Shigeki Terada who begins explanation for members

Research on Restoration of Big Binocular Telescope

Well, the program rushes into the further super-deep world. I would like to introduce Shigeki Terada's report as follows.

Completely Dismantled Binocular Telescope

Shoyu ... It is the very fundamental seasoning for Japanese and it is their major part of "taste of Mom's cooking". Regionally, there are many variations of its taste. The taste of Kyushu region (southern part of Japan) is sweeter than usual one, suitable for the "Sashimi" of southern seafoods or pork cooking (Kyushu specialty).

Choko Shoyu K. K. is a major shoyu house of Nagasaki Pref. Kyushu. It was established by the name of "Nagasaki shoyu and miso brewery union" in 1941 at Nagasaki City. This report describes the binocular telescope they have been keeping for about 70 years.

NIKKO Made Fork Mounting (Re-painted)

Shigeki Terada, Nikon Kenkyukai's Telescope/Binocular researcher, found a report about this binocular in a website. This Japanese article described that very old big binoculars were at the Choko Shoyu factory. Terada requested the lending of the binoculars to the Choko Shoyu headquarters. Terada's purpose is to research the old vintage binoculars and complete full restoration. Kindly the headquarters accepted this proposal, and they sent this precious specimen to Tokyo.

Terada took this to pieces completely, cleaned and repainted over 6 months. Now, this is the rare chance of studying the dismantled historical big binocular telescope!

Original Production Plate (Enomoto Kogaku)

After peeling out its old paint, the name plate was found. This is "Enomoto kogaku seiki seisakusho" (Enomoto Optical Instruments Works) 15X4° 10cm 70degree high view angle binocular telescope, product No.2011. May be produced in 1939. Enomoto Kogaku is established 1934, now merged with Fuji film (Fujinon). But strangely, the fork mount is made by Nikon, product No.3925.

Enomoto Plate and NIKKO Mounting

Parts of the Objective Cell Unit

From the Left, Objective cell mounting ring screw, Eccentric ring, Objective lens in the eccentric objective cell, Pull-out type hood, Objective part dressed tube.

Parts of the Eyepiece Unit

Main tube, Pupil distance adjuster cover, 70deg. roof prism case, Pupil distance adjuster bearing ring, Rhomboid prism case, Eyepiece case, Eyepiece.

Eye Lens of Eyepiece and Diopter Adjusting Unit

Eye lens of eyepiece, Diopter adjusting ring, Rubber eyecup holder. Eyepiece type is 60deg. wide type invented by Kakuya Sunayama former Senior Manager of Optical Design Div. of Nippon Kogaku.

Beautiful Roof Prism and Rhomboid Prism

Luxurious big 70-deg. Roof prism and Rhomboid prism there are writing of product No. and L/R sign with pencil.

Now, Terada is explaining Total parts number are about 100

I would like to make a few comments about color analysis. Original paint color was IJA (The Imperial Japanese Army) gray same to the NIKKO binocular telescope Yukikazu Hayashi brought today. Which still remained on eyepiece case behind diopter adjusting ring. And there are little residues of same colored fake leather painting (including cork powder) on main tube and prism cases.

But re-painted with spray gun carefully soon after it produced with IJA brownish-deep green color. This modification is recalled this binocular is applied not for on the vessel but for on the ground.

All Parts of the Big NIKKO Binocular Telescope

In the WWII era, there were many antiaircraft gun bases around Nagasaki city area. This binocular may be set on such base. Or, because shoyu and miso were controlled materials during the war, this binocular may guard the factory of Choko Shoyu. But, if it were, those bases and factory were in the 2km area from Ground-Zero, the damage of A-bomb may have been unavoidable. However, there is nothing about such damage to this. Is it a miracle?

As a mark of respect to this matter, this time, the color of re-painting was done by carefully adjusted color and gross of the original IJA brownish-deep green color remained on the objective part dressed tube covered the outer hood. After this restoration is over, re-introduction will be held on Nikon Kenkyukai again. This binocular surely shows us the super clear image same as these former days.

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Chapter 0      Top Page
Chapter 1      Germanium Nikkor
Chapter 2      Nikon Measuring Instruments
Chapter 3      Old Binoculars Repair
Chapter 4      NIKKO Binocular Telescope