Dialyt 10x40B bargain buy? (1 Viewer)

[Steve S.]

I seem to be on a roll of good fortune with classic binoculars at present. Last week I picked a Bausch and Lomb 7x36 Elite for an astounding £10 from an Antiques shop. Yesterday I couldn't resist a 10x40B Dialyt from around 1969 for just £40. They are working well being collimated and no visible fog or fungus but of course not as bright and contrasty as my modern roof prisms. As a rule I have not been a fan of 10x binoculars but they handle very well and because of the design I find I can hold them pretty well as steady as my 8x models
They do have issues which are visible when the optics are turned to an appropriate angle. The oculars appear to have pretty extensive coating damage (but no scratches of concern) and the right objective seems to have a little separation on one edge. The question is do I enjoy them as they are on good, well lit days or is a service really going to be worthwhile (or economical or even possible) given the issues.
The images shown show the optics in their worst possible light and from most angles these faults are not visible.

 

[Slc88c]

I'll echo what Blockcaver said. I had the same Zeiss in the 90's/early 2000's and then they were comparable to the older Swaros imo. But I've since graduated to Swaro EL's and there is no comparison to the older optics. In terms of sale, I'd say somewhere in the $400 to $600 range.

 

[Steve S.]

I don't really want to sell them. My main go to binocular is an 8x42 roof prism but if I need a 10x I find these very comfortable to use and adequate for the occasional time I might need them especially in good lighting. I am really wondering whether a service would really bring sufficient benefit to justify the the cost.

 

[Patudo]

Best person to advise re whether service is possible/worthwhile is Gary Hawkins at East Coast Binocular Repairs.

 

[Steve S.]

I did email ECBR last week but as yet I have received no reply. That said their website warns that they are very busy clearing a backlog of work at present and because of this are only taking Zeiss repairs. I may be best advised to wait a while and then phone them directly.