mlespaul, I've visited
http://www.germanmilitaryoptics.wordpress.com. Great work it is.
I have some questions if you don't mind.
You have pointed that ZF 1x11 was used on Sdkfz 251/10 (3,7 cm PaK Mounted).
But there is another source. It claims that ZF 2x16 was used on Sdkfz 251/10(as well as on Sdkfz 250/10):
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewto...k=t&sd=a&sid=0ff4db5eac8a430be8efb2e75f9fb424
So where is the truth?
Do you have any references of that ZF 2x16?
Well, that IS the question, isn't it? Where IS the truth?
The truth is in the actual original H.Dv's, OKW Datenblatt, and period Wehrmacht publications and rarely on the internet. (I myself strive for accuracy, but I am always open to be corrected
) I urge all to pursue the truth by heading out to their nearest historical archives and dig it out themselves. Its not easy like firing up the ol' wikipedia, but hey, it's a lot more satisfying to find it yourself out in the wild. I know, it sounds bloated and pompous, but...man, you have to do it. One has to get one's butt up out of the computer chair and go out into the world every so often
.
Xavier and I are colleagues who keep in touch, and he and I have discussed that list you see on axis forums. He admits freely that this list that he made himself is VERY open for changes and corrections, as it is by no means exact nor can it be considered as THE final authoritative source. I myself have found more than a few errors on it, but really, it's not that big a deal. And for the most part he's got it right.
But I do know that the 1x11 was the standard telescope on the 3,7's (and, in a different configuration, the 4,1's) and it's self-propelled mounts. And every shot I've seen of the 251/9, it's definitely a 1x11 placed there in the dovetail slot. Maybe the 2x16 could have been a replacement for an updated Ausf. of the 251/9, but I've yet to see it. And the 1x11 even was used in the recoilless artillery guns as you seen on my site, so sometimes things aren't as prescriptive as we assume.
But, I've no doubt that there is a 2x16 sitting out there in someone's collection, and it probably showed up in one datasheet or another as the assigned zieloptik for a particular weapon platform. That's why part of my research is tied up in pouring over as many original technical descriptions, guides, manuals, etc, as possible in order to get to the real thing. It's hard, absolutely, it's a hard process to go through --that's why I say it's such a foolish undertaking
. Sometimes one small detail is overlooked and suddenly -- an set of periscopes that were the observation optics that really went to the 12,8 cm "Emil Sturer" is now on record as belonging to the 8,8 cm Ferdinand or Elefant. It's why I'm trying to be careful, and why my information takes a while to be put online. It's also why I don't like to indiscriminately shoot stuff to whole bunches of people as it often becomes distorted.
We have some long-time folks here that know what I mean
.
I have yet to find anything on this 2x16. What do I think it is? I have a feeling it might be the variation in the other photo in the 1 x 11 section. I say might. The owner has yet to return my request to identify the markings on the hardware....Until I know for sure, I will just have to have it down as a 1 x 11 variation, which is accurate.
Remember - research is all about uncovering things, and challenging assumptions, questioning authority, and accepting constructive criticism in order to improve the quality of the research. Also remember to keep checking back in to the site. Because I intended it to be a living document, it is subject to change and corrections, unlike a lot of the stuff you usually find googling around, that is, if you find it at all. Optics is one of those 'boutique' type of specialty knowledge areas in which very few are conversant/authoritative. Again, "one must be cautious" as the wise old man said before going into the cantina.
I am looking for any references of ZF 2x30(panzerjager I ausf B) and TZF 5b, TZF 5f also. Reticle patterns needed mainly.
Probably you can help.
I probably can. The TZFs will be up on my site soon for all. Maybe I can help dispel some misconceptions. I hope not to create any new ones. The truth takes time. So does making sure it's displayed properly.
![[TW]Wilsonam](/data/avatars/s/0/10.jpg?1568638684){kind=avatar}
