Zeiss 20 x 60 S binoculars; real or fake? (1 Viewer)

[BobK]

Trying to identify these as real or fake. The eyepiece looks different than what I've seen online. What do you think?

 

[BobK]

Trying to identify these as real or fake. The eyepiece looks different than what I've seen online. What do you think?

Also, I noticed that the rivets on the case don't match what I've seen online.

 

[Scott98]

How could these possibly be fake? It would cost too much to make a replica of these, the innards are super complicated!

 

[PYRTLE]

How could these possibly be fake? It would cost too much to make a replica of these, the innards are super complicated!

Indeed, whilst the other "oddities" could be post purchase adaptations, retro fitted. Perhaps a line to Zeiss with the serial number search or a detailed assessment by a native independent binocular technician ( probably scarcer than the instrument ).

 

[BobK]

How could these possibly be fake? It would cost too much to make a replica of these, the innards are super complicated!

Well, the Japanese are very good at making reproductions of just about everything. A few years ago, I bought a Swarovski binocular at an estate auction. Although the optics are pretty good and they look the part, I just don't believe that they are real. Doesn't matter much as I only paid $5 for them

 

[John A Roberts]

Hi Bob,

Compared to most other images, the only difference to the eyepieces seems to be that the the rubber eyecups are folded down.
e.g. eyecups unfolded vs folded:




John

 

[BobK]

Hi Bob,

Compared to most other images, the only difference to the eyepieces seems to be that the the rubber eyecups are folded down.
e.g. eyecups unfolded vs folded:

View attachment 1547752


John

Yes, I see that now.

 

[tenex]

Well, the Japanese are very good at making reproductions of just about everything. A few years ago, I bought a Swarovski binocular at an estate auction. Although the optics are pretty good and they look the part, I just don't believe that they are real. Doesn't matter much as I only paid $5 for them

Would you care to post a couple of photos? (if you believe I'm real of course )

Welcome to Birdforum, by the way.

 

[wllmspd]

Gary at east England bino repair is a zeiss mender and could probably help with serial number or other detail determination.

Peter

 

[Hermann]

Real, from what I can see.

However, if you think about buying them ... With the 20x60S it's essential that you thoroughly check the binoculars if the stabilizer works. Very thoroughly.

Hermann

 

[Foss]

+ 1 ^^^

 

[BobK]

Would you care to post a couple of photos? (if you believe I'm real of course )

Welcome to Birdforum, by the way.

 

[PeterPS]

Why do you suspect that these are fake? They look real to me: a pair of Habicht 8x30 apparently made at the end of 2000.

 

[Scott98]

btw....Bob how do you like the big Zeiss? Have you been able to use them. Have always been tempted to try a pair.

 

[John A Roberts]

Hi again Bob (post #12),

It’s an original SLC 8x30 W Mk I, that was made from 1985 to 1989. See post #9 and on at: Slc 8x30
As shown, yours is marked 8x30 W and has the narrower diameter eye lens of the Mk I.

And the serial number 7051309A indicates May 1987 production, see tables 1 and 2 at: Swarovski's Alpha-Numeric Numbering Explained


John

 

[BobK]

Hi again Bob (post #12),

It’s an original SLC 8x30 W Mk I, that was made from 1985 to 1989. See post #9 and on at: Slc 8x30
As shown, yours is marked 8x30 W and has the narrower diameter eye lens of the Mk I.

And the serial number 7051309A indicates May 1987 production, see tables 1 and 2 at: Swarovski's Alpha-Numeric Numbering Explained


John

Thanks for the info. I guess I didn't do too bad for $5. I didn't get the Zeiss binos though. Money is tight right now and I chickened out at $1300.

 

[BobK]

btw....Bob how do you like the big Zeiss? Have you been able to use them. Have always been tempted to try a pair.

I didn't get them. I really didn't have a use for them and money is a bit tight right now. I chickened out at $1300. I'll probably kick myself later.

 

[Binastro]

With the Zeiss 20x60S, I am not sure how long the magnets last at full strength.
The warranty used to be five years, but I think it is now ten years.
I don't know if this transferable.
But they were introduced about 1990.

So far as I am concerned, despite its several drawbacks, It is the finest binocular I have used.
The central resolution is very high and it is near to astro quality.

You need to be fit and strong to use it for long periods.

Also dropping it can be expensive.

Although I used to hand hold my 1975 Japanese Celestron 20x80 at a much heavier 2.5 kgs.
This is easier pointed up at 45 degrees at night than held horizontally.

I also used to hand hold the Zoomar 180mm f/1.3 lens at about 6.5 kg plus camera. But just long enough to get the photo.

I wouldn't buy a Zeiss 20x60S unseen and untested.
Unless it was $5.


Regards,
B.

 

[Hermann]

With the Zeiss 20x60S, I am not sure how long the magnets last at full strength.
The warranty used to be five years, but I think it is now ten years.

My 20x60S Mono is well over 20 years old. No problems with the stabilizer at all.

Modern permanent magnets last a long, long time.

Hermann

 

[Binastro]

Thanks.

Regards,
B.