This presentation is only about “basic porro design” small Mikron’s.
Jena, Germany, 7- 8 + 9 October 2011 Mikron, a basic porro design binocular Made between 1921 and to-day The Mikron binocular is made by: Nippon Kogaku (Nikko) Nikon Hans Braakhuis Nico Westphal
Nico Westphal + Hans Braakhuis
Which one was first, the Nippon Kogaku 1921 prototype or the ABC Optistar ??? Book from Hans Seeger: Fata Morgana; ABC; around (um) 1925 ??
Research started with the Nikon website. The info found is not complete. Reason for us to do more research. Change of brandname: It means: from 1948 till 1959 all binoculars were called “Mikron” After 1959 only the small basic porro design binoculars keep the “Mikron” name. From Nikon’s homepage, but not complete ! From Nikon’s homepage, but not complete !
In the 75 Year History book from the Nikon Corporation, this picture is shown as the first Mikron binocular. Maybe it was a mistake, or more likely, a prototype. One of the questions is: where did this Mikron design came from? First we will show you all the differences. Finally we will answer this question.
Left: first published prototype (from the book 75 Years History). Under: first seen pre-production type 1922, found at Nikon Ohi West Bldg.
From 1917 till 1921 Nippon Kogaku used sometimes the name “Joico” for binoculars, microscopes, etcetera. Joico was also used for all “Fujii” binoculars made between 1917 and 1918. (Japan Optical Industry Corporation) Nippon Kogaku used the name “Nikko” for binoculars from 1921 till 1945. From 1945 till 1959 NK used “Mikron” for all binoculars, some examples: 7x35 Nippon Kogaku; Mikron; Feather- Weight; 1957 6x18 Nippon Kogaku; Mikron from 1948
Probably this is a pre-production type
Used logo’s
Use of the first “Nikko” logo.
Mikron logos This is the first logo used 1917 - +-1932. Logo used after 1932 till 1949. Variation used 1932 – 1945 (48 with MIOJ) Logo used after 1948 till 1959. Nikon logo used from 1959 – 1974. (to many variations) After 1997 improved Nikon logo.
Page from 75 Years History logo on artillery optics around 1930 ? Thanks Richard Lane , for your logo article in NHS 99 and other articles in June 1993, Sept. 1993, Dec. 1993, March 1994, June 1994, Sept. 1994, March 1995.
2nd logo Picture: Mike Symons
3rd + 4th logo
Actual logo
Used colors
After 1921 all Mikron’s were produced in black.
From 1948 (about) all Mikron’s were produced in black + chrome.
Production of the Mikron started in 1921. All these Mikrons were completely black . After the second world war the Mikron's were produced with a black bridge but the porro prisms, oculairs and the lenses became chrome. In October 1997 the first commemoration 6 x 15 C.F. was chrome and black. In September 1998 the second commemoration 7 x 15 C.F. was completely black. Only 2000 of this 2000 In 2000 and 2001 we saw 2 Champagne Mikron complete champagne coloured were made. designs, both in 7 x 15 C.F. There are also chrome and black commemoration Mikron's in 6 x 15. Picture: Hatsu
Another “champagne” Picture: Hatsu
1997; 6x15; commemorative.
1998; 7x15; commemorative.
IF or CF Individual Focussing or Central Focusing.
The first basic porro design Mikron's from 1921 had all I.F. focussing. Around 1948 C.F. focussing on these Mikron's was introduced. Probably after 1954 the Mikron's with I.F. focussing were not produced anymore. Picture: Mike Symons
IF (right) or CF left and second left, number 3 = ??? CF
Other engravings
The J- B7 code was used between 1959 and 1970. It identifies the maker of the binocular.
The J- E44 number appears on several Mikron's. The J- E number identifies the maker of the body. Sometimes you will find both numbers on the Mikron's. Same period as JB ??
The "coated" engraving was used since the 50's. However, Nippon Kogaku K.K. used before the 50's also coatings on their binocular lenses. It's unknown when the "coated" engraving stopped. Probably 1959.
The "E.P." engraving was used by the American Army from 1945 till 1952.
The “M.I.O.J.” (Made In Occupied Japan) engraving was used between February 20, 1947 and April 1951 (Thanks Wes Loder).
Sometimes there is a "Japan" engraving.
In the beginning no magnification was engraved. Later "6 x" or “6x15” were used. And there are Mikron's with and without the engraved magnification.
Sometimes the number of degrees is engraved, for example "8.3 5 6 ”.
Original design or a copy?
To answer the first question: Which design was first, the Nippon Kogaku 1921 prototype or the ABC Optistar ?
ABC: Optistar & Fata Morgana
ABC Fata Morgana type I, #11019 August Fullgrabe; Kassel, Germany; ABC: Fata Morgana and Optistar
No screws on the porro caps. Blind mounted.
Optistar, no screws,, focusing by oculair Fata Morgana Type II, no screws,, focusing by oculair Fata Morgana Type I, no screws,, focusing by pin
Picture: Ulrich Zeun
Conclusion: The first Fata Morgana was to difficult for mass production. Nippon Kogaku K.K. has simplified the way of mounting of the porro-caps and the way of focusing. Probably the ABC binoculars have been brought to Japan with the hired German engineers. (Heinrich Acht group) The August Fullgrabe ABC’s must have been produced before 1921.
Nippon Kogaku K.K. and Nikon made several mono’s . Before WWII with and without distance scale, after WWII only with distance scale.
More differences: Several Nikon logos; In the beginning, only bronze was used, later steel, after that, steel and aluminium, nowadays only aluminium.
Thanks: Mikio Itoh-san in 2008 Nikon Ohi West Bldg.
End
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