If you’re looking at used optics, you might be wondering how good are the old leica spotting scopes. They have a legendary reputation, but is an older model still worth your money today? The short answer is often yes, but it depends on what you need. This guide will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of vintage Leica scopes, so you can make a smart choice.
How Good Are The Old Leica Spotting Scopes
Older Leica spotting scopes, like the Televid series from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, are known for exceptional build and optical clarity. They were built to last a lifetime, with all-metal housings and precise mechanics. The image quality, especially in terms of color fidelity and contrast, often rivals modern mid-tier scopes. However, they lack recent advancements like fluoride glass and advanced coatings, which can affect brightness and color fringing in certain light.
Key Advantages of Vintage Leica Scopes
There are several reasons why these scopes remain sought after.
- Unmatched Build Quality: They are simply over-engineered. The housings are robust magnesium or aluminum, and the focus knobs turn with a smooth, damped precision that’s hard to find today.
- Superior Optical Character: Leica’s historic lens grinding produced images with a unique, pleasing rendering—excellent contrast and very natural colors without being overly saturated.
- Long-Term Value: A well-kept old Leica holds its value remarkably well. It’s a piece of optical history that you can use for decades.
- Simplicity and Reliability: With fewer electronic components or complex seals, many older models are straightforward and repairable by specialists.
Common Limitations to Consider
It’s not all perfect. You should be aware of the trade-offs.
- Narrower Field of View: Older designs typically have a much smaller field of view compared to modern wide-angle eyepieces, making it harder to locate subjects.
- Less Light Transmission: Older coatings aren’t as efficient. In low-light conditions like dawn or dusk, a modern scope will usually appear brighter.
- Chromatic Aberration: You might see more purple or green fringing around high-contrast edges, especially at higher magnifications.
- Eyepiece Compatibility: The older thread-mount (CRF) eyepieces are not compatible with newer Leica scopes. Finding specific focal lengths can be a challenge on the used market.
Popular Older Leica Models to Look For
Knowing the model names helps you search. Here are a few classics.
Leica Televid 77 (BA/CA)
This 77mm aperture model is a favorite among birders. The “BA” had a straight body, while the “CA” was angled. Its image is famously sharp and contrasty. The main drawback is its weight by todays standards.
Leica Televid 62
A more compact and lighter option with a 62mm objective lens. It sacrificed some light gathering for portability, but the image quality per ounce was incredible. Great for hikers.
Leica APO-Televid 77
This was a significant upgrade, incorporating apochromatic (APO) glass to greatly reduce color fringing. If you can find an APO model in good condition, it’s often the best performance you can get from that era.
How to Check a Used Leica Scope Before Buying
If you’re looking at a specific scope, follow these steps to avoid a lemon.
- Inspect the Optics: Look for scratches, fungus, or haze inside the lenses. Shine a flashlight through the scope onto a white wall—any major debris or mold will be visible as shadows.
- Test the Mechanics: Turn the focus wheel through its entire range. It should be smooth, with no gritty feeling or loose spots. The zoom or focus mechanism on the eyepiece should also operate cleanly.
- Check the Body: Look for major dents or signs of a heavy impact. Small wear marks are normal, but deep damage can indicate internal misalignment.
- Test it Outside: If possible, view a detailed, high-contrast target like a brick wall or tree branches against the sky. Look for sharpness across the field and check for excessive chromatic aberration.
Old Leica vs. Modern Mid-Range Scopes
This is the big decision. Should you buy an old Leica or a new scope from another brand at a similar price?
- For Optical Purity & Durability: The old Leica often wins. The “look” of the image and the tank-like build are special.
- For Features & Brightness: A new modern scope from brands like Kowa, Vortex, or Nikon will likely offer a wider field of view, better close focus, brighter image in low light, and waterproofing.
- For Peace of Mind: A new scope comes with a warranty. With an old Leica, you are the warranty department.
It boils down to personal priorties. Choose the vintage Leica for character and longevity, or the new scope for modern performance and convenience.
Caring for Your Vintage Leica Spotting Scope
Once you own one, proper care will ensure it lasts.
- Always use the front and rear lens caps when storing or transporting.
- Clean lenses only with a soft brush first, then use lens fluid and microfiber cloth designed for optics. Never use household cleaners.
- Store it in a dry place, ideally in a case with silica gel packs to prevent moisture and fungus growth.
- Avoid leaving it in extreme heat, like a closed car on a summer day, as this can damage seals and lubricants.
FAQ: Old Leica Spotting Scopes
Are old Leica spotting scopes waterproof?
Most older Televid models are weather-resistant, but not fully waterproof to modern IPX7 standards. They can handle rain and splashes, but submerging them is not recommended. Later APO models improved on this.
Can I use new Leica eyepieces on an old Leica scope?
No, you cannot. The old scopes use a proprietary thread-mount system (CRF). The new Leica scopes use a bayonet mount. You must find the older, specific eyepieces designed for your model.
Is it worth repairing an old Leica spotting scope?
Often, yes. If the optics are good but the mechanics are stiff, a professional repair can be cost-effective. For major issues like delaminated lenses, the cost may be to high unless the scope has sentimental value.
What is a fair price for a used Leica Televid?
Prices vary widely based on model, condition, and included eyepieces. As a rough guide, expect $800 to $1,500 for a clean 62mm or 77mm non-APO kit. APO models and rarer eyepieces can push $2,000 or more.
In conclusion, old Leica spotting scopes offer a unique blend of mechanical artistry and classic optical quality. They are not the brightest or widest scopes anymore, but they have a soul and durability that is rare. For the right person—someone who appreciates timeless engineering and doesn’t mind some trade-offs—they can be an exceptional tool that provides a lifetime of reliable service. Just do your homework, inspect carefully, and you might just find a legendary piece of glass.