French Military 8x30

There are several models of French military 8x30 porro prism binoculars from the 1950's era from various manufacturers.  They have individual focus eyepieces with a reticle on the right side.  All models below are marked "milliemes" (thousandths), which refers to the reticle markings.  Note that "Grand Champ" (sometimes abbreviated) means "wide field" or wide angle.  There are some mechanical differences but the ones I have examined seemed to be very similar optically.   They provide very good wide angle views but with limited eye relief.  All models here have antireflection coatings.  The picture below shows from left to right, the SRPI No. 49, Huet Trinolux, and SRPI No. 59.

SRPI No. 49

Mfr: SRPI,  Puteaux, France

Serial Number: No. 49/10034

Date: circa 1950

AFOV: ~68 degrees

TFOV: ~8.5 degrees

Eye Relief: ~10mm

Prisms: high index

This model from SRPI is marked "Grd Champ".  It has an eye lens which appears to be larger than on the other models, with perhaps slightly better eye relief.  Otherwise the optical performance is similar.  It is well baffled with minimal light leaks.  The optical image is very sharp at the center of field with some astigmatism at the edge.

SRPI No. 59

Mfr: SRPI,  Puteaux, France

Serial Number: No. 59/43793

Date: circa 1950's

AFOV: ~68 degrees

TFOV: ~8.5 degrees

Eye Relief: ~9mm

Prisms: high index

This 8x30 from SRPI is not marked "Grd Champ" but rather  "Mle 56".  The eye lens appears smaller than on the No. 49 but optically it is similar.

Huet Trinolux

Mfr: Huet, Paris, France

Serial Number: MG 56/3850

Date: circa 1951

AFOV: ~68 degrees

TFOV: ~8.5 degrees

Eye Relief: ~9mm

Prisms: high index

This 8x30 version from Huet has oversized eyepiece housings that focus without rotating the optical elements.  It is a naval model with watertight construction  ("Etanche") and air ports on the objective end of the body.   Optically, it is similar to the other French military 8x30's (see above).  It is marked "Grd Champ" like the SRPI No. 49.

Thanks to Stephane Faraclas for providing some information on these models.