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Leitz 7x42BA late example in excellent condition. Ever since the elegant series of Trinovids was introduced in 1963, starting the trend towards roof prism glasses by all manufacturers, the Leitz Trinovids have been unsurpassed for the quality of their construction and longevity. The 7×42 model came out in 1968, advertised as a night glass which will fit in the inside pocket of a man’s jacket. I read Dr G. van Ginkel’s article (https://www.houseofoutdoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/TEST-VAN-HISTORISCHE-40-50-mm-KIJKERS-VAN-CANON-LEITZ-LEICA-OPTOLYTH-TENTO-ZEISS-JENA-EN-ZEISS-WETZLAR-MEI-2015.pdf) on classic binoculars recently, to learn that this 7×42 model was improved with multi-coatings in the 1980s resulting in a light transmission of 87% [The highest of all the binoculars he covered – even the 8×50 Zeiss Octarem had a lower transmission than this 7×42]. So I searched for one from the 1980s, eventually finding this one in America & contributing substantially to the UK Customs. This example was built in 1982. I bought this and a 10x40BA from the 1980s and found that both were indeed considerably brighter than any earlier Trinovid model which I have owned in the past. The currently available 7x35B with modern coatings costs c.1250, has a light transmission of c.91%, but it is still only a 7×35, compared with which, in my testing, even with my old eyes, this 7×42 is clearly superior in the lowest light. The body strikes one initially as being near new, but, on very close examination I see that the green rubber has an 11mm surface scratch/tear on the top near the right objective and a 3mm scratch/tear near the left eyepiece (I have tried to show both in one of my photographs). The paint of the focus wheels is worn in places. There are, most importantly, no problems with the optics. As I hope is apparent from the photographs, there are no marks on the lenses, the focus is a great pleasure to use, not only velvet smooth but geared so that obtaining perfect focus is easier than with any other binocular that I have used. Overall I rate this as the best and nicest night glass to use, benefitting from being the most compact and lightweight. I am selling most of my binoculars now – because of age (my own, not the binoculars!) and because I can’t stop buying the interesting ones I have never owned, to try them out, putting my conclusions into writing a few books on binoculars and monoculars. Limits of storage space dictate having to part with most.Dispatched with Royal Mail Special Delivery at my expense.
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Category: Cameras and Photography:Telescopes and Binoculars:Binoculars and Monoculars
Location: Herts