Passing of Dr. Hans T. Seeger, 1939 to 2025 (1 Viewer)

[John A Roberts]

On Holger's site there's a recently added photo and caption, indicating the passing of Hans Seeger,
Homepage Holger Merlitz

A quick search shows a post by Holger on the German language site Optische Systeme Julich from last Wednesday,

Dr. Hans T. Seeger, 1939 - 2025

Translated by Google it reads:
'I was sad to learn today that Hans Seeger passed away last Friday. We have lost our greatest binocular historian and most productive author
of binocular books. For me he was a binocular father and a close friend, and he will continue to be with us in his works.'

a) from Holger's site, b) from his post at OSJ (cropped):



Among his many accomplishments Hans wrote two authoritative works on Zeiss binoculars:
a) 1894 to 1919, aka the Blue Book, 850 pages, and;
b) 1919 to 1946, aka the Green Book, 920 pages.


John


p.s. A thread on the passing of Hans can be found on the Binocular History Society's site Binopedia.
It includes reminiscences and photos by many who new him: Login
You may need to become a member to view the thread (?).
For those interested in older binoculars and other optics, the site includes much content not found elsewhere.

 

[Holger Merlitz]

Thanks, John, for spreading the sad news. For Binopedia, registration is needed, but no membership of the BHS.

Holger

 

[Foss]

Rest in peace, Dr. Hans Seeger. Your accomplishments will be long remembered.

 

[Omid]

Thanks, John, for spreading the sad news. For Binopedia, registration is needed, but no membership of the BHS.

Holger

Hello Holger,

I hope all is well with you. Do you know if Dr. Walter Bessenmatter is still alive?

-Omid

 

[John A Roberts]

Hi Omid,

In relation to Walter, he passed away some time ago:

Since this is a topic on "Who made it" I think it is time to honor Dr. Walter Besenmatter (1938-2010), top-class optics designer. He was born in Austria, worked for many years at Eumig in Vienna, where he was in charge of the development of objective lenses for Movie camera's and projectors. After that he worked for Schneider-Kreuznach and then went to Zeiss Oberkochen and Hensoldt-Wetzlar later Carl Zeiss Wetzlar. In that last period of his life he was responsible for the optical design of the Victory FL binocular line, still cherished by many. He published quite a few papers on that matter and a number of his designs were patented. For his optical calculations and designs he used a stand-alone computer, since he did not want the interference of hackers or other unwanted persons to walk away with his work.
Dr. Besenmatter was a very friendly and very nice man and he is missed by his colleagues and his family, but many of us still enjoy the fruits of his work with the excellent Victory FL binoculars/telescopes.
The picture I show here I made during a visit of the Zeiss company in Wetzlar some years ago.
Gijs van Ginkel

John

 

[Omid]

Thank you, John, for the quick response. So, sadly, Dr. Besenmatter has passed away too.