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Message: <blockquote data-quote="paddy7" data-source="post: 3611399" data-attributes="member: 88594">Some of it may be accountable by folks willing to pay a premium for gear that remains true to its roots, still owned and manufactured by the same company in the same place.It's not just optics companies that tend to establish a market for themselves, perhaps based on good quality and reasonable price, before selling out, with the new owners shipping production somewhere cheaper (and we know where that is), but continuing to make a killing based on the previous reputation until the 'new reality' kicks in.I've been amazed recently to find how many walking boots (many from 'good' names) are now assembled in the Far East, with many former fans nostalgic for the good old days....So perhaps, you have to accept a little 'authenticity tax'</blockquote>