Up for auction is a used, but very good pair of the classic, black leather covered, stylish and very rare LEITZ TRINOVID 10x40 BINOCULARS – SPECIAL OLYMPICS 1972 EDITION Complete with full leather neck strap and used black leather soft case, all original Leitz. Binoculars are in perfect mechanical and good optical condition (some age-related internal haze), housing undamaged, with some scuffs on the black metal parts. See pictures. Fully functional for use in the field, or to be kept in a collection: this is the special 1972 Olympic Games edition, numbered 956. Please note: Leitz Wetzlar made 1000 special Olympic binoculars for / in commemoration of the 1972 games in Munich. Three ‘Olympic’ models were issued, Trinovid 7x35 (200 binoculars), Trinovid 8x32 (600 binoculars) and the model for sale here: Trinovid 10x40 (200 binoculars). Serial number 771556 marked ‘Germany’ with a red dot and the logo of the Olympic Games, 72 and #956 on the right ocular ring; and ‘Trinovid 10x40 122m/1000m’ on the left ocular ring; fitted with black (round) Leitz logo. So, this is a classic Trinovid model still manufactured by Leitz Wetzlar in Germany (not in Portugal) in 1972, making it also sought after by collectors. And please note: the field of view is still the good-old 122m/1000m, and not the rather narrow 110m/1000m of the later models. The classic Trinovid models are - according to knowledgeable people in the binoculars trade - the best Leitz roof prism models ever produced. It is indeed a true jewel, both optically and mechanically and in terms of compactness, weight and balance in the hand: German optical and mechanical design and engineering in optima forma! Condition - This pair of Leitz binoculars had a life of 52 years, but both the optical and mechanical quality are still good: it produces a sharp and clear image. Lenses clean, show some tiny cleaning marks and a tiny scratch on the left ocular lens. I see some (age-related) internal haze (normal in classic Trinovids) but this does not affect the sharp and clear view out. No fungus. Well collimated. Leatherette covering is good (unmarked and undamaged) but the pair shows some paint loss and scuffs on the black metal parts and focussing wheels, but no serious dents. Foldable rubber eye-cups are still as new, still pliable and show no folding marks. Soft leather case (made of the thickest but yet supple calf leather) is well used, and had nice patina. Please study the pictures to see the condition of this pair and what you get. Mechanically also in perfect shape: both the central focussing and the dioptre wheel work smooth and precise. Joint still firm. In short: a 52-years-old true classic Leitz Trinovid 10x40 in this condition is rare and hard to find, especially this special 1972 Olympic edition*. Here is your chance to own a true masterpiece of German optical and mechanical engineering, for your collection but also ready for use in the field. Compared to the 8x32, 7x35, 8x40 and 7x42 classic Trinovids, I regard the 10x40 (featuring the most powerful magnification) the very best model to observe wildlife in detail, and perfect for birdwatching in open landscapes with wide horizons. Very suitable for the professional user, the birdwatcher, hiker or mountaineer who needs the best. Size, weight and magnification are in perfect balance. It is a full-size pair of binoculars, but with compact dimensions: 143 x 100-120 x 50 mm; weight 590 g. Fits in the pocket of a gentlemen’s jacket or the purse of a lady. Field of view is a nice 122 m / 1000 m. Although the 10x magnification is powerful, the 40 mm objective lenses still ensure good visibility even in bad light conditions. * The 1972 Olympic summer games were in Munich, Germany. The event was cruelly disrupted by the hostage taking and murder of Israeli athletes. Some background information about the classic Leitz Trinovid models The classic Leitz Trinovids were the first compact roof prisms ever produced. The name ‘Trinovid’ stands for three (‘tri’) innovations (‘nov’, novelty): ergonomic design, real internal focusing and highest optical performance (‘vid’, to see). Manufacturing started in 1963 and ended in 1988, when Leitz’s binocular-branch became Leica. They were produced in Wetzlar, (West) Germany till 1978 when the Portugal plant was opened and all models were assembled there. ‘Portugal Trinovids’ are equally good and are easily recognised by their round red Leitz logo. The balance in the hand and optical quality of the classic Trinovids have in fact never been improved significantly. They have true internal focussing so there are no moving external lenses or tubes to allow air or dust in during focussing. The metal housing is closed and completely rigid and give an unprecedented weather and splash proof resistance. Please note they are not submersion proof, but weather proof - rain won’t do any harm. The design of the classic Trinovids was - both optically and aesthetically - way ahead at the time and therefore it is still a top-class model of binoculars, with the great advantage of being 35-40% smaller and lighter than the bulky Leica Trinovids of the 1990-2000 era. The good news is that in 2019, Leica took the classic leather covered 7x35, 8x40 and 10x40 Trinovid models in production again, with a new prism design and different eye cups. Retail prices for these ‘Retrovids’ (hardcore classic Trinovid aficionado’s call them ‘pseudovids’) range from 1.500 to 1.700 euro. In 1989 the new Trinovids were introduced. These models were very bulky and heavy, and were nicknamed ‘the brick’. After the turn of the century, Leica replaced the ‘brick’ Trinovid(s) by the Ultravid(s). This model-series (especially the BL-type) brought back some of the sleek elegance of the classic Trinovids, but with modern optics. The name Trinovid returned, but this is nowadays the ‘cheaper’ Leica model for those who do not want to (or can’t) spend 2.500+ euro for a pair of top-end binoculars. SHIPPING - Well packed shipping by traceable ‘signed for’ airmail. #MWCameras