Original German WWII Carl Zeiss Jena 12x 1.25m Coincidence Rangefinder Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. A coincidence rangefinder or coincidence telemeter is a type of rangefinder that uses mechanical and optical principles to allow an operator to determine the distance to a visible object. There are subtypes split-image telemeter, inverted image, or double-image telemeter with different principles how two images in a single ocular are compared. Coincidence rangefinders were important elements of fire control systems for long-range naval guns and land-based coastal artillery circa 1890–1960. They were also used in rangefinder cameras.

A stereoscopic telemeter looks similar, but has two eyepieces and uses a different principle, based on binocular vision. The two can normally be distinguished at a glance by the number of eyepieces, one for a coincidence rangefinder, and 2 for a stereoscopic one.

This is a great example of a rare and impressive optical instrument made just before the Second World War. It is a Type 68 Entfernungsmesser or Rangefinder of 12x magnification with a 1.25 meter base length. It was designed to accurately assess the distance of enemy forces from the observer. With a single eyepiece, it is of the coincidence telemeter type.

Manufactured by CARL ZIESS of JENA and well marked all over with use instructions in German (not Finnish as many rangefinders are found on the collectors market).

The Rangefinder itself is beautifully painted in the original green color and measures 54 ½” in overall length, the measurement from lens center to lens center is 125 cms (1.25 Metres).

A wonderful example and comes more than ready for further research and display.