Just exactly when did the big four start applying phase correction? I often bargain hunt at camera shops and pawn shops for good used bin deals. I have always wanted to know when the cut off dates for the top-range models from Leica, Nikon, Swaro, and Zeiss were. Even estimates are more than I have.
Hello!I think Carl Zeiss invented phase-correction back in the 1930-ies.They have an incredibly history of optical inventions and quality.On the internet you can find much reading about Carl Zeiss,Abbe König and Dr Schott.
[QUOTE=Robert Ellis]Just exactly when did the big four start applying phase correction? I often bargain hunt at camera shops and pawn shops for good used bin deals. I have always wanted to know when the cut off dates for the top-range models from Leica, Nikon, Swaro, and Zeiss were. Even estimates are more than I have.[/QUOTE]
Zeiss introduced phase coating for most of their roof glasses in 1988. The hold outs initially were the pocket binoculars (for cost reasons) and the 8 x 30 Olive rubber armored individual focus glasses (considered unnecessary given presumed intended hunting/military only use of the binoculars). None of the Leitz bins were ever phase coated, although after the reoganization of the Company into Leica Camera GmbH in 1990, the BA series bins (then called Trinovid Ultras) were phase coated. I assume, but don't know with certainty, that the Swarovski SLC models were phase coated from the get go. The Bausch & Lomb Elites, then far superior to any roof glasses made by Nikon including the high end Classic Eagle, were not phase coated until 1996. The first Nikon phase coated bins were the Venturer LX/HG series glasses. Hope that helps. Tom