Zeiss Jena Septarem Super S and DF 7x40

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

These two models appear to be civilian and military versions of the same 7x40 design, introduced in the late 1960's, I believe.  I welcome any other information readers may have on the history of these models.

Septarem 7x40W Super S

Date: circa 1969

AFOV: ~60 degrees

TFOV: 150m at 1000m (~8.5 degrees)

Eye Relief: ~22mm

Prisms: high index porro

Serial Number: 3624312

The 7x40W Septarem "Super S" is the commercial form of the more commonly encountered military DF 7x40 (see below).  It seems to be rare, at least in in the United States.   A Zeiss Jena brochure from 1969 touts the Septarem 7x40W as a new product.  I do not have any information on how long it remained on the market, but it disappeared from catalogs by the 1980's, when the Nobilem Super appeared.

It is strange that Zeiss Jena chose the Septarem name as that had already been used for a Zeiss 7x50 Porro II model in the late 1930s.  There are a few parallels in the two Septarems:

    1. Both were high performance models

    2. Both seem to have had a limited market

    3. Both had highly successful military versions

The 7x40W Septarem has a short, wide body typical of wide angle binoculars.  The prism covers are nicely engraved, though I am not sure of the significance of the "S" in red.  Its field of view is not exceptionally wide at about 60 degrees (apparent) but it is more than the usual for a 7 power Zeiss binocular.  This model has hard sliding eyecups that extend from about 10mm to 20mm above the eye lens.  Although the eyecups do not adjust flush to the eye lens in the lower position as I would prefer, the eye relief is so generous that I can still make out the full field with glasses on.

The Septarem has a well corrected field that is nearly sharp to the edge, with some field curvature and pincushion distortion noticeable.  It is fairly well baffled with minimal light leaks.  The coatings are purplish in color as it typical of the period.  The image does have a slightly yellow tinge.  The main attribute of the Septarem is the comfortable viewing provided by the excellent eye relief.  I do not consider it an ultimate "Super" binocular due to its moderate field of view, but it is a very fine one.

DF 7x40

Date: circa 1970's

AFOV: ~60 degrees

TFOV: 150m at 1000m (~8.5 degrees)

Eye Relief: ~22mm

Prisms: high index porro

Serial Number: 3786795

The DF 7x40 (or  "Checkpoint Charlie" binocular as it is often called) was used by the East German NVA or Nationale Volks Armee.  According to Seeger it was produced from circa 1968-1981.  It was followed by the Zeiss Jena EDF 7x40 roof prism model which is more compact but has a smaller field of view.  Note in the pictures above the prism cluster from the DF 7x40 which uses two different size prisms, one asymmetrical (done to minimize size and weight).

The DF 7x40 has a green body with black rubber armour, rubber eyecups, plus attached plastic eyepiece and objective covers.  Inside the eyepiece cover optional greenish filters are stored.  On the left prism cover a knob turns to activate an infrared detecting filter.  On the right prism cover is an attachment for a reticle illuminator (not shown).  On the objective end of the body, along with a "7x40" marking is also usually an "NVA" that may have been removed on my sample.  See below for a pictures of the markings and serial numbers from another DF 7x40, and an alternate eyecup style.

The optics on the DF 7x40 are essentially the same as on the Septarem 7x40W so my comments on its excellent optical performance above apply here as well.  In addition, the rubber eyecups on the DF make for even more comfortable viewing with glasses.  Being a military glass, the eyepieces are individual focus so that may be an inconvenience to some users.

If you can afford to get only one reasonably priced military binocular, this would be the one I would recommend.  Today it is easy to find the DF 7x40 on the surplus market at what I consider to be bargain prices ($250 or less).  Note however, that they may have slightly foggy prisms (not uncommon with surplus military optics) and could benefit from internal cleaning, though many are still usable as it.