The 60° 12x60 binocular [anti-aircraft rangefinder director] (Part 3)

This episode is the final part 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 manufactured by Carl Zeiss and C.P. Goertz. 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 at the end of this episode.
Presented by Robert J Dalby FRAS
Produced by DB Video Services for Astronomy and Nature TV

[@nodrogawson963]

Thank you for doing this series. You covered a great deal of detail yet made it very interesting and l have learned a lot of things which I would have never known about without your videos. Much appreciated.

[@jamesstewart553]

I checked my "French" one number 271. Enjoyed your three videos, excellent. Two Belgian friends of mine have a book which is due into print in the next 2-3 months on the Flak 10x80 "The Eyes of the Flak", the first of a set of three books on the binocular.

[@GTR003121]

Great vid, thank you!

[@qiwi111]

Awesome stuff.

[@eTourist]

Thanks for a wonderful series. While I don't intend to be a collector of these instruments, they are fascinating.

[@PE1JAS]

Thanks for this info! At 8:50: which museum? Chapeau!

[@jamesstewart553]

Good information.A very good binocular , field of view is quite narrow the engineering is of excellent quality.

[@pacomb]

Nice series of videos regarding large WW2 binoculars. I have just got hold of a very nice soviert 1955 donly ears periscope binoculars (copy of the german ones). Do you have any recomendation about a web site teaching how to restore and take care about lens? I plant to restore them, and would like to read about binoculars restoration. Thanks. Paco

[@lifeisgood12341]

if someone ever brings one of these in for repairs you need to make a video of opening it up.

[@kickapowwww]

How would one go about obtaining one of these?

[@kaiserwilhelmi.4598]

I got one of these

[@robertgraybeard3750]

I came here for informaton about the "four meter rangefinder" and was surprised that a crew of eight or nine people were involved. There were two 60° 12x60 binoculars on the "top" and one *_under_* the left end. Why not just one instead of three? world-war-2.wikia.org/wiki/Kommandoger%C3%A4t_40