American Optical M603B Lensometer
This unit was manufactured in 1950. Tens of thousands of these units were produced over the years with very few modifications. They are unkillable if properly maintained and are still found today, mainly in examination rooms.
Description
American Optical M603B. A standard of the company from 1937 till approximately 1960.This unit was available in three different versions: A,B, and C. A had no marker or magnifiers, B had the marker only, and C had both. B is by far the most common, while C is the rarest.
The one in the picture has been restored and also slightly modified. The paint on the axis scale was damaged and flaking, so it was removed down to the brass. A black oil stick was rubbed into the impressions so the scale could still be easily read. Finally both foam rubber supports were added so the unit could be used as a collimator for adjusting the axis on a phoroptor. Much heavier than glasses 🙂 Today it’s my backup for oddly-shaped phoroptors.
A/O used year of manufacture as part of the serial number. According to this one, this unit was manufactured in 1950. Tens of thousands of these units were produced over the years with very few modifications. They are unkillable if properly maintained and are still found today, mainly in examination rooms.
