Telescope Reviews: Re: Pentax PCF (older versions)

The photo above is of a PCF 111 I believe, with the focus lock, traditional E.P's grey body and is Jap. made.
I currently have an earlier PCF 11 12x50 without focus lock but still with the grey body and tranditonal E.P's. Later Pentaxs had the ‘pop out’ E.Ps. The 12x50 I have got has a 5.5 FOV and a panoramic Afov of 66 degrees. The later 12x50's have a narrower 4.2 FOV but of course improved edge performance. The eye relief is medium. Optically it is good - sharp on axis with a contrasty image. There is deterioration from about 60% out. The image is still very usable. It has the SMC magenta lens coatings. Internal reflections are reasonably suppressed. These earlier versions are not fully W.P. but 'weather proof'. The Pentax PCF11 12x50 I have got appears to be a reasonably rare version and a ‘keeper’ due to its 5.5 FOV.

These earlier pentaxs are worth seeking out - if in good condition - they still offer impressive optical and build qualities at an affordable price.
There were no PCF 1 or 1V's.

Barry Simmons has an excellent historical review of the earlier Pentax models in the CN binocular mini review section - an article which I keep referring to.

Chris

35 binos.
80mm Cat.
WO66ED
SV NH 80mm / EQ3
Meade 8in.LX90
Skywatcher Equinox ED120 / Goto HEQ5.

Edited by charen (07/01/09 10:26 PM)

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