Mystery optical instrument

JPD · Oct 30, 2020

What is this boxed optical instrument by Hensoldt - Wetzlar used for?

https://www.tradera.com/item/1411/423933214/optiskt-instrument-for-objektiv-kamera-reparation

The auction claims it's for lens/camera repair, but I'm not sure about that.

UnderwoodPhoto · Oct 30, 2020

Looks like a dual flash bulb popper.

AgX · Oct 30, 2020

I guess some kind of collimating device for armed forces.

MattKing · Oct 30, 2020

AgX said:
I guess some kind of collimating device for armed forces.

Are you saying it is used to help keep soldiers in line?
(English is a funny language)

JPD · Oct 30, 2020

AgX said:
I guess some kind of collimating device for armed forces.

That was my first guess, but I don't get what the glass tubes with some kind of insualtion (?) would be for.

Kino · Oct 30, 2020

I was thinking it was a boresight for artillery, but here's one: https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/leitz-wetzlar-artillery-collimator-435033347

Probably something along those lines...

JPD · Oct 30, 2020

I sent Hensoldt an email.

I doubt it's for military use. The military equipment loos more robust, painted green and come in sturdier, green, boxes. I think it's for indoor use, like in an optics lab

AgX · Oct 31, 2020

Yes, I considered the box too, but the military also got quite civil labs still with proprietary devices. There are quite some peculiarities at that device, that make it different from usual optical equipment.

benjiboy · Oct 31, 2020

They are instruments for getting boy scouts out of horses hooves.

Nodda Duma · Oct 31, 2020

Boresight / alignment check and adjustment equipment for direct viewing optics (binoculars, scopes, etc). The kit has equipment for a couple of different tests.

Not necessarily military hardware.. It was/is fairly common for Wetzler and other companies to pack optical test equipment like this

AgX · Oct 31, 2020

But those two cylinders at the sides seemingly have a translucent barrel and maybe a flaky coating inside. Not like a boresight as I know it. Also there is that coupling with two lateral studs. Enigmatic to me also.

Can't someone come up with the manual....?

Nodda Duma · Oct 31, 2020

AgX said:
But those two cylinders at the sides seemingly have a translucent barrel and maybe a flaky coating inside. Not like a boresight as I know it. Also there is that coupling with two lateral studs. Enigmatic to me also.

Can't someone come up with the manual....?

Look closer.. that’s a slightly rust steel barrel

JPD · Nov 1, 2020

Nodda Duma said:
Look closer.. that’s a slightly rust steel barrel

So, what looks like glass is shiny steel, the "tube inside" is a reflection of the box wall, and the "insulation material" isn't something fibrous but rust? Interesting optical illusion.

AgX · Nov 1, 2020

So that is rust... And that thing I called a coupling (right to center) is a device with two dials. It seems we have been fooled... Can we admit it?

UnderwoodPhoto · Nov 3, 2020

The metal tubes look just the right size for 2 C cells in each one.

AgX · Nov 3, 2020

-) One not very likely would put batteries into tubes with standard mains cables leading into.
-) The outer diameter of the tubes is more than twice that of a C-cell.

UnderwoodPhoto · Nov 4, 2020

AgX said:
-) One not very likely would put batteries into tubes with standard mains cables leading into.
-) The outer diameter of the tubes is more than twice that of a C-cell.

In the US of A, most large flash units well into the 1980s used what we called a PC connector that is identical to our 120 volt "mains" plug. Two flat prongs. Those in the image appear round and with possibly a notch to ensure a more postive, pull resistant connection or possibly similar to a 1/4" audio/phone plug. As far as the tubes being larger than a C cell, that may well be. Perhaps a D cell size.

AgX · Nov 4, 2020

The free-end connectors shown are mains connectors of the Schuko type*, a german design used in about 1/4 of the world. Its diameter is about 40mm.

*Or its groundless version of same shape and dimension. I no longer have access to that photo.

UnderwoodPhoto · Nov 4, 2020

"A Schuko plug features two round pins of 4.8 mm diameter (19 mm long, centers 19 mm apart) for the line and neutral contacts". Taken from the web. I was referring to the PINS on the connector, not the molded grip. I was correct in my ASSessment of the pin diameter.

AgX · Nov 4, 2020

I did not question that. What I meant was that the Schuko plug can be taken as size reference for this enigmatic device.

UnderwoodPhoto · Nov 5, 2020

If the plugs are indeed Schuko plug at 40mm diameter as a size reference and purpose, they are likely low wattage light sources for and additional box of kit is needed to complete the instrument. If one unit is a photo electric sensor, a meter or other indicator would be needed but there is no visable connection point. We will never know unless the buyer shares his or her info.

Mystery optical instrument

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