The Huet Extra Lumineuse 7x , made in Paris, is a relic from a time when things were built to last – no plastic, no frills, just solid steel, leather upholstery and precision.
With its 7x magnification and 24 mm objective lenses, it's no light monster, but the "extra luminous" feature wasn't excessive at the time of its production: The image is bright enough for everyday use, and especially at dusk, you can notice the difference compared to simpler binoculars. It was likely manufactured during the First World War and intended for the French army.
Technical data at a glance
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Magnification: 7x
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Lens diameter: 24 mm
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Design: classic Porro prism glass
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Focusing: Single focusing with linear movement (typically French)
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Special feature: Distance scale (telemeter) in the right eyepiece
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Dimensions: approx. 11 × 12.5 cm
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Weight: approx. 600 g
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Year of construction: probably 1914–1918
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Material: Metal case, leather-covered
Impression during use
Anyone who picks up the binoculars immediately senses: This isn't just for looking at—it's meant to be used. The mechanism is simple, but still works even after more than 100 years. The focus adjustment works smoothly, and the image is clearer than you'd expect from binoculars of this age.
The view through the eyepieces is pleasantly wide. The telemeter display – once intended for measuring distances – is now more of a charming detail. Nevertheless, the thoughtful construction of the whole thing is impressive. The optics deliver a neutral image with good contrast in good light – not perfect, but perfectly adequate for nature, landscapes, or even as a decorative item on a shelf.
Conclusion
The Huet 7x isn't a modern lightweight, but it's a true piece of optical history. It's of interest to collectors, history buffs, or anyone who enjoys working with tools that have substance. It recalls a time when form and function were perfectly aligned—and when every detail had its purpose.
