Pending more expert input, the green model will likely be more valuable assuming equal condition overall than black especially if the OEM accessories are in good condition and green in color. If the bag is leather and in good condition that usually adds @ $50 to the price.How much are Zeiss 7X fl worth in good condition with case and covers (green) UK.
I think these were much better than dialyt.
Are there good and bad years or is it just a case of what condition they are in?
What made them “much better”?How much are Zeiss 7X fl worth in good condition with case and covers (green) UK.
I think these were much better than dialyt.
Are there good and bad years or is it just a case of what condition they are in?
The "green" thing is a tricky one!How much are Zeiss 7X fl worth in good condition with case and covers (green) UK.
I think these were much better than dialyt.
Are there good and bad years or is it just a case of what condition they are in?
"I consider the difference between early and post Lotutec FLs to be a mixed bag. I like the easy cleaning that came with Lotutec, but all the pre-Lotutec examples I've seen (including a very early 8x42 I still own) have more neutral color transmission than any post-Lotutec example I've seen. After Lotutec FLs reflected more red from the exterior surfaces while early examples reflected more blue. FL color transmission developed a green bias at about the same time Lotutec was introduced. Whether this was directly related to the introduction of Lotutec or was due to another coating change made at about the same time I can't say for sure.In 2022, I bought a very nice pair of FL 7s for $1,300 US.
Mine are black. They really are in excellent condition. No scratches on the lenses, everything functions smoothly, the armor is secured well and is blemish free.
A Zeiss fan will have to help me out with the details, but during the time that the FLs were being manufactured they changed the coatings on the lenses, so the earlier models have a different lens coating than the later models. Zeiss calls the later model lens coating Lotutec. I am not sure if the Lotutec coatings resulted in a marked improvement or not. My pair of FLs were manufactured in 2008, which is during the Lotutec years. There is a little arch deal printed on the decal on the underside of the hinge that allows you to quickly identify if the model you are looking at is Lotutec or not.
So, there is definitely different years. Someone with more experience will have to share with us if one is preferable over the other.
Apologies if this is a little rambley and uncertain. It's been a while since I was asking these same kind of questions about the FLs.
That's right. Thanks so much for refreshing my memory. I could recall that the introduction of Lotutec was not without compromise, but was having a hard time remembering why."I consider the difference between early and post Lotutec FLs to be a mixed bag. I like the easy cleaning that came with Lotutec, but all the pre-Lotutec examples I've seen (including a very early 8x42 I still own) have more neutral color transmission than any post-Lotutec example I've seen. After Lotutec FLs reflected more red from the exterior surfaces while early examples reflected more blue. FL color transmission developed a green bias at about the same time Lotutec was introduced. Whether this was directly related to the introduction of Lotutec or was due to another coating change made at about the same time I can't say for sure.
If I were searching for a 7x42 FL I think I would find both pre and post Lututec examples acceptable, but I might actually prefer the early ones." @henry link
Andreas
Zeiss never supplied the green FL with green OEM accessories.Pending more expert input, the green model will likely be more valuable assuming equal condition overall than black especially if the OEM accessories are in good condition and green in color. If the bag is leather and in good condition that usually adds @ $50 to the price.
Some experienced members report a preference for the older pre LOTUTEC coated models, and IIRC you can search the forum for info on when those coatings were added by serial numbers for given models.
Mike
Zeiss never supplied the green FL with green OEM accessories.
The green FL was supplied with black rainguard and objective caps.
Zeiss never supplied the green FL with green OEM accessories.
The green FL was supplied with black rainguard and objective caps.
The cases for these are still available but they are now described as "Conquest HD x42 case"Thanks for the info! That confirms what the person who sold me his green 8x32 told me.
What I wonder though, is if one can still find a new/NOS original Zeiss bag for them (the correct type ànd size). The bag of my 7x42 has some seams that appear worn out. Not putting the binoculars at risk yet, but I'm not sure how long they will last anymore. Some seams of the bag of my 8x32 are in better state,though a bit worn/used too and I use them more often,thus they might 'catch up'. (As opposed to the bags, the binoculars are in perfect state. There is only the focuser of my 8x32 that would need some love of a professional to make it smooth again.)
It doesn't happen often, but I do like the original bags of the FL's!
The cases for these are still available but they are now described as "Conquest HD x42 case"
It is exactly the same as the FL x42 case.
Zeiss part number is : 000000-1976-008
Gary
"I consider the difference between early and post Lotutec FLs to be a mixed bag. I like the easy cleaning that came with Lotutec, but all the pre-Lotutec examples I've seen (including a very early 8x42 I still own) have more neutral color transmission than any post-Lotutec example I've seen. After Lotutec FLs reflected more red from the exterior surfaces while early examples reflected more blue. FL color transmission developed a green bias at about the same time Lotutec was introduced. Whether this was directly related to the introduction of Lotutec or was due to another coating change made at about the same time I can't say for sure.
If I were searching for a 7x42 FL I think I would find both pre and post Lututec examples acceptable, but I might actually prefer the early ones." @henry link
Andreas
I would love to have a 7x42 Dialyt BGA T*P*, i read only good things about them and i think they are a true classic that is still very usable.@Saxatilis I have two Zeiss 7x42 as well - 7x42 Dialyt BGA T*P* and FL T*FL (non Lotutec) green model. Both are very relaxing to view through - more than any other binocular I have used. I also value their wide FoV, great depth of field and durability.
@Thotmosis Unfortunately, I do not own a pair of Z 15x60 - I foolishly passed on an opportunity to buy a new pair at a very good price. They make an excellent pair in all respects.
I have the same with my Leica’s UVHD an Trinovid BN. The Ultravid is maybe a tad brighter and lighter but the BN feels (for me) ergonomically better, especially the eyecups. And also for some reason they are more relaxing to view through. I had also the same experience when comparing my old Zeiss 15x60 with a brand new NL Pure 14x52, although the Swarovski is a beautifull instrument that is extremely light, bright and sharp, the Zeiss won for me.Although they are not quite as good optically as the FL, they are (I find) a little more relaxing to view through. I also find them very good ergonomically and yes, still very much a useable birding bino.