Production year Zeiss 8x30 B GA IF / Safari (1 Viewer)

[Thotmosis]

After reading this great story by John Dracon last week (post#21) i came upon a used specimen and couldn't resist buying it online.

You are stuck on a desert island for 25yrs...what are your chosen binocs?

I would select a binocular that had a proven history of being rugged, waterproof, mechanically dependable and had decent optics. It would also possess the ability of redundancy. My choice might surprise many BF posters. It would be Zeiss's 8x30 IF Safari roof with P coating. Why? Read on...

www.birdforum.net

Yesterday i got this "new" binocular, the Zeiss 8x30 GA IF aka Safari, with SN 833297. It's in a really good state and im positively surprised about the optical quality. It will be used as a hiking binocular.

Can somebody determine what year it was produced? Thanks a lot.

T.

 

[Bird_watcher123]

After reading this great story by John Dracon last week (post#21) i came upon a used specimen and couldn't resist buying it online.

You are stuck on a desert island for 25yrs...what are your chosen binocs?

I would select a binocular that had a proven history of being rugged, waterproof, mechanically dependable and had decent optics. It would also possess the ability of redundancy. My choice might surprise many BF posters. It would be Zeiss's 8x30 IF Safari roof with P coating. Why? Read on...

www.birdforum.net

Yesterday i got this "new" binocular, the Zeiss 8x30 GA IF aka Safari, with SN 833297. It's in a really good state and im positively surprised about the optical quality. It will be used as a hiking binocular.

Can somebody determine what year it was produced? Thanks a lot.

T.

According to Zeiss, this one is from 1971 and if I'm not mistaken as long as it's not the military model, they still repair this binocular.

 

[Thotmosis]

Thanks BW123, I just called Zeiss and you are right: 1971. More than 50 years old!
It's the military model in green, see picture. The nice guy from Zeiss I spoke to said they probably don't service it anymore but he can recommend some company that could service it if necessary. The rubber is known for deterioration.

I almost can't believe it's that old because I thought the old models had (made in) West-Germany on it and the rubber looks good. Only with a magnifying glass I can see tiny cracks. Maybe the rubber armor is replaced somewhere during this 51 years, who knows. Also the objective lens has a blue / purple like color, I thought this was a sign that it has phase coating. So I was completely wrong .

 

[Bird_watcher123]

Thanks BW123, I just called Zeiss and you are right: 1971. More than 50 years old!
It's the military model in green, see picture. The nice guy from Zeiss I spoke to said they probably don't service it anymore but he can recommend some company that could service it if necessary. The rubber is known for deterioration.

I almost can't believe it's that old because I thought the old models had (made in) West-Germany on it and the rubber looks good. Only with a magnifying glass I can see tiny cracks. Maybe the rubber armor is replaced somewhere during this 51 years, who knows. Also the objective lens has a blue / purple like color, I thought this was a sign that it has phase coating. So I was completely wrong .

That's a nice piece with some real history to it. It's unfortunate they don't repair it, but it seems this one is in great condition, do they feel like they are in alignment ?

 

[John A Roberts]

This IF model differed optically and mechanically from the regular CF 8x30B Dialyt that was offered in three versions, for over 40 years from 1964 to 2004!
See the images and details for the CF model at: Optical design of 1980s Dialyt 8x30

The IF model was offered commercially as shown in the specifications from a 1998 catalogue.
And it was offered with additional features for military users: a choice of two reticles, and; external 'umbral'/ sunglass lenses for very bright conditions.
See a flyer from 1996 marked Hensoldt AG Zeiss Group. At the time, the Hensoldt brand was used for Zeiss military specific products.

One obvious difference in the IF specifications is the narrower FOV of 120 m at 1000 m (360 ft at 1000 yd) vs the 135 m specification of the CF model.


John

 

[Thotmosis]

Yes it is tack sharp and no scratches at all on the objective lenses and eyepieces. Very strange after 50 years.
I compared the Zeiss with my other 8x30's (Habicht 8x30 IF from 2012 and Leica UVHD from 2014) and these are more bright and sharper but the old Zeiss still holds it ground. For hiking -for me- still usable.

 

[corvid-8]

UK has some for sale

Used Zeiss Classic 8 x 30 BGA Dialyt - York Camera Mart

- Free delivery available on all orders over 50 pounds. Come and see us in our York store, or call 01904 642491

yorkcameramart.co.uk

Also these may be of interest to Nikon EDG fans

Used Nikon 8x32 ED G Binoculars

This product comes with: ✔ Front Cap✔ Carry Case✔ Neck Strap Condition: Excellent the body shows light sign of use. Optics are clear Stock No: US42

www.cambrianphoto.co.uk

 

[Thotmosis]

This IF model differed optically and mechanically from the regular CF 8x30B Dialyt that was offered in three versions, for over 40 years from 1964 to 2004!
See the images and details for the CF model at: Optical design of 1980s Dialyt 8x30

The IF model was offered commercially as shown in the specifications from a 1998 catalogue.
And it was offered with additional features for military users: a choice of two reticles, and; external 'umbral'/ sunglass lenses for very bright conditions.
See a flyer from 1996 marked Hensoldt AG Zeiss Group. Hensoldt was then the Zeiss military products subsidiary.

One obvious difference in the IF specifications is the narrower FOV of 120 m at 1000 m (360 ft at 1000 yd) vs the 135 m specification of the CF model.


John

Thanks John, based on the pictures in the brochure from 1998 and the picture from the post of corvid-8 the rubber armor from my specimen is most likely replaced.

 

[Thotmosis]

UK has some for sale

Used Zeiss Classic 8 x 30 BGA Dialyt - York Camera Mart

- Free delivery available on all orders over 50 pounds. Come and see us in our York store, or call 01904 642491

yorkcameramart.co.uk

Nice one corvid-8, this one must be before 1989 because it reads West-Germany.

 

[henry link]

Notice that the T* designation is missing from the Safari in the 1998 catalogue in John's post #5. It's also missing from my 2000 catalogue and a 1993 price list. It appears this binocular was was probably never multi-coated. I don't think P coating is certain either. Anybody have a 1989-2004 production unit that they could test for phase correction?

 

[Thotmosis]

Hi Henry,
I don’t know if it‘s ok to post a link to eBay here, the mods must erase it if not ok.

On one of the pictures from the seller we can see a sticker with a red P and the text “With phase corrected roof prisms”

CARL ZEISS Dialyt Binoculars 8x30 B GA Safari W Box & More FABULOUS Germany $800 | eBay

<p>CARL ZEISS Dialyt Binoculars 8x30 B GA Safari W Box & More FABULOUS Germany $800. </p><p>These are GREAT !!! Included is the box, papers extra pieces and original purchase invoice…14.99 to ship…FREE DOMESTIC RETURNS </p>

www.ebay.com

 

[Thotmosis]

Notice that the newer models (from?) have screws at the lower bridge, while my 1971 model don’t have this screws.

 

[henry link]

Thanks Thotmosis, I think that takes care of my doubts about P coating. You can also see in the photos of the objectives and eyepieces that the AR coating is not T*, most likely single layer.

Notice that the description in the middle photo in Post #5 says "spraywater-proof", a euphemism for "not submersible". Screws on the bridge usually cover purging ports, so maybe those units are fully waterproof and nitrogen purged.

 

[Thotmosis]

Thanks Thotmosis, I think that takes care of my doubts about P coating. You can also see that the AR coating is not T*, most likely single layer.

How can you see that Henry?

Notice that the description in the middle photo in Post #5 says "spray water-proof", a euphemism for "not submersible". Units with screws probably are fully waterproof and nitrogen purged.

That was also my first thought, it looks like the screws on my Habichts. Some pictures for comparison of the objective lenses. I don’t know if it‘s any use but if you like green…

 

[henry link]

How can you see that Henry?

View attachment 1459929

From the pale blue/rose reflection colors, which match my old "T" single-coated Zeiss binoculars and the reflections coming from your early Safari's objective lens in the above photo.

 

[Thotmosis]

From the pale blue/rose reflection colors, which match my old "T" single-coated Zeiss binoculars and the reflections coming from your early Safari's objective lens in the above photo.

Thanks for explaining Henry, very interesting. Just compared the Safari with my Zeiss 15X60 BGAT with T* and the lenses of the big Porro have a deep purple color. Fascinating stuff.

 

[tenex]

Is it possible that a 1971 Dialyt was at some point serviced by Zeiss and upgraded to phase-coated prisms, hence the sticker? (Have you tested for that, T?)

Also, I suppose that the narrower FOV is not a function of being IF, just part of changes over time in 8x30 Dialyt models?

 

[Thotmosis]

Is it possible that a 1971 Dialyt was at some point serviced by Zeiss and upgraded to phase-coated prisms, hence the sticker? (Have you tested for that, T?)

Also, I suppose that the narrower FOV is not a function of being IF, just part of changes over time in 8x30 Dialyt models?

Tenex, i have to clarify that the link in post#11 is not about my binocular. Sorry if i was not clear about that. It was a response to Henry about T* coatings and i found the ebay listing in my research. If i understand it all well Zeiss added T and P coatings during the production of this model as they did with other models. The "strange" thing with my specimen is that it's from 1971 but has the rubber armor from a later model, so i think that the rubber armor was replaced during its 51 year existence. The idea that Zeiss also replaced the old prisms with phase coated prisms is very nice though. I compared the Zeiss this evening with my other 8x30's and the difference is very clear. But im still impressed with the old Zeiss.

I know from postings here on BF from Henry that there is a procedure to determine if there is phase coating yes or no. If im correct i need polaroid sunglasses. I will investigate this later because the single malt is making me sleepy 😇

 

[John A Roberts]

As to 'Was phase coating present on later regular production - as opposed to a service upgrade?'

Arthur (aka Pinewood) noted back in 2016:
' . . . the Zeiss 8x30 Safari, individual focus roof prism glass is another rugged binocular. Only the last editions of this binocular had phase coating.'
See post #6 at: Swarovski 7x42 Porro vs. Zeiss 7x40 EDF Roof... - Binoculars - Cloudy Nights


John

 

[Thotmosis]

I dont know how accurate the information on allbinos is.

Carl Zeiss Dialyt 8x30 B/GA T* ClassiC oliv - binoculars specification - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

Manufactured in 1967-2004.
In 1979 T* antirelfection multilayer coatings added.
In 1988 phase-correction P* coatings added.

EDIT: I just got confirmation from Zeiss Sport Optics Wetzlar Germany this morning that the above information is correct.