Among the most admired instruments in the canon of twentieth-century marine optics, the Fuji Meibo 15×80 is the definitive Japanese big eye binocular — purpose-built for shipboard observation, rigorous in construction, and unmistakable in presence.
This example, serial number 5436, was manufactured by Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. during the 1970s, when the Meibo remained the instrument of choice aboard Japanese naval and research vessels.
The sand-cast aluminum body has been hand-polished to a brilliant mirror finish — a construction that rewards the polisher's art with exceptional results. The straight-through optical path, barrels running in an unbroken line from objective to eyepiece, is an architecture that speaks directly to its purpose as a horizon glass, designed for open-bridge observation where the eye meets the sea at a natural angle. The 80mm objectives produce an image of exceptional brightness and clarity; at 15× magnification, a 4° field of view ensures the instrument remains as practical as it is powerful. The original anti-reflection coatings survive intact, visible as the characteristic deep blue-teal bloom across both objective faces.
Mounted on a period hardwood-and-brass tripod with extending legs, chrome-capped conical feet, and brass ferrules, the ensemble offers full 360° rotation and vertical adjustment via the original locking lever. Mirror-polished alloy, warm brass, and dark-lacquered hardwood combine to give the complete piece an interior presence that few instruments can match.
Maker: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd., Japan Model: Meibo 15×80 Serial Number: 5436 (c.1970s) Magnification: 15× Objective Diameter: 80mm Field of View: 4° Body: Sand-cast aluminum, hand-polished
Condition: Excellent; optics clear
Among the most admired instruments in the canon of twentieth-century marine optics, the Fuji Meibo 15×80 is the definitive Japanese big eye binocular — purpose-built for shipboard observation, rigorous in construction, and unmistakable in presence.
This example, serial number 5436, was manufactured by Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. during the 1970s, when the Meibo remained the instrument of choice aboard Japanese naval and research vessels.
The sand-cast aluminum body has been hand-polished to a brilliant mirror finish — a construction that rewards the polisher's art with exceptional results. The straight-through optical path, barrels running in an unbroken line from objective to eyepiece, is an architecture that speaks directly to its purpose as a horizon glass, designed for open-bridge observation where the eye meets the sea at a natural angle. The 80mm objectives produce an image of exceptional brightness and clarity; at 15× magnification, a 4° field of view ensures the instrument remains as practical as it is powerful. The original anti-reflection coatings survive intact, visible as the characteristic deep blue-teal bloom across both objective faces.
Mounted on a period hardwood-and-brass tripod with extending legs, chrome-capped conical feet, and brass ferrules, the ensemble offers full 360° rotation and vertical adjustment via the original locking lever. Mirror-polished alloy, warm brass, and dark-lacquered hardwood combine to give the complete piece an interior presence that few instruments can match.
Maker: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd., Japan Model: Meibo 15×80 Serial Number: 5436 (c.1970s) Magnification: 15× Objective Diameter: 80mm Field of View: 4° Body: Sand-cast aluminum, hand-polished
Condition: Excellent; optics clear
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