Cameras and Lenses
Fujinon 6x30 FMT-SX
I should explain why the purchase of this binocular was not silly, but a matter of grim necessity.
First, my Zeiss 8x42 FL already obviated my similar Trinovid BA, with it's better optics and ergonomics. So I sold the Leica--I just don't want two 8x42s.
Second, the FL also has obviated my 7x50 FMT-SX for stargazing. For double star splitting, it (and me naturally) holds the record for the biggest brag over on Cloudy Nights--100 Hercules (14") split at 8x, for an apparent separation of 1.87 arc min, which may not sound like much to you line chart types, but these are points, not lines, harder to separate because of the sparcity of "information". The FL's greater magnification also makes up for its smaller aperture ( I can't absorb the entire beam out of the 7x50 anyhow, only about 46mm worth) as far as spotting dim extended objects. I will probably put the 7x50 up for sale soon.
But this is not a happy state. I miss the old Leica's "impression" at least of weaponlike reliability. And by day, I will miss the 7x50's intense contrast, color saturation, and 3-d enhancement, even though it is hopelessly big and cumbersome.
So, happening upon a rare new sample of the 6x30 FMTR (rubber armored) in a shop in Tuscon around New Year's, experiencing first hand its view, which, in good light, has the exact same punch and all other characteristics of the 7x50, and the seeming ruggedness of the Trinovid (probably moreso owing to the IF Porro's mechanical simplicity) made me stop and think, hey, this may be the answer. So I have it now, for $350 plus shipping. See, I really had little choice in the matter, and can hardly be considered binoholic.
So far so good. It is so little and cute to give a view so close to the 7x50! It behaves in poor light like any binocular with a 5mm exit pupil, very well until virtual "night". On the sky it is pretty wimpy, but very sharp for double splitting. At last I have a binocular that make the easiest doubles like Alberio a little bit interesting to split.
It is not going to see much use for astronomy, nor for genuine "going birdwatching" at which the super quick FL is undeniable. It is going to be my general purpose hiking and kicking around bino, I think, for the times when I still fancy myself a rough and ready guy, woah!
In conclusion, I'd like to report the result of an actual sort of "measurement", although one of a subjective thing. I set up a page of newsprint out in pleasant afternoon light, and with the 8x and 6x, found locations where reading the print, standing flatfooted but calmly, was somewhat troublesome, but equally so for the two binoculars. If the binos resolve like they should, and were held perfectly steady, it is well known from simple math and from experimenter's results, that the distance ratio would be the same as the magnifications, 3/4. In fact, the result was 7/8, in other words, the shake factor dictated that only half of 8x's theoretical advantage over 6x was realized. In most field conditions where there is some exertion, hurry and excitement, the advantage would probably be even less. 6x is not bad!
Ron
Hello Ron,
Your enthusiasm is apparent and your lengthy remarks leave me a question and some comments. First of all, is not that model discontinued? I was looking for one five years, ago and could not locate one.
Long, ago, the 6x30 was a very popular bird watching glass; now represented by the Yosemite, Eagle and Leupold. When coating was developed, the light transmission of an 8x30 was pretty close to that of the older 6x30, so for a similar size one had more magnification [and perhaps a narrower FOV]. I suspect that is more macho to carry an eight.
As you realized, the advantage of more detail in the 8x is somewhat negated by a less steady image, if no mount is used. For most folks, there is no practical difference between hand holding and mounting a 6x.
One very clear winter night, I was able to see a moon of Jupiter with the less expensive version of the Fujinon 6x30, which surprised me, greatly.
Enjoy your new acquisition.
Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood 
Arthur,
It has been discontinued for over five years, judging from previous forum discussions. The instruction sheet with mine is dated 2000. The box bears a sticker reading "official binocular of the 1992 America's Cup".
The true field is 8.5 deg, only 52 deg apparent, but the view is so good and nicely corrected, with a bit of pincushion, that it feels like plenty.
I considered the $200 AR model, which also gets good reviews, but it apparently is also unavailable from any online dealer. According to one, it is still available as a special order, provided at least 200 units are requested!
The same shop had the same model in 8x30 with a nice 60 deg field, but I didn't think it offered the same look of clarity as the 6x. I also wanted to try a low power, owning an 8x already.
I have sometimes seen all four "Galilean" moons of Jupiter with the 7x50, when none were hidden by the planet, nor too close to it, nor to one another, to resolve. They have brightness to spare viewed through 50mm, and I am looking forward to trying with the little guy when it rolls around out of the morning sky.
Ron