Old School Optics

Often called the “French Zeiss”, Clavé Paris eyepieces are for the most part parfocal asymmetric Plossls (whatever that means-lol!), ranging from 3mm – 75mm. They hold an almost mythological reputation as being the some of the finest eyepieces made for amateurs as well as professional astronomers. I just know they are spectacular and I have become almost addicted to collectiing and using them. Very simple designs for the optimal purist, they excel at planetary and deep sky viewing. The secret to their fantastic contrasty views comes from the exclusive glass used in the early generations, excellent coatings and professional quality construction. They give a “warm” appearance to planets which helps with contrasting features on Jupiter. They became available in the 1950’s, and went through various “generations” of production as the hardware, glass, coatings and ultimately the ownership of the company evolved.

Above is an entire set of 3mm – 35mm. An additional set of professional grade larger focal eyepieces was created for use at and in celebration of the “Pic Du MIdi” observatory. I have an almost complete set of the “Pic DU Midi Series”, featuring a 2″ barrels from 30mm -65mm. I am finally fpund a 75mm!

3mm-75mm – at last!

Below is an image representing the various generations – however this image is not accurate. These are marked wrong because what is labeled as Generation 1 is actually Generation 2. Consequently, the rest of the Generation labels are out of whack. I know this because I communicated with the late Gene Cross of Cross Optics, the American importer of Clavés. Here is direct quote taken from one of my email conversations with him…

“The one labeled Gen-1 is Gen-2.

> The one labeled Gen-2 is actually a Gen-3 but with a 27 mm OD barrel.

> Any eyepiece with black optic tube and stainless steel barrel (part that inserts into focuser) is Gen-3 or later.

> Period.

By point of fact, the first generation ep’s featured three digit numbers on the top of each barrel. These were called the “Number Series”, from the 1950’s I believe. An example of which is here…