This binocular is an early version of the Leitz Trinovid series. According to Seeger (Hans T. Seeger, Feldstecher, Edition Bresser Optik, 1987), it was developed around 1957 and produced only in small numbers, with approximately 1,000 units manufactured. Its image-reversal system consisted of a mirror–prism assembly, initially developed in 1949 by Max Ludewig and subsequently improved by Daniel Schade, which enabled an exceptionally wide field of view of 170 m/1000 m within an astonishingly slim chassis.
Service and maintenance of this binocular were particularly problematic. Seeger reports that even an experienced serviceman required 10–14 hours for complete disassembly and subsequent reassembly. In addition, the mirrors of this era used metallic thin-film coatings, which aged over time and gradually lost reflectivity. As a consequence, this innovative image-reversal system was soon abandoned and replaced by the Uppendahl prism design. This modification was accompanied by a reduction of the field of view from 170 m/1000 m to 140 m/1000 m. In the smaller Leitz 6x24 Amplivid, however, the Schade mirror system survived for several more years before finally disappearing in 1963.
The following table summarizes some of the key specifications.
| Real angle | Apparent angle | Eye relief | Exit pupil | Close focus | Weight | |
| of view (deg) | of view (deg) | (mm) | diam. (mm) | (m) | (gram) | |
| Leitz 7x42 (old) | 9.7 | ~63 | ~14-15 | 6.0 | ~5 | 925 |
This binocular offers an exceptionally wide field of view, particularly when compared to other night glasses with a 6 mm exit pupil. It exhibits very little pincushion distortion, such that the objective field of view of 9.7° corresponds to a subjective angle of approximately 63°. A noticeable globe effect is present when panning. Image sharpness is good at the center, especially considering that phase-correction coatings were not yet available at the time. At roughly 50% off-axis, star images begin to soften and become increasingly blurred toward the field edge; nevertheless, the image remains sufficiently sharp for practical daytime use.
Another noteworthy innovation was the internal focusing mechanism, which employs lens elements located between the objective and the prisms. This approach remains the most common focusing method in modern binocular design. The close focusing distance is approximately 5 m. Eye relief is about 14–15 mm; however, the eyecups are fixed, rendering the binocular unsuitable for use with eyeglasses.
Figure 2 presents a comparison with the modern LOAVA 7x35 wide-angle binocular . Although taller, the Leitz appears remarkably slim given its combination of wide objective angle and large objective diameter. The Trinovid examined here is optically clean, but it appears to be only partially coated with a single-layer antireflection coating. Moreover, it is likely that the mirrors have degraded over time, further reducing reflectivity. Consequently, the overall transmission of this binocular is rather low. Under bright daylight conditions, the image remains reasonably bright, albeit with somewhat reduced color saturation. In low-light situations, however, the limited transmission significantly restricts the binocular’s usability.
A modern reinterpretation of such a binocular would nevertheless be highly interesting. Today, dielectric mirrors are available that provide near-100% reflectivity without aging effects. Combined with modern antireflection and phase-correction coatings, such an instrument would be fully competitive, while retaining the advantage of an exceptionally wide field of view within a slim chassis.
The information given in this report reflects the author’s personal impressions and opinions only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of any specification. I have neither been paid nor supported in any other way to write this review.
Last modified: Dec. 2025