Questions about Leitz (not Leica) 8x32 (1 Viewer)

[b-lilja]

Locally there is a mint pair of 8x32 Leitz for $500. They are of jewel-like quality, and I was actually fairly stunned by how good they are (my standard bin are Nikon EII's). They are clearly an older set - I didn't record the serial number but there was no logo. If I remember right they don't have the cursive lettering - I think block.

I favor 8x30ish bins and have been on the lookout for another pair - been thinking about some Nikon SEs but these somehow have my attention.

Can someone share the differences between Leitz and Leica? Are they the same? Qualitative differences? These just felt very restful on the eyes, which I rarely find with bins, even brand new Leicas I've tried.

Thanks!

 

[ceasar]

Locally there is a mint pair of 8x32 Leitz for $500. They are of jewel-like quality, and I was actually fairly stunned by how good they are (my standard bin are Nikon EII's). They are clearly an older set - I didn't record the serial number but there was no logo. If I remember right they don't have the cursive lettering - I think block.

I favor 8x30ish bins and have been on the lookout for another pair - been thinking about some Nikon SEs but these somehow have my attention.

Can someone share the differences between Leitz and Leica? Are they the same? Qualitative differences? These just felt very restful on the eyes, which I rarely find with bins, even brand new Leicas I've tried.

Thanks!

Here is an old discussion on them from Bird Forum:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=110154

My question is whether yours are porro prisms or roof prisms? I was going to assume it was a roof prism and if so, it won't be nearly as good as either your Nikon 8 x 30 EII or a Nikon 8 x 32 SE. Leitz binoculars became Leica binoculars in 1990. Leica began using phase coated roof prisms around that time which are sharper than the non-phase coated ones used in their binoculars prior to 1990.

Maybe this link will help you identify them more accurately. There were about 3 versions made from the 70's through the 80's.

http://home.europa.com/~telscope/leitzbin.txt

I used an earlier Leitz 7 x 42 Trinovid for many years before replacing it with a new Leica 7 x 42 Trinovid. There is no question that the Leica is better. Sharper and much brighter.

I think the price as quoted is too high if you want use it. Binocular technology in roof prisms has changed so much over the years that brands many people have never heard of will surpass those as users and at much lower prices.

As a collectible, that is a different issue which I can't address.