The 45° 10X80 Flak Binocular (Part 1)

This episode is part one of a three-part series in which we take a close up look at large aperture observation binoculars made by Germany immediately prior to and during WWII. This series forms part of our Vintage Binocular Masterclass. It is no exaggeration to say that by the mid 1940s German optical companies had reached a highpoint of design, technical innovation, and manufacturing competence that would not be surpassed for at least another two decades.
In part one we look at the 45-degree 10x80 Flak glass. This is the most prolific large-aperture German binocular with as many as 200,000 units manufactured during WWII. Despite over 7 decades of steady erosion the large numbers made mean this superb binocular is still visible in the second-hand market today.
In part two we look at the giant Kriegsmarine 20-degree 10x80 by Carl Zeiss. This imposing binocular was used to direct heavy gunfire on to its targets and was also used for more general surveillance and spotting purposes as well. We include a detailed look at a rare wartime 10x80 Bimar made under licence by Ducati of Italy (the company that would eventually, after a number of organisational and ownership changes, give its name to the famous motorcycle maker). Availability of spare parts and a brief view of the optics are things to look out for in this video.
In part three we round off our study with a look at the 60-degree 12x60 Rangefinder director by Carl Zeiss. This binocular was frequently employed as an optical finder or director for long-baseline rangefinders that were used by German air defence to find the altitude of allied bombers to either direct anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) or help guide fighter interceptors. We include a look at the ‘Jumelle’ version of the 12x60 made by Zeiss for the Vichy government of Marshal Pétain that controlled a German-occupied portion of France from 1940 to 1944. We finish off with a brief look at further reading.
Much nonsense has been spoken about WWII large-aperture German binoculars with internet forum posters declaring them, often indiscriminately, to be still the finest instruments in the world. This was certainly true in the 1940s and was probably a justifiable statement up to the late 1960s. It is not true today. Binocular design has progressed in many areas and the best modern large-aperture binocular can comfortably exceed the performance of these vintage instruments. That said, the forum-fan’s conviction is honestly grounded in the very high standard of performance that can still be achieved by these venerable instruments. Given their age, the essentially vulnerable nature of their component parts, the short service lifetime predicated by the manufacturer, the chancy nature of each individual survivor’s history, that they can be compared with modern instruments at all is remarkable. A well-cared for specimen from this era in good collimation can still provide breath-taking views.
Notwithstanding the various levels of degradation instruments of this age are likely to have suffered over the decades - both in terms of simple neglect and, worse still, the effects of poorly-informed attempts at renovation - these binoculars can still represent extraordinary value for money. They are a part of history, handsome pieces of engineering, and can still provide fine views of the landscape and the night sky. However, before rushing to place a bid the next time one appears in an online auction, the would-be purchaser will do well to consider some of the cautionary advice Robert offers in part 3.
Presented by Robert J Dalby FRAS
Produced by DB Video Services for Astronomy and Nature TV

[@nodrogawson963]

Thank you for a very interesting insight to the Flak binocular. Your explanation of exit pupil was far better than anything I have heard or read.You seem to have a knack of getting things across which is much appreciated.I have learned a lot from your videos in the past.

[@kohertion]

Glad to see you and your sense of humor back again. I still watch your video's for telescoping reference, so don't you go anywhere. :)

[@Ltpimp69]

Great video, I look forward to some new ones. Keep up the awesome work.

[@freesaxon6835]

Excellent & interesting video

[@MarshBryan]

Welcome back long time no see, (even with these binoculars)! Always good to see your videos.

[@martinsivak2822]

super video. týchto prístrojov som už pár opravil sú to kvalitné a odolne optiky.

[@ConfederceyCSA]

Can you make a video explaining the 6x30 Rangefinder Binoculars and how to use the grid for distance measurement.

[@Tatra813]

Hello from sweden! I have one of those, dated in 1941 bad kreuznach by Joseph Schneider(dkl) and my version is funny, because one knob is made of metal while the other one is plastic... After a little research i found out that they realized they could spare some of the metalparts for guns/ammo/etc instead. Eventually both of the knobs were replaced by plastic. Really great optics i must say :) / Martin

[@StereoSpace]

39278 - 278th binocular produced in 1939?

[@jorgeedesiothaiss9650]

Excelente!!! Esses equipamentos antigos não tinham muito de tecnologia, mas eram construídos com arte e muito capricho, permitindo um desempenho excelente .

[@Varianna12]

Very excellent video with lots of information. If anyone posted that I was an idiot for not wearing gloves while using mine, I am not sure if I could be as sympathetic as he.

[@cardaun]

Hello and thank you for this great video. As I have the KM 10x80 20 deg I would be thankful if you could give me type and manufacturer of this great optics mount. Thanks a lot 😃

[@RocketPlanet]

Hi there, and thanks. I assume you are referring to the gold coloured mount holding a KM 10x80 at the beginning of this video? It was manufactured in China and was imported into the UK as part of a 20x100 binocular bundle from the Helios brand (A brand owned by Optical Vision Ltd England). I salvaged the mount from a wrecked binocular kit that came my way many years ago. I note that the model that employed this mount is no longer listed by the UK importer. As far as I am aware, the mount has never been imported into the UK as a separate item. Other importers into Europe or the USA may be worth exploring. The quality of the mount is mediocre at best and somewhat uneven model to model, often with stiff and misaligned bearings. The one shown required much fetteling and 'tonsing' (...as we used to say in the workshop) to get it to a nominally serviceable condition. Most of the others I have handled have been better, but a few have been worse. I hope this helps. KR RJD A&NTV

[@cardaun]

Thank you, well yes exactly this is the one I have asked for. Expected that it is no longer available on the market and I have never seen another one here germany or the net . So, isnt easy to find s mount for it, but already happy that I found some spare parts in the UK last week. :0)

[@luigiaqua2263]

Second number types looks like Czeckoslovakian Army Number, often seen such second numbers mostly together with crossed swords.

[@joeguzman3558]

Mine don't have the turning knobs or the head rest , the turning knobs I can't move them Whit my fingers too tight but they look nice into the sky at knight

[@homefront3162]

Flaknocular

[@reservationwannabike1667]

I have the 45 10 x 80 Flak binocular, complete with the original tripod the battery holder, the open direction finder and the lamp to illuminate the dread cross insight the binoculair and the original wooden with steel box to keep everything in good shape, is there any one who know's how much it's worth?

[@RocketPlanet]

+Reservation Wannabike Hi there, - in a word, the buyer. A lot of factors feed into a valuation of this type of item. The condition, origin, location (they often achieve higher than average prices outside Europe), and other factors can all have a very significant impact on the selling price. In general terms the answer comes down to the truism that I started with - it's worth what a buyer is prepared to pay and not a penny more. Sadly the highest prices are often achieved by models that have been prepared (ruined some might say) for the home interior design market. Here the binocular has any optical reticules and other unattractive military accessories removed (and dumped!), and the body is subjected to aggressive mechanical mop-wheel polishing to remove all age and use related patina and the metal surfaces rendered to a high mirror polish. I'm not impressed but I suppose worse things happen at sea. Fortunately there is a strong and intelligent collectors market that values complete and original kits like the one you seem to have. Optical condition, the tripod, case, and illuminator all add sure value in this market sector. The one slightly surprising, and perhaps disappointing fact (if you see this item only in terms of a financial asset rather than a great binocular that is fun to use with the added charisma of historical context), is the sheer number of this binocular still surviving in the world. There are large numbers of these around and to some degree it keeps the price down. If the price went up, more would pop up in the market thus driving the price back down - and that's pretty much where we are right now. But there is only a finite number and every day there is a few less - they are destroyed, lost - polished to death for folk who think having one one of these shining in the corner unused and unappreciated lends them the elusive trappings of 'good taste'. And one by one they disappear. You can pay a chap like me to value it for you, for insurance purposes, and you'll get a rather pointless piece of paper that only gives you sale room information that you could have gleaned for yourself by signing up to a few online auction archive services. Kits like yours in various conditions change hands for anything from £300 to £1500 or even higher. The only real test for what it's worth on any given day is to sell it and see. I hope this helps - a bit anyway. KR RJD ANTV

[@reservationwannabike1667]

+Astronomy and Nature TV hello , thank you for the quick and comprehensive response . I 'm not going to sell the binoculars but really wanted to know if I at that time , in 1987 not too many have paid for the viewer. it was about 1200 US dollars. I bought it because of the complete and very good condition. He is now with me in the living room and because I live on a hill , on the island Curacao, with view over the sea to Venezuela I still use it every day with great pleasure. Thanks again for your comprehensive answer.