Zeiss IF 6X30 (1 Viewer)

dries1 · Nov 12, 2022

I received this a couple of weeks ago, and have been looking for this model quite a while. One not brutalized.
It took a bit over a week to come from Sweden and was well worth the wait.

This one is in excellent condition for the age over ~ 50+/- years old, and the optics look as new the rubber is in incredible shape, (will have to determine what to put on it to preserve it) It came complete with the strap, leather ocular cover and the small pack for the eye filters, which were not included). The depth of field is incredible and being IF there is not much focus labor to get everything in view. The colors and resolution are top notch (incredible Zeiss craftsmanship) and the reticle in the right eyepiece is very subtle. The optics are fantastic for the age, and in collimation.
Allbinos states the civilian version was made from 1955-1961, however not sure if these were made later. The FOV is 8.5 degrees, with sufficient ER, for my eyes anyway (no glasses).
I may have to take a look at the new APM 6X30 CF model as well. These are very usable binoculars for a day out sightseeing and I am very pleased with them.

Andy W.

Pinewood · Nov 13, 2022

Hello Andy,

I have many 6x30 binoculars and one 6x32 (Eagle Optics Ranger), as well as a 6.5x32 (Meopta MeoPro). The latter two are CF, which makes a difference in bird watching. Even with great depth of field, CF is helpful. For other uses, the great depth of field, stability, and large exit pupil are most welcome. For some time, I used to carry the MeoPro and 10x32. Once when I did so, a New York Times reporter must have thought that I was a real enthusiast, as he included me in a video about Central Park.

I hope that you may make good use of the Zeiss.

Stay safe,
Arthur

dries1 · Nov 13, 2022

The other IF I have is a brass paper weight Kern Aarau -1954 6X24 IF military glass, with a very nice leather case. I had Suddarth provide service/cleanup, they were worth it. I use these formats while out in the countryside with no agenda. The Kowa 6.5X32 is also a nice CF, if one does not mind the distortion area adjacent to the field stop.
The Meopro 6.5X32 is a very good glass, I do not see many these days.

Andy W.

John A Roberts · Nov 13, 2022

Hi Andy,

Kind et al (the reference list from the now gone Europa site), shows:
a) The commercial 6x30 CF version was from 1955 to 1961, with an IF version from 1957 to 1964, and;

b) The D.F. 6x30B, with 18.3 mm ER, was from 1961 (with no end date given) - as yours appears to be.

D.F. is an abbreviation of doppelfernrohr, which literally means double telescope, and by convention indicates a military issue binocular.

Hopefully, there’ll be someone out there with more information.

John

dries1 · Nov 13, 2022

Thank you John for the info -( impressive as always) , they seem to have different coatings from the civilian 6X30 CF I am familiar with.

Andy W.

Foss · Nov 14, 2022

Super nice find Andy.
It may be possible to gently lift the outer edges of the rubber prism covers a wee bit, to peek for the serial number, which may inform the date.
~ Jack

dries1 · Nov 14, 2022

Jack,

I see two sets of numbers. 10811/62 under a number 3011- 165001

Binastro · Nov 14, 2022

1962?

Regards,
B.

dries1 · Nov 14, 2022

I think you could be right. After checking that would be my guess.

Andy W.

John A Roberts · Nov 14, 2022

Hi Andy,

See another example from a 2015 eBay listing from murrykin.

It has the usual Zeiss serial number on the front axle cap (#567738).

And similar markings to your unit, under the RA on the right prism plate cover:
• M 3011-165001; and
• 2720/60.

The first is the Swedish military model designation, and;
the second is the military’s consecutive serial number, along with the year of acceptance (?).

For more information, see three Swedish documents that I downloaded some years ago (they date from 2010, and no longer seem to be on line):
Optik 06 (a listing of service binoculars with their model designations)
Optik 0601 (the basic maintenance schedule for hand held binoculars).
and more generally
Optik 02 (a listing of service optics and their model designations).

John

james holdsworth · Nov 14, 2022

I thought all of these were labelled “Hensoldt”, interesting. Looks like a great specimen.

I've read up on the relationship between Zeiss and Hensoldt and it still not clear to me who makes what or the exact relationship between the two.

Binastro · Nov 14, 2022

Historica Collectibles an Italian site has the history of Nife the Swedish binocular maker.

Also, the connection to the early Meopta group.

I think that Zeiss bought Hensoldt.

Regards,
B.

Troubador · Nov 15, 2022

james holdsworth said:
I thought all of these were labelled “Hensoldt”, interesting. Looks like a great specimen.

I've read up on the relationship between Zeiss and Hensoldt and it still not clear to me who makes what or the exact relationship between the two.

Binastro is right, Zeiss bought the Wetzlar site and this included the Hensoldt business. The Zeiss brand name has been reserved for civilian optics and Hensoldt used on all military optics.

Lee

Gijs van Ginkel · Nov 15, 2022

James Holthworth, post 11,
In 1928 Zeiss became the ownwer of the Hensoldt company and since then the name Hensoldt is still used by Zeiss on different binoculars but basically they are Zeiss.
Gijs van Ginkel

garymh · Nov 15, 2022

Hi,

Zeiss decided a few years ago to move out of the military sector.

The Hensoldt and Carl Zeiss Optronics parts of the business were acquired by Cassadian Optronics in 2012.

In 2014 this became the Cassadian-Airbus DS Optronics group.

Gary

dries1 · Nov 15, 2022

Thanks John for that reference, much appreciated.

Sebzwo · Nov 15, 2022

Today the former Cassidian, then Airbus Defence and Space optronics business should be under the Hensoldt brand.

Optronics | HENSOLDT

The Optronics division of HENSOLDT designs, develops and manufactures optical, optronic and precision-engineered products for military, civil and security applications.

www.hensoldt.net

james holdsworth · Nov 15, 2022

So did / does Hensoldt actually manufacture binoculars or are they rebranded Zeiss?

Sebzwo · Nov 15, 2022

They were owned by the Zeiss group for a long time so legally Zeiss built them and used Hensoldt as their lower key military brand. Now this business got sold and separated. It is still permitted to use the Hensoldt name.
(no official statement just my personal perception)

Gijs van Ginkel · Nov 15, 2022

james holdsworth, post 18,
Hensoldt was by itself an excellent binocular producing company, started in 1897 with 7x25 binocular, made different porro binoculars and started its Dialyt series in 1910 (6x26 Universal Dialyt, 8x50 Marine Dialyt, 10x50 GebirgsDialyt, 16x50 Tele-Dialyt, 18x50 Astro-Dialyt . From 1928 to 1964 many different Hensoldt Dialyt models were made.
Gijs van Ginkel

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