My beloved is in love......with her Leica Trinovid 7x35's (1 Viewer)

[greekgeek]

Good luck on the eyecups and positioning, hopefully there is a chance to adapt with it given some practice.

Leica really made something special with these Retrovids.

Does anyone know, is the eyecup's inner diameter larger on the 40mm objective model? I never took measurements myself but now I am curious about that.

Edit: just checked, they are all about 25mm ID on the cups. About 21mm eyepiece diameter.

 

[greekgeek]

Just wanted to share a slightly unconventional case idea for those with the 7x35. While I do like the OEM leather pouch, it does not offer much protection from bumps. Here is what I am using.




For some time Delta was issuing Tumi cases. Nice and sturdy, the Leica's fit very snuggly within the lined hardshell. They came with a blank embossable leather ID spot, which a Tumi store will add up to 3 (or 4?) letters for free.

If you happen to have one, it's a nice option. If not, these can be found online for $10-20 USD.

 

[mwhogue]

No expert here. Some initial subjective thoughts directly comparing in various conditions my new Leica Trinovid / "RETROVID" 7x35 with a pristine Leitz 7x35 and an optically and mechanically excellent Leitz 8x40 (the latter two on loan courtesy of a good friend and fellow member) for those who have expressed interest in having both a Leica and a Leitz in the same configuration.

The Leica has the brightest image, more noticeable in direct comparison. A bit surprising to me, the Leitz 8x40 appears to have a brighter image than the Leitz 7x35 -- the 8x may be a latter model with upgraded coatings. In direct very bright light I can see that some people might prefer the Leitz image as the Leica is maybe / nearly too bright (!?). In overcast conditions / dimmer light the differences in image brightness are more noticeable.

For those who don't get along with the Leica eyecups, the original Leitz firm rubber eyecups on these examples are in great condition and just a tiny bit larger in diameter and may be more comfortable.

The two 7x35s are almost identical but the position and size of the bridge is slightly different and it feels like the weight distribution is a bit different as well, maybe because of the different prisms and other internal differences. Both are a pleasure to hold and use and I go back and forth on which I (slightly) prefer.

The Leitz 450' FOV is not as noticeable as I expected when compared to the Leica's 420', but haven't yet had the chance to compare them beyond @200 yards.

So my initial thought is, if someone has a good Leitz version it may not make sense to "upgrade" to Leica unless the plan is to do a good bit of birding in dimmer light.

If someone has a Leica, it may not make sense to get the same configuration in a Leitz unless a larger FOV is desired for at least some uses.

All the usual caveats including YMMV and the optical and mechanical condition of the particular Leitz under consideration.

Mike

 

[Thotmosis]

No expert here. Some initial subjective thoughts directly comparing in various conditions my new Leica Trinovid / "RETROVID" 7x35 with a pristine Leitz 7x35 and an optically and mechanically excellent Leitz 8x40 (the latter two on loan courtesy of a good friend and fellow member) for those who have expressed interest in having both a Leica and a Leitz in the same configuration.

The Leica has the brightest image, more noticeable in direct comparison. A bit surprising to me, the Leitz 8x40 appears to have a brighter image than the Leitz 7x35 -- the 8x may be a latter model with upgraded coatings. In direct very bright light I can see that some people might prefer the Leitz image as the Leica is maybe / nearly too bright (!?). In overcast conditions / dimmer light the differences in image brightness are more noticeable.

For those who don't get along with the Leica eyecups, the original Leitz firm rubber eyecups on these examples are in great condition and just a tiny bit larger in diameter and may be more comfortable.

The two 7x35s are almost identical but the position and size of the bridge is slightly different and it feels like the weight distribution is a bit different as well, maybe because of the different prisms and other internal differences. Both are a pleasure to hold and use and I go back and forth on which I (slightly) prefer.

The Leitz 450' FOV is not as noticeable as I expected when compared to the Leica's 420', but haven't yet had the chance to compare them beyond @200 yards.

So my initial thought is, if someone has a good Leitz version it may not make sense to "upgrade" to Leica unless the plan is to do a good bit of birding in dimmer light.

If someone has a Leica, it may not make sense to get the same configuration in a Leitz unless a larger FOV is desired for at least some uses.

All the usual caveats including YMMV and the optical and mechanical condition of the particular Leitz under consideration.

Mike

Thanks for the report Mike. Did you noticed difference in focus action between Leitz/Leica?

 

[PatR]

Mike great info as I am on the look out for a pair of 10x40’s and there are several Leitz’s around. Thank you. There are a couple of new one’s available but not cheap. Just gorgeous bino’s.

 

[mwhogue]

Thanks for the report Mike. Did you noticed difference in focus action between Leitz/Leica?

Good reminder Thotmosis, I keep forgetting to mention that. Focus function on all three is smooth and uniform no lag or difference in either direction. Resistance (as opposed to maybe focus speed) of both Leitz are identical. The Leica has noticeably less resistance than either Leitz.

Mike

 

[greekgeek]

No expert here. Some initial subjective thoughts directly comparing in various conditions my new Leica Trinovid / "RETROVID" 7x35 with a pristine Leitz 7x35 and an optically and mechanically excellent Leitz 8x40 (the latter two on loan courtesy of a good friend and fellow member) for those who have expressed interest in having both a Leica and a Leitz in the same configuration.

The Leica has the brightest image, more noticeable in direct comparison. A bit surprising to me, the Leitz 8x40 appears to have a brighter image than the Leitz 7x35 -- the 8x may be a latter model with upgraded coatings. In direct very bright light I can see that some people might prefer the Leitz image as the Leica is maybe / nearly too bright (!?). In overcast conditions / dimmer light the differences in image brightness are more noticeable.

For those who don't get along with the Leica eyecups, the original Leitz firm rubber eyecups on these examples are in great condition and just a tiny bit larger in diameter and may be more comfortable.

The two 7x35s are almost identical but the position and size of the bridge is slightly different and it feels like the weight distribution is a bit different as well, maybe because of the different prisms and other internal differences. Both are a pleasure to hold and use and I go back and forth on which I (slightly) prefer.

The Leitz 450' FOV is not as noticeable as I expected when compared to the Leica's 420', but haven't yet had the chance to compare them beyond @200 yards.

So my initial thought is, if someone has a good Leitz version it may not make sense to "upgrade" to Leica unless the plan is to do a good bit of birding in dimmer light.

If someone has a Leica, it may not make sense to get the same configuration in a Leitz unless a larger FOV is desired for at least some uses.

All the usual caveats including YMMV and the optical and mechanical condition of the particular Leitz under consideration.

Mike

Neat review, thanks. What are your thoughts on. Color rendition and contrast levels? Also on a related note, resolution of fine detail, I'd be interested to hear how they compare if you have the time and inclination.

 

[mwhogue]

Neat review, thanks. What are your thoughts on. Color rendition and contrast levels? Also on a related note, resolution of fine detail, I'd be interested to hear how they compare if you have the time and inclination.

At this point, the most noticeable although slight difference in color rendition is the Leitz seem to emphasize green. In ideal bright conditions today, the Leica image approaches surreal. Contrast and fine detail are very close between the three, too close for me to intelligently disect. I will be continuing to compare these, hopefully soon on the beach, and will post regarding anything further which may be of interest.

Mike

 

[greekgeek]

At this point, the most noticeable although slight difference in color rendition is the Leitz seem to emphasize green. In ideal bright conditions today, the Leica image approaches surreal. Contrast and fine detail are very close between the three, too close for me to intelligently disect. I will be continuing to compare these, hopefully soon on the beach, and will post regarding anything further which may be of interest.

Mike

Perhaps a bit off topic, but your post inspired me to break out Trinovid's long lost cousin today, the B&L Elite 8x42. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattering, and these are dead ringers for the Leitz/Leicas. Optically superb for their generation, they pay homage to the Leitz design. I have not been able to compare them to their contemporary Trinovid's but would like to. The views are still sharp and beautiful ~37 years on.

The only thing holding me back is the lack of replacement rubber eyecups. I have had I think 3 pair of vintage binoculars with failed rubber eyecups, so now I am hesitant to buy any more. Hopefully some entrepreneur will find a business model to source or 3D print replacements. I get a little nervous each time I roll these cups down and up...

As great as they are, they don't hold up to the luscious colors, deep contrast, and immersive view of the Retrovid 8x40. It truly is the best of both worlds, timeless design + modern optics.

 

[PatR]

Perhaps a bit off topic, but your post inspired me to break out Trinovid's long lost cousin today, the B&L Elite 8x42. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattering, and these are dead ringers for the Leitz/Leicas. Optically superb for their generation, they pay homage to the Leitz design. I have not been able to compare them to their contemporary Trinovid's but would like to. The views are still sharp and beautiful ~37 years on.

The only thing holding me back is the lack of replacement rubber eyecups. I have had I think 3 pair of vintage binoculars with failed rubber eyecups, so now I am hesitant to buy any more. Hopefully some entrepreneur will find a business model to source or 3D print replacements. I get a little nervous each time I roll these cups down and up...

As great as they are, they don't hold up to the luscious colors, deep contrast, and immersive view of the Retrovid 8x40. It truly is the best of both worlds, timeless design + modern optics.

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Love 'em. That is all!

 

[nickw_]

Hello All,

Just thought I would share an update. I ended up sending the Retrovid's back about a month ago. As shared, I really liked most things about them, but the eyecups and the resulting hand position (ergonomics/grip) just didn't work for me. I could do it for a time, but it wouldn't be comfortable for an extended session that way.

If Leica ever releases a 7x35 UV I would be all over it! As it stands now, I'll probably try some Zeiss 7x42 FL's or T*P*'s as a second set for my wife and I.

Cheers,
Nick

Edited for spelling.

 

[Thotmosis]

If Leica ever released a 7x35 UV I would be all over it

Me too.

As it stands now, I'll probably try some Zeiss 7x42 FL's or T*P*'s as a second set for my wife and I.

The FL is also a very nice binocular.

 

[nickw_]

Me too.

If we are to dream, the 7x35 UV’s would have a 60° AFoV.

I would order a set today if they existed.

 

[Paultricounty]

Hello All,

Just thought I would share an update. I ended up sending the Retrovid's back about a month ago. As shared, I really liked most things about them, but the eyecups and the resulting hand position (ergonomics/grip) just didn't work for me. I could do it for a time, but it wouldn't be comfortable for an extended session that way.

If Leica ever releases a 7x35 UV I would be all over it! As it stands now, I'll probably try some Zeiss 7x42 FL's or T*P*'s as a second set for my wife and I.

Cheers,
Nick

Edited for spelling.

There’s alway the UV7x42. In some ways better than the 7x35 retros.

 

[Trinovid]

There’s alway the UV7x42. In some ways better than the 7x35 retros.

Just looking through my 7x42 Ultravid last night and while it's my premium binocular, it's still much bulkier than the 7x35. Definitely need both.

 

[Paultricounty]

Just looking through my 7x42 Ultravid last night and while it's my premium binocular, it's still much bulkier than the 7x35. Definitely need both.

Absolutely, I agree with both those statements.

Those retros are are such a nice package.

 

[PatR]

Just looking through my 7x42 Ultravid last night and while it's my premium binocular, it's still much bulkier than the 7x35. Definitely need both.

Thanks a bunch.

By sheer chance I saw this post before my beloved and was able to change the password before she could log on. Otherwise I would be tasked with getting a soulmate for her 7x35’s.

Definitelyneedboth is a very rude Welsh word.

This is a money pit of a forum.

 

[Rg548]

Me too.

The FL is also a very nice binocular.

7x42's t*p* in ther classifieds now

 

[Paultricounty]

Thanks a bunch.

By sheer chance I saw this post before my beloved and was able to change the password before she could log on. Otherwise I would be tasked with getting a soulmate for her 7x35’s.

Definitelyneedboth is a very rude Welsh word.

This is a money pit of a forum.

You can say that again. But some other equipment hobbies are much worse, try classic and vintage handguns, crazy!!

You know you can’t take it with you. 😜

 

[nickw_]

There’s alway the UV7x42. In some ways better than the 7x35 retros.

I also have the 7x42's, they are probably my favourite all around set.