Fujinon 8×42 HC

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Specifications:

Objective diameter:  42 mm
True aperture (measured): 42 mm
Exit pupil diameter (acc. to spec): 5.25 mm
Exit pupil diameter (measured): 5.1 mm
Magnification (acc. to spec):  8 x
True magnification (measured): 8.2 x
Eye relief (acc. to spec): 18 mm
Useable eye relief (measured from rim of eyecup): 14.5 mm
IPD (acc. to spec):  57 – 76 mm
IPD (measured): 58 – 75 mm
RFOV (acc. to spec):  7.8 degrees = 136 m
RFOV (measured): 7.7 degrees = 135 m
AFOV (messured, rounded): 58.5 degrees
Minimum focus distance (measured): 1.55 m
Focus type: CF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: > clockwise)
Degrees of rotation of focus wheel from 3m to infinity (measured): 480 degrees
Range of diopter adjustment (acc. to spec.): +/- 4 dpt*
Excess travel of focus wheel beyond infinity position (estimate): 6.5 dpt*
Prism system:  Schmidt-Pechan
Waterproof: yes
Weight (measured, with eyepiece cover and strap): 865 g
Made in: Japan
*range of diopter adjustment not affected by position of focus wheel

 
Remarks:

The ancient Greeks used the term υπέρ {hypér} to describe situations or properties that were “over and above”, “beyond”. So Fujifilm’s* new roof prism binocular labelled “HYPER-CLARITY” is raising high expectations: an instrument with an image “beyond clarity”? Although it is not exactly clear in which sense the term “clarity” is used here – is it brightness, transparency, lucidity, or sharpness that is meant? – It has been years since Fujifilm came out with a new non-stabilized binocular. Looking at the price tag for the Fujinon HC, available as 8×42 or 10×42, Fujifilm seems to target the upper middle class binocular market, binoculars, where you find the likes of Meopta’s MeoStar, the Leica Trinovid HD, Zeiss Conquest HD, Nikon Monarch HG, Kite Ibis ED, etc. The initial impression of the HC is positive: is is very well finished, mechanically impeccable (focusing mechanism, eyecups, central hinge, diopter adjustment), with pleasant haptics and good ergonomics. Funny detail: Fujinon’s technical specification sheet lists the linear field of view as „136 m“, which translates into an angular RFOV of 7.8 degrees; but the mark printed on the underside of the left tube reads „8.0“ degrees, which would correspond to 140 m linear field of view (BINOCULARS TODAY’s own measurement produces a value of 7.7 degrees = 135m). – A review of the optical performance has been undertaken early 2021 to determine how good the HC is and whether or not the label “Hyper-Clarity” is justified, see below under “Review”.

* The company producing and selling the Fujinon line of binoculars is Fujifilm Corporation.

Rating:

Review:

A two-part review of the 8×42 HC can be found here:
https://www.birdforum.net/threads/fujinon-hc-hyper-clarity-new-roof-prism-binos.395302/page-5#post-4133975
and
https://www.birdforum.net/threads/fujinon-hc-hyper-clarity-new-roof-prism-binos.395302/page-5#post-4139001

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