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History of the 7x35 binocular

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Dewglass View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dewglass Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: History of the 7x35 binocular
    Posted: July/29/2020 at 20:19
  Over the years I have acquired a number of 7x35 binoculars by a host of makers some known and some that seem to have never existed.  I was interested in learning how and why the 7x35 binocular became such a favorite with manufacturers.
 I think  that many of these "noname" brands were made by reputable makers for retailers, mail order businesses (back in the day when you mailed money to a seller) and just about anyone who cared to order a case could get their name or logo on a bunch of 7x35's.  I guess the old "K-MART" was a typical buyer with their "FOCAL" name of binocular most likely built by BUSHNELL as they are a dead ringer for BUSHNELL'S ENSIGN series. There was "JASON" also, and I have an "SDS" labeled binocular that also compares with the ENSIGN standard focus. It's a fun hobby to try and search these off-names down as to where and why they existed.
 Any help and input will be appreciated.  Thanks all.
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WJC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WJC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/29/2020 at 21:23

Like most of the other brands most people are familiar with, David Bushnell didn’t make binoculars—no, not a one—he bought off-the-shelf from Japan. He was an importer. At that time (1947) there were 345 makers of bodies and assemblers of complete instruments. The military bought two instruments primarily. The 7x50, which offered a 7.1 mm exit pupil and the 6x30, which offered a 5mm exit pupil. The 7x35, which offered a 5mm exit pupil was a convenient size and a RELATIVELY bright daytime image.

 

Cheers and welcome.

 

Bill   

“Water, water everywhere nor any drop to drink.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Social media everywhere but not a thought to think.” — me

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Dewglass View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dewglass Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/29/2020 at 21:26
Neat!! Thanks, that's great info. Was the "345 makers" in Japan?
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WJC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WJC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/29/2020 at 21:28
Yes. In those days china was not an issue. Today, Bushnell, Jason, and TASCO come from the same warehouse in Overland Park, Kansas.

Bill
“Water, water everywhere nor any drop to drink.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Social media everywhere but not a thought to think.” — me

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CaptRedbeard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/13/2020 at 12:54
I have three pairs of 7x35's. One is an old Bushnell Rangemaster Pair I keep in the office and the others are a pair of Hilton's and another by Olympus. We keep the later two in the truck and the car. I find them good enough for a quick look at a bird or something else that catches our eye. I can also see the ring of a rising trout on our local river from a freeway pull out. 8 or 10 x42 may be our favorite overall, but these 7x35's do the job without breaking the bank i find them at garage sales, thrift stores and the occasional flea market.
Never forget your binos.
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