Zeiss Jena "Deltrintem Super"

Mfr: Carl Zeiss, Jena, Germany (DDR, East Germany)

Deltrintem 8x50B Super

Date: circa 1980

AFOV: ~64 degrees

TFOV: 140m at 1000m (~8 degrees)

Eye Relief: ~17mm

Prisms: high index porro

Serial Number: N/A

This binocular is marked "Deltrintem Super" despite being an 8x50 (the original Zeiss Deltrintem is a 8x30).   This unit was obtained in Germany.  According to the seller, it came from the Zeiss Jena Eisfeld factory.  It appears to be a prototype or early pre-production version of the Zeiss Jena Nobilem 8x50 Super.  There is no serial number (the cover for the focus wheel where it might reside is missing).  However illogical this reuse of a model name seems, there is a precedent for this from post war Zeiss Jena, the 7x40 "Septarem Super S", another limited production model.

If anyone has seen another sample of this or a similar model, please let me know.

The optical design of the Deltrintem Super binocular appears to be the same as the Nobilem 8x50 Super so please refer to my description of that model for performance particulars.  The objective is a three element tele-objective, which shortens the optical path for a more compact binocular.  The eyepiece is an Erfle type with 3 groups (based on drawings and a cutaway model I have seen).

The Deltrintem Super appears to be Zeiss Jena's answer to the Zeiss Oberkochen 8x50B, see the photos above (on the right is a close up of the Super).  Obvious similarities include the focus wheel located at the objective end and the extra lugs next to the hinge.  Optically, both employ three element tele-objectives and similar Erfle type eyepieces.  Zeiss Jena sought to improve the performance by extending the field of view (8 degrees vs. 7.4 degrees).  This called for larger prisms, resulting in a larger body.  Due to the body size, the focus wheel could only be so large and is practically impossible to reach while holding the binoculars on the body.  This could be why Zeiss Jena abandoned this layout and went with the focus wheel next to the eyepieces for the Nobilem Super.  The extra lugs were also not carried over, perhaps for fear of legal action from Zeiss Oberkochen.

In comparison with the Nobilem Super, the Deltrintem Super has several differences (see above pictures).  First, the body of the earlier version is more elongated and less round than the later version's.  The overall length is also shorter due to the objectives being less recessed.  One difference I find intriguing is the coatings.  While both are multilayer, the Deltrintem Super coatings (above left) have a greenish tinge while the Nobilem coatings have a more orangeish appearance.  While I have not taken any scientific measurements, to my eyes the earlier coatings seem to result in less bright reflections.