanical order otherwise.