When in 1994 brothers Harald and Reiner Opolka founded their company Zweibrüder Optoelectronics GmbH in Solingen, they had 1000 DM and dreams of a new quality of light. Their first great success was the tiny V8 LED flashlight, which was awarded many times and became a world classic among flashlights. This success allowed for the development of the company, which became a world leader among LED flashlights. Also today, LED Lenser LED flashlights set new trends and prove that what was technologically impossible yesterday becomes real and amazes even professionals. The source of light in these flashlights are LED diodes (Light Emitting Diode), and precise accelerated electrons, which, under the influence of energy from the batteries, hit the neighboring atoms and produce visible light – the so-called photons.
LEDs have a service life of over 100,000 hours (11 years!) And, unlike ordinary light bulbs, they do not burn out or break. The great advantage of LEDs, which also has an impact on the protection of the natural environment, is that they consume a negligible amount of energy, which is converted almost entirely into light. In classic light bulbs, more than 90% of energy is “wasted” because it turns into heat. An example is the Led Lenser P7.2 flashlight, which has become the new world bestseller. It is small – 13 cm long, powered by 4 AAA batteries (“thin fingers”), and the power of its highly efficient diode replaces a large 20 watt halogen lamp, and the lighting time is up to 50 hours. Its light with a real flux of 320 lm reaches a distance of up to 260 m.
The new generation of Led Lenser flashlights are distinguished by an innovative lens system and a fast variable focus mechanism (Advanced Focus System), which is appreciated by professionals using portable light sources. The advantages of these flashlights have already convinced the police of many countries, who replaced the classic large flashlights (well known from American films) with the small and powerful LED Lenser flashlights. The military, emergency services, hunters, sailors and trappers also included them in their permanent inventory. They are also indispensable in the car as an emergency light source. The enormous amount of bright and blinding white light coming from the Led Lenser P7.2 flashlight and directed by the lenses can also be used to blind the uninvited “guest” approaching our car. The advantages of high-performance LEDs have recently been appreciated by car manufacturers and used in cars in position lamps and as a light source in main headlights.
We will certainly meet LEDs more and more often in newer and newer applications, and Zweibrüder Optoelectronics will surprise us with new models of Led Lenser flashlights.
