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biblio C7 GENERAL INTEREST LIBRARY ARTICLES

Some of the interesting general interest articles, and some support documents that are hosted at or referenced in articles specific to their areas of interest.

  • Accessory Cases: Suggestions by Company Seven article explaining why accessory carrying cases are an important aid to organizing the numerous pieces and parts that will be associated with a telescope. Includes a discussion with illustrations of cases we do recommend, and some dont’s too.

  • Astronomy Associations, Clubs, and Societies in the Baltimore-Washington Region

  • Binocular Care And Service Interval Advice: Suggestions by Company Seven. An illustrated overview discussing the mechanisms that compromise the performance or longevity of binoculars. We provide some tips about preventive maintenance, identifying problems, and what to do when your binocular is damage or in need of servicing.

  • Carl Zeiss - A History Of A Most Respected Name In Optics This illustrated article is one of the older articles at Company7.com, with some of the earliest content written here. With some of this content dating back to 1994 when slow dial-up Internet access was common, the article was text heavy because illustrations were by necessity kept to a minimum. Over the decades we have and will on occasion add this or that illustration of items in our museum collection to break up the monotony of text, or make corrections (with much gratitude to contributors), clarify and expand information about content as we pull more information from our own archives. It was never our intent to write a comprehensive and all encompassing history of Zeiss, that would require volumes to do it justice, but rather to show why we at Company Seven were and remain in awe of the company achievements.

  • Choosing a Telescope: Advice for Anyone Seeking to Buy A Telescope Please Read This Before Shopping for A Telescope This illustrated article is a most informative and frank discussion about selecting an astronomical telescope from among those commonly available to the consumer. We explain the different types of telescope optical tubes and mounts, how to choose them, and information about how they are marketed. Revised December 2010.

  • Cleaning Most Consumer Optics a short “how to” addressing common concerns about cleaning binoculars, telescopes, filters, and other optical accessories.

  • Company Seven A brief early history of the company with a discussion of philosophy of the company. Also includes discussions of how the industry was changing and what was possible as the Internet was just becoming available to the public. This is taken from an interview with the founder of Company Seven from 1996. Includes and old photo of one of our early gatherings.

  • Company Seven And The NASA International Halley Watch Large Scale Phenomena Network In 1984 Company Seven was approached by NASA to provide several specialized imaging telescopes with a plan to build a world wide network to continuously document the visit of Comet Halley in 1986. The results of our collaboration are now a small part of science history described in this article.

  • Company Seven In NASA STS-61 First Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission Illustrated article explaining the Hubble Space Telescope history and reasons for the First Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission. The article focuses on the experience of a member on that team from Company Seven, trying to give a not too technical insight into what it was like to participate on this project.

  • Company Seven Modified Pentax 6x7 cm Camera Operation Instructions for use.

  • Computer Controlled Telescopes Advice for those considering the purchase of "Computer Controlled" Telescopes. Includes information about what they are, how the various types work, their pros and cons.

  • Criterion RV-6 Dynascope Restoration Gallery When in January 2008 Company Seven acquired a used Criterion RV-6 Dynascope for our Museum Collection (see the article listed below) we deliberated about whether or not to disassemble, clean, strip, refinish the instrument to restore its appearance more to like new. When we learned about a collection of images taken by Mr. Tom McDonough who did this to his RV-6, we asked if he would permit Company Seven to create an article around his efforts and he was kind enough to give us permission to use his images in this article.

  • Experiencing Nova Scotia And Its Amazing Tides From Company Seven’s Archives. An overview of how tides form, and an illustrated guide about the author’s travels through Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy and Minas Basin, and then on to Halifax in June 2004. Well written and illustrated with some amazing photos.

  • Formulae and Guidelines Pertaining to Astronomical Telescopes, and Accessories

    PDF Icon“Glass For Optical Instruments With Especial Reference To Telescope Objectives” by J. A. Brashear, published in the 1893 journal Popular Astronomy, Volume 1, pp. 221-224. This article explains some of the telescope glass types used by many famous names in optics among them: Joseph Ritter von Fraunhofer, Pierre Louis Guinand, Carl Zeiss, Alvan Clark. Content hosted by https://articles.adsabs.harvard.edu, and here by Company Seven as an Adobe 'pdf' file (447,008 bytes).

  • The Green Lights Are Flashing For Johnny Carson article by Gilbert Millstein with photograph by Curt Gunther in the 8 June 1963 issue of the weekly TV Guide Magazine. The late Johnny Carson came to the hobby of astronomy and accumulated several telescopes including the Unitron 114, a 60mm Achromatic Refracting telescope, pictured in this article. Over his tenure as host of "The Tonight Show" and in other ways he popularized the science of astronomy. He was formally recognized by the professional astronomy community when the asteroid "3252 Johnny" was named after him. This article is protected by Copyright. We obtained permission from TV Guide Magazine, LLC to scan and host this article from the original in our archives for the benefit of our readers and for display alongside the Unitron 114 in our museum collection. Please do not distribute this without permission. Download size is 5,675,333 bytes (an Acrobat ".pdf" file).

  • Insuring Telescopes, Accessories and Observatories Article explains the various insurance vehicles available to the consumer, recommendations about traveling with or transporting telescopes, and advice about when and how to file an insurance claim. This article includes a glossary of insurance terms as they apply in this article. Incidentally, we have never before seen an article on this subject researched and published elsewhere.

  • Observatory Wiring & Utilities Guidelines by Company Seven, Revision 9 July 2010. Complete eighteen (18) page color illustrated addendum to the factory instruction manuals for building dome or roll off roof style observatories sold by Company Seven. This contains recommendations for providing AC and DC power, signal wiring and conduit, lighting, backup power, lightning protection, security, maintenance. This is ideal information for electrical contractors detailing recommended arrangements, suggested components, and explanation of how to wire, install and secure components and condiuts. By Company Seven for use by our customers only, available by request, all rights reserved (2,639,050 bytes in Acrobat Reader ".pdf" format).

  • Parfocalizing an Ocular for use with a CCD Camera How to set an eyepiece so that it is at the same focus plane as that of a CCD camera. With this technique one can locate a target and focus a telescope, then attach a CCD camera being nearly at nominal focus for the camera.

  • Notes on Polar Alignment with Pole Finders by Ray Sterner.

  • Recollections of the NASA STS-61 First Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission It was fifteen years after working on this project that we had enough distance to see it from another perspective and write this article. Most of the older people on the team mentioned in this article or working on other parts of the mission, presently retired or not, should have seen enough time pass so that they too might smile and find something good to recall or relate to in this article. So before the memories are forgot this article recalls the brilliant engineers, our team leader and NASA management people who were critical parts of this project on the ground. The mission that earned the 1993 Collier Trophy, the mission that many people say saved NASA and the space program.

  • “Star Watch” Activities: Advice to Those Attending Article geared for the general public attending night-time observing activities with telescopes, such as those periodically hosted by many astronomy clubs.

  • “Star Watch” Activities: Advice to News Media Geared for news staff, or others who might wish to film or interview.

  • The Twenty Best Industrial Designs Since World War II article by Walter Dorwin Teague in the 23 May 1964 issue of the weekly magazine Saturday Review. Walter Dorwin Teague was an internationally acclaimed architect and industrial designer. Teague and his company designed aspects of aircraft interiors for Boeing including that of the famous 707. The Questar 3-½ telescope is mentioned alongside the Karman Ghia Coupe, Triton Sloop, Honda motorcycle, Boston Whaler, Porsche 904, Head skis, Wegner chair, and the Boeing 707. Here the Questar is item No. 10 in order of how these products came to Mr. Teague’s mind. In the article Mr. Teague goes on to explain "Another answer to the person who says we can’t produce fine craftsmanship in the US.A. Designed and built in the little Pennsylvania town of New Hope, this beautiful little telescope is the finest instrument of its kind in the world.". This article is protected by Copyright but we obtained permission to host this for the benefit of our readers - please do not distribute this without permission. Download size is 1,243,053 bytes (an Acrobat ".pdf" file).

  • Ultraviolet Spectrum Primer Illustrated article by Company Seven explaining the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum as it applies to photographing or imaging objects in the UV. The article explains the UV spectrum including UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. Imaging gear including lenses, films and filters.

  • The Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) And Determining Required Capacity The Uninterruptible Power Supply is a device that provides there will be no lapse of continuous AC power to the connected device(s) if the primary AC wall current (mains) is interrupted. Company Seven recommends the UPS even for the personal astronomical observatory where power may be required for critical shutdown operations; this can include closing the shutter of a dome and allowing time for an orderly shutdown and ’parking’ of a telescope mount. In this article we provide a brief overview of the UPS and an explanation about how to select the capacity needed for your application.

  • PDF Icon Uranomaniac 2001.1 Reprint of popular humorous advertisement of the ficticious Star Atlas made up by Company Seven in response to the announcement of “Uranometria 2000”. Originally published in February 1989 issue of the “The C-VII Journal” newsletter (in Acrobat Reader ".pdf" format).


mccmo C7 MUSEUM COLLECTION ITEMS ARTICLES & ARCHIVES

Explaining some of the many items on exhibit in our showroom or on-line from our archives. We will gradually add more on line for the enjoyment of customers who support Company Seven

    A Professional Guide To Photographing The Sun cover (26,761 bytes)
  • PDF Icon A Professional Guide To Photographing The Sun by Donald G. Carson. The founders worked at Spectra Helix lab in Sylmar, California. After an Earthquake shut down Spectra Helix several former workers started Carson Astronomical Instruments, Inc.. The DayStar Filter Company was founded by Mr. Delmar (Del) Woods (b. 1936, d. 2008). Del Woods learned much about his craft while employed at Spectra Helix and then at Carson, and after that company closed Del went on to found DayStar Filter Company, opening in Chino, California the first week February 1975. DayStar produced highly regarded Hydrogen-Alpha filter systems, and later developed many other specialized filters too. DayStar’s filters were based on developments of filter arrangement and bandwidth tuning that were initially pioneered at Carson. Under the subsequent owner Daystar Filter Corp. continues in the forefront of this field.

    This is the complete photo-illustrated thirty-six (36) page booklet scanned and prepared by Company Seven as an Adobe .pdf file (13,394,526 bytes bytes) at 108dpi. The content of this booklet includes an introduction to the Sun, white light solar photography, solar observations, hydrogen-alpha solar photography (including selecting and attaching the solar filtering gear), photographic techniques, observing other wavelengths, and solar eclipse photography. While somewhat dated owing to its focus on film photography, this is an insightful compilation of information that remains pertinent even today. Contents Copyright 1973 Carson Astronomical Instruments, all rights reserved, used by permission. The Download Link is provided solely to our customers for their own use, only by E-Mail request.

  • Astro Kit Camera Drive article describing this compact "poncet" style tracking platform. These were sold as kits in the 1980’s as a tracking platform for wide sky astrophotography. The unit illustrated was donated to the collection of Company Seven.

  • Bausch & Lomb Stereo-Prism Binoculars, catalog of 1923 Bausch & Lomb Stereo-Prism Binoculars, catalog of 1923, the complete twenty-eight (28) page illustrated booklet describing the Bausch & Lomb prism binoculars. You might know them today for making sunglasses and contact lenses, but decades ago Bausch & Lomb, established in Rochester, New York, was a manufacturing powerhouse: a preeminent maker of raw optical glass, of binoculars, camera lenses, and other optics too. They, along with nearby Kodak and other manufacturers, set the tone for innovation and development of new technologies in optics and photography among other fields. This catalog was published in the post “Great War” era, at the time Bausch & Lomb Company marketed binoculars to consumers for sporting, birding, boating, and other pursuits.

    This booklet provides an insightful overview of the times as they relate to the marketing to consumers by Bausch & Lomb of their binoculars. This is a bit of a time capsule from the era commencing with an aerial photograph of the B&L plant, taken with their lens. This featuring photographs taken at an automobile race, of scenery and architecture of that time - most likely gone now.

    The catalog goes on to explain how the B&L binoculars are constructed showing their layout, and with illustrated explanations how they differ from then still popular Galilean binoculars and why their Porro show a superior stereoscopic perception. This includes discussions about how to select a binocular: magnifications and why the choice matters, judging clearness of field, alignment, and to select a binocular for the various typical uses. Page 13 indicates the specifications and pricing follow, though the places for prices are left blank, then each model of B&L Porro binocular is described and illustrated. This includes their central focus models: 6x 25 mm, 6x 30 mm, 8x 25 mm, 8x 30 mm, and the individual focus ’10x 45 Marine Glass’. Content scanned from original in our archives in moderate resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe pdf reduced size file (1,557,756 bytes including cover sheet). This is available on request only for those of our customers who have made it possible for Company Seven to survive and prosper over the decades.

  • Bausch & Lomb Life Long Binoculars, catalog with 1934 price sheet Bausch & Lomb Life Long Binoculars, catalog and 1934 price sheet, the complete forty-five (45) page illustrated booklet plus cover page describing the Bausch & Lomb binoculars and field telescopes. Up to the time this catalog was published the Bausch & Lomb Company marketed to consumers however, as World War II broke out it would become instrumental in supplying the United States and allied military forces with optical instruments that would continue well throughout the coming World War II and beyond. Though by the 1950’s they had commenced exporting many of their U.S. based jobs to Japan thereby becoming among the first U.S. companies to sell their soul; they would never again regain their dominance or mystique in those fields.

    This booklet too provides an insightful overview of the times as they relate to the marketing by Bausch & Lomb of their binoculars. This explains their properties including: differences of designs (Galilean versus B&L prism models), explanations of the Central and of Individual Focusing mechanisms, about magnifications and how they matter, judging clearness of field, alignment, and their stereoscopic effect. This also explains how these are constructed showing their layout, and with illustrated explanations how to select a binocular for the various typical uses. Then each model of B&L binocular is described and well illustrated including: 6x 30 mm, 7x 35 mm, 7x 50 mm, 8x 30 mm, 9x 35 mm, 10x 50 mm, and 10x 45 mm. The document also includes testimonials by naturalists, hunters, and Olympic sports team members. The numerous good quality photos showing people of this era, their clothing, etc. adds some additional interesting history context even beyond the optical subjects of the booklet. Content scanned from original in our archives in moderate resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe pdf file (7,067,715 bytes). This is available on request only for those of our customers who have made it possible for Company Seven to survive and prosper over the decades.


  • Bausch & Lomb Binoculars, catalog with 1940 price sheet Bausch & Lomb Binoculars, 1940 catalog and price sheet, the complete forty (40) page illustrated booklet describing the Bausch & Lomb binoculars and field spotting telescopes. Up to the time this catalog was published the Bausch & Lomb Company marketed to consumers however, as World War II broke out it would become instrumental in supplying the United States and allied military forces with optical instruments that would continue well throughout the coming World War II and beyond. Though by the 1950’s they had commenced exporting many of their U.S. based jobs to Japan thereby becoming among the first U.S. companies to sell their soul; they would never again regain their dominance or mystique in those fields.

    This booklet too provides an insightful overview of the times as they relate to the marketing by Bausch & Lomb of their binoculars. This explains their properties including: differences of designs (Galilean versus B&L prism models), explanations of the Central and of Individual Focusing mechanisms, about magnifications and how they matter, judging clearness of field, alignment, and their stereoscopic effect. This also explains how these are constructed showing their layout, and with illustrated explanations how to select a binocular for the various typical uses. The document also includes testimonials by naturalists, hunters, and Olympic sports team members. Then each model of B&L binocular is described and well illustrated including: 6x 30 mm*, 7x 35 mm*, 7x 50 mm, 8x 30 mm*, 8x 40 mm, 9x 35 mm*, and 10x 50 mm. Compact binoculars include the Balar 3x field glass, the B&: 2x Sport Glass, the 4x Companion Glass. Spotting scopes include the 65 mm Prismatic, 50mm Prismatic, the Draw Tube scope, and the 80mm model. The B&L Car Window Telescope Support is also illustrated and explained.

    *Interestingly, this catalog describes both the standard original models as well as the new lightweight alloy framed models then marketed as the ZEPHYR-LIGHT series.

    Also explained are three models marketed especially for Army and Navy officers, the 6x 30 mm, 7x 35 mm, 8x 30 mm and 8x 40 mm. Similar to consumer models they incorporate a mil scale in the left eyepiece, individual focus mechanisms, and are moisture proofed to meet all military specifications. A special military style brown leather case is included, the finish matching the tone of military brown leather. The price list includes ordering Code Word (name of the item, most in any one of several configurations), Catalog No., Description, specifications and prices.

    Content scanned from original in our archives in high resolution 82 mb original, then compressed and optimized for web dissemination. Provided by Company Seven as an Adobe pdf file (6,027,520 bytes). This is available on request only for those of our customers who have made it possible for Company Seven to survive and prosper over the decades.

  • Bausch & Lomb Binoculars And How To Choose Them, 1950 Bausch & Lomb Binoculars And How To Choose Them, Aug. 1950, the complete thirty-two (32) page illustrated booklet describing the Bausch & Lomb binoculars and one spotting telescope. As World War II broke out the Bausch & Lomb Company would become instrumental in supplying the United States and allied military forces with optical instruments that would continue well throughout the coming World War II and beyond. This is among the last of their sporting optics catalogs published while they were largely still manufacturing these products in the United States. Though soon after the war they commenced exporting many of their U.S. based jobs to Japan thereby becoming among the first U.S. companies to sell their soul; they would never again regain their dominance or mystique in those fields.

    Anyone considering buying their first binocular would do well to read this because there is much good information describing what binoculars are, what their numbers mean, and how to choose them; these basic principles never really change. This provides an insightful overview of the post war era marketing by Bausch & Lomb of their binoculars. This explains their recently developed “Balcote”, magnesium-fluoride anti-reflection coatings that dramatically improved binocular performance. This important technology was developed by B&L, then introduced to the public at large soon after the U.S. entered the war when B&L commenced applying these treatments to military optics. This also explains changes of materials and design that lightened binoculars made by B&L since the mid 1930s, these were marketed as their “Zephyr-Light” series. The Balcote was not available prior to the war, while details of how the Zephyr-Light products are made were not covered in B&L prior catalogs hosted here. To make space for the new and more technical information there is somewhat less coverage of activities, and no endorsement quotes by B&L customers, as were in prior B&L catalogs.

    This catalog explains properties of binoculars including: differences of designs (Galilean versus B&L prism models), explanations of the Central and of Individual Focusing mechanisms, about magnifications and how they matter, judging clearness of field, alignment, and their stereoscopic effect. This also explains how these are constructed showing their layout, and with a table explaining how to select a binocular for the various typical uses. Then each model of B&L binocular and monocular is described and well illustrated including: 6x 30 mm*, 7x 35 mm*, 7x 50 mm, 8x 30 mm*, 9x 35 mm* binoculars, 7x 35 mm* Monocular; all but the 7x 50 mm individual focus binocular are shown only in a central focus configuration. Spotting scopes include the 60 mm Prismatic model. The B&L 2-½ to 4x zoom and fixed magnification riflescopes also mentioned. Interestingly we noted the lack of the 8x 40 mm and 10x 50 mm models, and the lack of compact binoculars too that were offered prior to the war.

    *All but the 7x 50 mm individual focus model are their lightweight alloy framed models marketed as the ZEPHYR-LIGHT series.

    Content scan provided by Company Seven as an Adobe pdf file (4,933,314 bytes). Since this is also available elsewhere on the Internet, and the content is not copyrighted, then Company Seven makes this available to all.

  • Bausch & Lomb Binoculars And How To Choose Them, 1955 Bausch & Lomb Binoculars And How To Choose Them, Aug. 1955, the complete thirty-six (36) page illustrated booklet describing the Bausch & Lomb binoculars, monocular, and two spotting telescopes. This is among the last of their sporting optics catalogs published while their products line still resembled those they had made for some decades in the United States. Though soon after the war they and other manufacturers commenced exporting U.S. based jobs to Japan, this catalog does explain "Every Bausch & Lomb Binocular is built to precision-instrument standards to give life-time service and satisfaction- and it is the only binocular of American manufacture on the market today."

    Anyone considering buying their first binocular would do well to read this (or their 1950 catalog, above) because there is much good information describing what binoculars are and how they differ from telescopes and field glasses, what their numbers mean, and how to choose and use them; these basic principles never really change. Aspects discussed in more detail than in prior editions include: exit pupil, styles of eyecups, distortion and curvature of field, prisms installation. This also explains their “Balcote”, magnesium-fluoride anti-reflection coatings that dramatically improved binocular performance. This also explains changes of materials and design that lightened binoculars made by B&L since the mid 1930s, these were marketed as their “Zephyr-Light” series, though this edition goes a bit more into offering details about materials and techniques employed to assemble these binoculars.

    This catalog explains properties of binoculars then describes each model of B&L binocular, monocular, and field telescopes including: 6x 30 mm*, 7x 35 mm*, 7x 50 mm, 8x 30 mm*, 9x 35 mm* binoculars, 7x 35 mm* Monocular; all but the 7x 50 mm individual focus binocular are shown in a central focus and individual focus configuration. Spotting scopes include the BALscope Sr. 60 mm Prismatic model, and BALscope Jr. 20x 40mm models.

    *All but the 7x 50 mm individual focus model are their lightweight alloy framed models marketed as the ZEPHYR-LIGHT series.

    Content scanned from original in our archives in mid resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe pdf reduced size file (7,184,275 bytes). This is available on request only for those of our customers who have made it possible for Company Seven to survive and prosper over the decades.

  • Bausch & Lomb Telescopes: for day and night use, catalog of 1929 Bausch & Lomb Telescopes: for day and night use, catalog of 1929, the complete twenty-eight (36) page illustrated booklet describing the Bausch & Lomb telescopes and including prices of many of the items mentioned. At the turn of the last century and going into World War II Bausch & Lomb, established in Rochester, New York, was a manufacturing powerhouse: a preeminent maker of raw optical glass, of binoculars, camera lenses, and other optics too. They, along with nearby Kodak and other manufacturers with whom they had relations, including Carl Zeiss Jena of Germany, set the tone for innovation and development of new technologies in optics and photography among other fields. Many of their consumer products were designed and manufactured by Bausch & Lomb however, their company had licensing agreements with other makers and so it would not be uncommon to find a Bausch & Lomb was other than in labeling identical to one made by Carl Zeiss Jena for example.

    This catalog, as the one above for binoculars, was published in the post “Great War” era, at the time Bausch & Lomb company marketed telescopes for terrestrial or panoramic observing, for astronomy, and other pursuits. So this booklet provides an insightful overview of the times as they relate to Bausch & Lomb#46;s marketing of telescopes to consumers, to universities, and to other too. This commencing with an aerial photograph of the B&L plant, taken with their Ic Tessar lens (designed by Carl Zeiss Jena, manufactured by B&L under license). This also features photographs of their telescopes including a B&L 11 inch diameter f/15 refractor on their German Equatorial Mount in their new factory observatory and elevating floor, of scenery and architecture of that time.

    The catalog goes on to explain how the B&L telescopes are available for terrestrial applications such as for panoramic observing, or following the progress of mountain climbers. There is a discussion of their telescopes being used by Forest Rangers, and others by the military. And of course there are explanations of their uses for astronomy for education, research, or amusement. B&L’s Scientific Bureau designed their telescopes, and there are some details included about how they were made. There are pages detailing and illustrating their 60mm, 80mm and 102mm telescopes, including specifications that also itemize included accessories. The prices of several popular models of telescopes and accessories are included however, given these costs these certainly were sold only to those persons of some means, or organizations, as these prices even for a small 60mm telescope were the equivalent of several months of an average American’s home mortgage payments. Their equatorially mounted telescopes appear to have been marketed here primarily to educational organizations, with larger models for universities seeking to advance their educational programs and make a statement by funding their own large astronomical observatory. One could order a complete telescope optical tube assembly with or without mount, or order a telescope objective lens set alone; this catalog lists 25mm up to 152mm (6 inch) objectives ranging in price from $12.00 up to $400.00 though the larger 127 and 152mm objectives being made to order. Among the aspects that we at Company Seven found most interesting were the explanations of the provided accessories and optional accessories too including: various designs and focal lengths of available eyepieces, their zenith prisms and the triple revolver for astronomy and the image erecting prisms for terrestrial work, sun glass and ray filters, and the Herschel Eyepiece (Herschel Wedge) for studies of the Sun. Eyepieces explained include Huygenian models in focal lengths of from 8.5mm up to 60.89, and Orthoscopic models of from 6mm to 32mm focal length. Tripods, stands, driven setting circles for German Equatorial Mounts, and other items are mentioned.

    Content scanned from original in our archives in moderate resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe pdf reduced size file (1,424,770 bytes including cover sheet). This is available on request only for those of our customers who have made it possible for Company Seven to survive and prosper over the decades.

  • Leitz Trinovid 1963 cover From LEITZ: TRINOVID BINOCULARS (introducing the E. Leitz GmbH Trinovid Binoculars). Originally published by E. Leitz GmbH, of Wetzlar, West Germany in 1963. This is the English language publication, No. 1500, printed in Germany.

    Moderate resolution scan of complete six (6) page illustrated booklet introducing the new Leitz Trinovid series of consumer oriented binoculars and their accessories. This also includes the US Prices list. The original three TRINOVID binocular models are featured and described: the TRINOVID 6x 24 (PN 40201, 40202), TRINOVID 8x 32 (PN 40206, 40207), and TRINOVID 10x 40 (40211, 40212). These innovative binoculars were highly regarded. Their features, accessories, and guarantee are explained as well.

    The TRINOVID 6x24 was discontinued in 1965, while the other two models were produced until 1975 when replaced in 1974 by the improved 'B' series models. By 1981 the choice of the original leather clad remained, but a choice of rubber armoring (BA series in black or green) were also added. The Leitz Trinovid B/BA were manufactured through 1990. Their features, accessories, and guarantee are explained as well.

    The handy form factor was so popular and so many people treasured their old Leitz Trinovid that Leica Camera, AG instituted a program to update them with 21st Century optics and features, and in September 2017 announced return of the original form factor as the improved Leica TRINOVID 7x 35B, 8x 40B, and 10x 42B. These binoculars commenced shipping in the Fall of 2020, by some being referred to as the Leica 'Classic' or even 'Retrovid' models sold by Company Seven.

    Article prepared for educational purposes, is helpful in comparing the technologies of the era compared to those of today and following the history of one of the world’s most important optical companies. Content scanned from an original in our archives, in moderate resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe .pdf file for Acrobat Reader versions 7 or later.


  • Leitz Trinovid cover LEITZ TRINOVID C: IT IS SO EASY TO SEE MORE OF THE WORLD (E. Leitz GmbH 8x20C and 10x22C Compact Binoculars), published Sept. 1978, English language. Originally published by E. Leitz GmbH, of Wetzlar, West Germany. Publication No. EL / 121.410-017, printed in W. Germany.

    Moderate resolution scan of complete six (6) page color illustrated booklet describing the Leitz C series of consumer oriented compact binoculars and their accessories. Both C models, the 8x 20C TRINOVID and 10x 22C TRINOVID, were announced in April 1975 and manufactured through 1982. The roof prism binoculars shown in this brochure were available leather covered (Models 403xx, and 403xx), with a 10x 22C SAFARI in green leather (Model 403xx) configurations. Their features, accessories, and ten year guarantee are explained as well. These C series compact binoculars were replaced in 1982 by the improved 8x 20 BC TRINOVID and 10x 25 BC TRINOVID models that were also made available in rubber armored configurations too.

    Article prepared for educational purposes, is helpful in comparing the technologies of the era compared to those of today and following the history of one of the world’s most important optical companies. Content scanned from an original in our archives, in moderate resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe .pdf file (25,832,739 bytes) for Acrobat Reader versions 7 or later.

  • Leitz 8x 20BC and 10x 25BC compact binoculars brochure cover COMPACT - BINOCULARS: Leitz Means Precision Worldwide (introducing the E. Leitz GmbH 8x20BC and 10x25BC/BCA Compact Binoculars), published April 1982, English language. Originally published by E. Leitz GmbH, of Wetzlar, West Germany. Publication No. EL / 410-027, printed in W. Germany.

    Moderate resolution scan of complete eight (8) page color illustrated booklet describing the Leitz BC and BCA series of consumer oriented compact binoculars and their accessories. Both BC series models, the 8x 20BC and 8x 20BCA TRINOVID (Model 40305 and 40307), 10x 25BC and 10x 25 BCA TRINOVID (Model 40306 and 40308), were announced in April 1982. The roof prism binoculars shown in this brochure were available leather covered in black or in green rubber armored configurations. Later these were offered in the choice of black rubber armored too. Some limited edition models have been made featuring special finishes, coverings or materials. Their features, accessories, and ten year guarantee are explained as well. These were manufactured bearing the Leitz trade name through 1990, since then these are made bearing the Leica trade name. This complements the document from 1978 introducing their first Leitz Trinovid C compact binoculars which we scanned and make available above.

    Article prepared for educational purposes, is helpful in comparing the technologies of the era compared to those of today and following the history of one of the world’s most important optical companies. Content scanned from an original in our archives, in moderate resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe .pdf file (8,338,694 bytes) for Acrobat Reader versions 7 or later.

  • Carl Zeiss Jena Prism Binoculars pamphlet of 1937 cover Carl Zeiss Jena Prism Binoculars pamphlet and price list of 1937 published in 1937, document in English language. Published by by Carl Zeiss, Inc. then the United States based distributor for Zeiss Jena.

    Moderate resolution scan of original twelve (12) page illustrated pamphlet (formatted here for 2 oversize pages) from 1937 that describes the consumer oriented Carl Zeiss Jena prism binoculars and monoculars marketed then in the U.S.A. through Carl Zeiss, Inc. This includes their two page price list of 1 February 1937 that mentions their binocular telescopes too. As a added bonus, the original set includes documents that we have scanned and combined in this set including those of the original 19 April 1938 cover letter on Carl Zeiss, Inc. New York letterhead with the stamped and postmarked mailing envelope, plus our cover sheet.

    The (then) new “featherweight” series binoculars and monoculars described and illustrated include: 3-½x Theatis opera glass, 6x Telita, compact binocular, 8x Turita compact binocular, 2-½x (and 6x) Tellup monocular pocket scope, 6x 30 mm Simpsilv monocular, 7x 50 Binoctarmo, 8x 21 Turmon, 8x 30 Deltrintmo, 10x 50 Dekarismo, 18x 50 Telarmo, 6x 24 Sportur, 6x 30 Silvarem and Silvamar, 8x 30 Deltrintem and Deltrentis, 8x 40 Delar and Deltarem, 7x 50 Binoctar and Binoctem, 10x 50 Dekaris and Dekarem. Also included in the price list are Carl Zeiss Jena binocular telescopes including the Asem, Asembi, Asenglar, Aseros, Asimara, Asinaba, Starmor, and Starmorbi.

    Scan prepared by Company Seven for educational purposes, helpful in comparing the technologies of the era compared to those of today, and following the history of one of the world-s most important optical companies. Content scanned from originals in our archives, in web optimized moderate resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe .pdf file (18,961,358 bytes) for Acrobat Reader versions 7 or later.

  • Carl Zeiss Jena Feldstecher Und Zubehör Katalog cover Carl Zeiss Jena Feldstecher Und Zubehör Katalog (Carl Zeiss Jena Binoculars And Accessories Catalog), published in 1958, German language. Published by VEB Carl Zeiss JENA, of Democratic Republic of Germany. VEB Carl Zeiss JENA. Printed publication No. 50-047-1 - Lot number 37 15 13 10/20, 111-6-15 20 1058 5348 Ag 10 · 0589-58 DDR

    Moderate resolution scan of complete twenty-four (24) page color illustrated booklet describing the Carl Zeiss Jena (DDR/East Germany) consumer oriented binoculars, accessories, and monoculars product lines. Each model of binocular and monocular is described and illustrated including: 6x 30 mm Silvarem and Silvamar, 7x 50 Binoctem and Binoctar, 8x 30 Deltrintem and Deltrentis, 10x 50 Dekarem and Dekaris, and 15x 50 Pentekarem and Pentekar, and monoculars including the 8x 30 Deltrintmo, 6x 30 Simpsilv, 7x 50 Binoctarmo, 10x 50 Dekarismo, and 15x 50 Pentekarmo, 8x 21 Turmon, and 2.5x Tellup. Their accessories are explained as well. Article prepared for educational purposes, is helpful in comparing the technologies of the era compared to those of today and following the history of one of the world’s most important optical companies. Content scanned from an original in our archives, in moderate resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe .pdf file (2,133,838 bytes) for Acrobat Reader versions 7 or later.

  • Celestron 8 article describing a 1970’s version of the telescope that had a major impact on the history of amateur astronomy, particularly from the 1970’s through the Comet Halley era when the 8 inch aperture Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope was among the most sought after new telescopes by those seeing a good start into the hobby. The unit illustrated was donated to the collection of Company Seven.

  • Criterion RV-6 Dynascope: these introduced many of us to visual astronomy In January 2008 Company Seven acquired a used Criterion RV-6 Dynascope for our Museum Collection. This is a 6 inch f/8 equatorial reflecting telescope originally sold new in December 1962 and yet this one remains uncommonly complete and original with original sales invoice and some documentation. Our article describes this RV-6 acquired by Company Seven, the production RV-6 models as they were changed over the decades, some history of the Criterion Manufacturing Co. who made this telescope, and insights into the evolution and marketing of these types of instruments from the 1950’s through the peak of the space program, and into the 1980’s.

  • “Edmund Edmund Scientific how to use YOUR TELESCOPE, 1959, moderate resolution scan of the complete original thirty-six (36) page illustrated document in Company Seven’s archives. Prepared for educational purposes only, helpful in following the evolution of the original Edmund Scientific Company, established in Barrington, New Jersey. Part of a series of publications produced by the Edmund Scientific Company targeting the more accomplished elementary school to high school level reader. This booklet also helps the reader to comprehend the kind of amateur telescopes that were available in this era and those marketed by Edmund Scientific, and how amateur telescopes may be used.

    Contents include: The Sky Show explaining the major objects (Sun, Moon, and Planets) and other celestial objects visible in the sky, How To Use Your Telescope including how to select a telescope and what you may expect to observe with it, explanations of the Equatorial Mount, Telescope Arithmetic, What Eyepiece is Best?, How to Find Sky Objects including explanations of charts and aids, Observing Hints, Observing the Planets, Observing the Sun, Selected Sky Objects, Collimation and Adjustments, Photography with Your Telescope, Target Moon, and Splitting the Doubles.

    Publication is No. 9055 in the Edmund series “Popular Optics Library”. Contents Copyright 1959 by Edmund Scientific Company. All rights reserved - reproduction, or editing, or distribution without express consent is forbidden. Used by permission of the original company management, back in the mid 1980’s when Company Seven was an authorized retailer for Edmund Scientific Company. Content scanned from original in our archives in moderate resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe pdf reduced size file (12,271,907 bytes including cover sheet). This is available on request only for those of our customers who have made it possible for Company Seven to survive and prosper over the decades.

  • Edmund Scientific Time in Astronomy, 1958, moderate resolution scan of the complete original twenty-two (22) page illustrated document in Company Seven’s archives. Prepared for educational purposes only, helpful in following the evolution of the original Edmund Scientific Company, established in Barrington, New Jersey. Part of a series of publications produced by the Edmund Scientific Company targeting the more accomplished elementary school to high school level reader. This booklet also helps the reader to understand the content and how these concepts were explained in the publications marketed, then for about 60 cents each, by the Edmund Scientific Company.

    An interesting and educational read, even as a refresher for those who already are familiar with the subject. Contents include: a catalog of 28 publications in the POL and “How To Make It” series. Then it goes into explaining: Solar Time (Apparent Solar, Mean Solar, Local Mean, and Standard), time zones, Universal time, applications of time, time conversions, Sidereal time, positions of stars and the telling of time by the stars, how to use setting circles of a telescope

    Publication is No. 9054 in the Edmund series “Popular Optics Library”. Contents Copyright 1958 by Edmund Scientific Company. All rights reserved - reproduction, or editing, or distribution without express consent is forbidden. Used by permission of the original company management, back in the mid 1980’s when Company Seven was an authorized retailer for Edmund Scientific Company. Content scanned from original in our archives in moderate resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe pdf reduced size file (10,849,031 bytes including cover sheet). This is available on request only for those of our customers who have made it possible for Company Seven to survive and prosper over the decades.

  • Hasselblad UV-Sonnar f4.3/105 mm complete ten (10) page illustrated booklet describing the lens formerly made by Carl Zeiss. Is an insightful overview of applications for this specialized lens focused on ultraviolet photography. Techniques shown apply to forensics, law enforcement, artworks studies, medical, and other applications. Content scanned from original in our archives in moderate 200 dpi resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe pdf file (27,163,363 bytes).

  • Meade Instruments Model 826C: a beautiful example of an 8 inch f/6 equatorial reflecting telescope on a German Equatorial Mount. The 8" Newtonian style telescope was a popular choice among astronomers who sought sufficient light gathering power for observing the brighter deep sky objects, but not at the higher costs commanded by the then popular Schmidt-Cassegrain comparatively compact telescopes. This telescope was retired to Company Seven’s collection after Meade discontinued production of these telescopes in 1992.

  • Nikon Nikkor 300mm f/2 ED IF and Tochigi Nikon 300mm T2.2. In our tribute to rare Nikon ultra-telephoto lenses that remain unrivaled even today we have written this illustrated article where we discuss the development, optical and mechanical arrangements, and history of three versions of the Nikon 300mm f/2.0 ultra-fast telephoto lenses originally developed by Soichi Nakamura and Kiyoshi Hayashi. We focus on three variants: the Nikon’s Nikkor 300mm f/2 ED IF lens, the Nikkor 300mm f/2 ED IF lenses as modified by Century Precision Optics, and the production by Nikon’s Tochigi Nikon factory of twenty new 300mm T2.2 lenses in 2004. An example of each is in our collection and some are displayed at our showroom museum. Contents copyright Company Seven and respective contributors.

  • Optical Techniques: A Brief History of A Brief Company About the company, with information and images of a Quantum 6 telescope in Company Seven’s museum collection.

  • Questar 3-½ Early Production Telescopes: 1954 and 1955 Illustrated article describing the original production Questar telescopes made in 1954 and 1955 with some mentions of changes that followed. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection.

  • Questar 3-½ Mid Production Telescopes: from 1956 to the late 1960’s Illustrated article describing a the production Questar telescopes made between 1956 with some mentions of changes that followed and comparisons with earlier production telescopes. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection.

  • Questar Seven S/N P-7-378-DP: A Restoration Mini-Epic! The story of the restoration of an original Questar 7 telescope and Fork Mount. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection.

  • SARD Binoculars 7x 50 Night Glasses brochure SARD “Binoculars 7x 50 Night Glasses”, the complete four (4) page illustrated brochure describing the SARD 7x 50 Porro prism binoculars. As World War II broke out the Kollsman Instrument Division of Square D Company become among those companies contracted to supply the United States and allied military forces with optical instruments. This brochure shows what was basically the U.S. Navy Mark XLIV 7x 50 Binocular of World War II (similar to their Mark 21) that were assembled after the war and marketed with their leather case to the consumer through several retailers. This is among the last of the SARD Kollsman literature that we have in our archives, before the company discontinued assembly and marketing of binoculars altogether.

    This provides a brief overview of the post war era marketing by SARD of their binoculars. This explains how these were made to meet or exceed U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships military standards (Specification SQ-140), this also mentions the special hand-lapped and fitted hinge construction, their Vinylite coverings, the recently developed magnesium-fluoride anti-reflection coatings (developed by B&L) that dramatically improved binocular performance, and this also explains some of the maintenance features of the SARD binocular.

    This catalog arrived accompanied by a typed cover letter from Kollsman Instrument Division of Square D Company, dated July 1948. The letter explains the binocular with case price was $165.00, and mentions this was subject to a 20 percent federal excise tax so the average customer paid $198.00, plus any state or local taxes. It also refers the customer to buy at three factory authorized retailers including Abercrombie & Fitch Co., and R.H. Macy & Co.

    Content scanned from original in our archives in moderate resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe pdf file (2,227,351 bytes including cover sheet). This is available on request only for those of our customers who have made it possible for Company Seven to survive and prosper over the decades.

  • SARD How To Select Binoculars brochure cover page, of 1947 SARD “How To Select Binoculars”, the complete twenty-eight (28) page, plus cover sheet, illustrated brochure describing optical telescopes and binoculars, and how to select binoculars. This is the second edition published in November 1947 by Kollsman Instrument Division of Square D Company as they transitioned after World War II from manufacturing binoculars for the United States military, to production in peacetime for the civilian market. This is among the last of the SARD Kollsman literature that we have in our archives, before the company discontinued assembly and marketing of binoculars altogether.

    This brochure provides insights to the post war era marketing by SARD of their binoculars. This well-illustrated booklet explains how lenses work to form an image, how simple Galilean telescopes function, how the advancement of optical lens design permitted wider fields of view culminating in the Porro and Leman prism models they were then marketing. Magnification and Field of View, light-gathering power and Exit Pupil are explained. There is coverage about the common optical problems that the better telescopes and binoculars must overcome including: spherical and chromatic aberrations, coma, astigmatism, distortion (barrel and pincushion), astigmatism, This also explains light loss in optical systems, and how metallic coatings technologies improved light throughput in their products. There is some nice reading, including an extract of an account written during the war by famous war-correspondent Ernie Pyle about his impressions of observing other ships in his convoy on an overcast night with a 7x 50 binocular. There are some tips to help the novice lean how to compare binoculars and balance their aspects including comfort, and handiness.

    Brochure by Square D Company, Kollsman Instrument Division, Copyright 1947. Content scanned from original in our archives in moderate resolution and provided by Company Seven as an Adobe pdf file (17,244,280 bytes, including cover sheet). This is available on request only for personal study by those of our customers who have made it possible for Company Seven to survive and prosper over the decades.

  • “STATICMASTER® Static Control Brushes” The story of the development, evolution, and marketing of these brushes that incorporate an encapsulated Polonium 210 radioactive element to neutralize static. This article goes into some discussion of the propagation in the early 20th century of radioactive materials for the consumer market, including the Radium Luminous Material Corporation “UNDARK” glow-in-the-dark (luminescent) paint, marketed from 1917 to 1938. This article was put together in part from Company Seven’s archives that include literature and a collection of Nuclear Products Company Staticmaster” anti-static brushes with their original packaging and associated documents. As over time we add older brushes to our exhibit and learn even more about these, then we will update our article accordingly. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection.

    Complimenting Company Seven for yet another journalistic coup, we were advised “yours must certainly be the most definitive and comprehensively researched article ever hosted about old products that hardly anybody, likely including NRD, appreciate or care about anymore.”

  • Unitron Notes & Interesting Articles Index articles and documents related to the history and technology of Nihon Seiko telescopes. These were marketed between 1952 and 1992 under the trade names Unitron in the USA, and Polarex in Europe and most Commonwealth nations. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection.

  • Unitron Model 114 - 2.4" (60mm) Achromatic Telescope Illustrated article describing an original Unitron 2.4 inch (60mm) achromatic refracting telescope. This was sold as the Model 114 with altazimuth mount with tripod, and its accessories. This article also goes into the history of Unitron telescopes and of the industry over the years when Unitron was selling telescopes. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection.

  • Unitron Model 142 - 3.0" (75mm) Achromatic Telescope Illustrated article describing an original Unitron 3 inch (75mm) achromatic refracting telescope with German Equatorial mount with tripod, and its numerous optional accessories. In fact this telescope is so well accessorized that it actually surpasses the equipment level as provided with the Model 145 as those were sold. This article also goes into the history of Unitron telescopes and of the industry over the years when Unitron was selling telescopes. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection.

  • Unitron Model 132 - 4.0" (102mm) Achromatic Telescope. Illustrated article describing an original Unitron 4 inch (102mm) achromatic refracting telescope with German Equatorial mount with tripod, original wood cases, and its numerous optional accessories. The instrument we exhibit was marketed overseas as the Model 132, while a version similar to this was marketed in the USA as the Unitron Model 152 telescope. This particular telescope was among the last production Unitron telescopes, sold in the early 1980’s and with a distinctive multi-coated objective lens and uncommon folding wood tripod legs. This was acquired by Company Seven in an amazingly complete configuration, in near new condition from Xavier Debeerst, a collector and amateur astronomer in Belgium who owns the Arcturus Observatory and Anamorfose Curiosa. This article also goes into the history of Unitron telescopes and of the industry over the years when Unitron was selling telescopes. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection.

  • Unitron Model 220 - ASTRO-CAMERA Illustrated article describing an original Unitron sheet film camera specifically sold for astrophotography, but also capable of terrestrial work with these telescopes. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection.

  • U.S. Navy Mark 28 Mod. 0, 7x 50 Binocular Of World War II pending illustrated article describing the 7x 50 binoculars issued by the US Navy Bureau of Ships (BUSHIPS) during World War II. The Mark 28, based largely on their pre war civilian production 7x 50, became the reference standard for most 7x 50 binoculars produced not only by the Bausch & Lomb company but also contracted to other companies too as the U.S. government worked to standardize mass production efforts. This explains how these and some variants were designed, contracted and manufactured during the war. The article features an uncommonly complete and pristine Bausch & Lomb Mark 28, Mod. 0 binocular with original case and straps was added to our exhibit of antique US Navy optical instruments in April 2016. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection.

  • U.S. Navy Mark 37, 9x 63 Binocular Of World War II illustrated article describing the Mark 28, the standard 7x 50 binocular issued by the US Navy Bureau of Ordnance (BU.ORD) and similar models issued by other organizations too during World War II. This explaining why these were designed for Captains and Gun Control Officers of the Battleships and Cruisers. We also explain how these were developed and manufactured during the war in part by modifying existing Bausch & Lomb made U.S. Navy 7x 50 binoculars. The article features a U.S. Navy Mark 37 9x 63 binocular that was added to our exhibit of antique U.S. Navy optical instruments in March 2016. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection.

  • U.S. Navy Mark 41, 7x 50 Binocular Of World War II pending illustrated article describing the pinnacle of 7x 50 binoculars, issued by the US Navy Bureau of Aeronautics (BU.AERO) during World War II, explaining how these were designed, contracted and manufactured by the Bausch & Lomb company during the war. The article features an uncommonly complete and very presentable Mark 41 binocular with original case and straps that was added to our collection of antique US Navy optical instruments in August 2018; it was certainly worth the wait to acquire this example. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection. As this article is completed, we intend to exhibit this binocular.

  • U.S. Navy Mark 43, 6x 42 Binocular Of World War II pending illustrated article describing the pinnacle of 6x 42 binoculars, issued by the US Navy Bureau of Aeronautics (BU.AERO) during World War II, explaining how these were designed, contracted and manufactured by the SARD company during the war. This is THE binocular that firmly established the SARD legend. The article features two Mark 43 binoculars with original case and straps and one with packing carton that were added to our collection of antique US Navy optical instruments in March and in July 2018. These are typical but not perfect examples, so we will keep our eyes open for a while longer before we choose to exhibit a Mark 43. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection. As this article is completed, we intend to exhibit a Mark 43 binocular.

  • U.S. Navy Mark XLIV, 7x 50 Binocular Of World War II illustrated article describing the 7x 50 binoculars issued by the US Navy Bureau of Ships (BUSHIPS) during World War II, explaining how these were designed, contracted and manufactured during the war. The article features an uncommonly complete and pristine SARD Mark XLIV Mod. 0 binocular with original case and straps and packing carton that was added to our exhibit of antique US Navy optical instruments in February 2016. From Company Seven’s Museum Collection.

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