Apparently the manufacturer brand is no longer on the tube, but it's vintage (sort of). Does anybody know which scope could it be, I am looking to add it as my first refractor.
Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
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Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
Apparently the manufacturer brand is no longer on the tube, but it's vintage (sort of). Does anybody know which scope could it be, I am looking to add it as my first refractor.
Mounts SW AZ GTI
Binoviewer MaxBright II
Barlow Baader Q-Barlow 2.25x / 1.3x
Eyepieces Baader Classic Orthos 6mm, 10mm, 18mm | Baader Classic Plössl 32mm | Maxvision 24 mm 68°| BST 5mm
Filters Baader Neodymium (Moon & Skyglow) | Astronomik UHC
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- Lady Fraktor Online
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
Is there a model number anywhere or lettering on the lens cell?
Depending on what year it was made it will either be a made by Vixen for Celestron or just a Celestron.
These were generally very nice refractors and worth getting if not to expensive.
Are any of the original eyepieces with it? Did it originally come one a wooden tripod or the one it is currently on?
That will help pinpoint which it is.
In this picture I have circled is where the factory stick would be. Something is there, either a reflection or a sticker.
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
I think this is the original tripod, no mention of eyepieces, but could be on on the diagonal, can't tell. I believe the seller also found it in the attic and is not really familiar with it.
Mounts SW AZ GTI
Binoviewer MaxBright II
Barlow Baader Q-Barlow 2.25x / 1.3x
Eyepieces Baader Classic Orthos 6mm, 10mm, 18mm | Baader Classic Plössl 32mm | Maxvision 24 mm 68°| BST 5mm
Filters Baader Neodymium (Moon & Skyglow) | Astronomik UHC
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
If that is the original it will be a FirstScope but still a nice refractor.
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
And after asking for more info he said the above regarding the
Mounts SW AZ GTI
Binoviewer MaxBright II
Barlow Baader Q-Barlow 2.25x / 1.3x
Eyepieces Baader Classic Orthos 6mm, 10mm, 18mm | Baader Classic Plössl 32mm | Maxvision 24 mm 68°| BST 5mm
Filters Baader Neodymium (Moon & Skyglow) | Astronomik UHC
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
The diagonal, finderscope and tripod/ mount are the weak points but these are replaceable over time.
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
I appreciate your take! I hope to get it (and that the optics are in good condition), and looking forward to having a starter refractor in my possesion
I will post updates should I buy it.
Mounts SW AZ GTI
Binoviewer MaxBright II
Barlow Baader Q-Barlow 2.25x / 1.3x
Eyepieces Baader Classic Orthos 6mm, 10mm, 18mm | Baader Classic Plössl 32mm | Maxvision 24 mm 68°| BST 5mm
Filters Baader Neodymium (Moon & Skyglow) | Astronomik UHC
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
If the objective is in good condition then you have a fine base to improve on and enjoy for years.
People are still discovering just how good these older refractors really are.
Good luck with the purchase.
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
I just brought the scope back home, got:
- 2 eyepieces (Labeled: Super 20mm and Super 10mm)
- baader astro filter to go with it.
The scope appears to be a no-name telescope. There is absolutely no markings what so ever to indicate the manufacturer. The scope itself was purchased roughly 16-17 years ago. There seem to be a few spots on the lens, hopefully it's seen on the photos. Is it ok to clean the lens with the baader wonder fluid and cloth?
Can't wait to try it out
Mounts SW AZ GTI
Binoviewer MaxBright II
Barlow Baader Q-Barlow 2.25x / 1.3x
Eyepieces Baader Classic Orthos 6mm, 10mm, 18mm | Baader Classic Plössl 32mm | Maxvision 24 mm 68°| BST 5mm
Filters Baader Neodymium (Moon & Skyglow) | Astronomik UHC
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
Well, simply WOW!
This peculiar little (not so little actually) refractor produced amazing views of Jupiter and Saturn! The sharpness and contrast were simply amazing. I used 6mm (x150) and barlowed 10mm (x206). The 6mm produced a breathtaking image, and the barlowed 10mm very good image! Neodymium filter produced even better contrast. I am amazed. Cassini division clear,
I am not still not sure about the manufacturer, but whichever it is kudos to them, the views are outstanding from my perspective, really didn't expect to be amazed by it.
As [mention]Lady Fraktor[/mention] skillfully noticed the finder (although not exactly garbage), mount and diagonal are the weak links, it is definitely worth upgrading.
Can anybody provide any advice about the mount and tripod, what should be comfortable with this scope? Will also look at the used market, but it's probably hard to find.
And those spots on the lens seem to be of no importance
Mounts SW AZ GTI
Binoviewer MaxBright II
Barlow Baader Q-Barlow 2.25x / 1.3x
Eyepieces Baader Classic Orthos 6mm, 10mm, 18mm | Baader Classic Plössl 32mm | Maxvision 24 mm 68°| BST 5mm
Filters Baader Neodymium (Moon & Skyglow) | Astronomik UHC
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
I have to say when I first saw your pictures I couldn't believe how much it looked like my Celestron C80-HD, which was made in 1997. Everything from the dew shield cap, tube rings, even the focuser colour are all the same as on mine. The only difference is mine has the orange Celestron sticker on the tube, and the focal length on mine is 900mm, not 910mm like yours. Other that that I would swear they're the same scope:
Mine also has a few what looks like small chips or stains on the objective, same as yours, and they haven't marred my views either. I think the mirror in my 10" is dirtier...
As for the mount, mine came with the stock (albeit old)
I'd personally say a
Regardless of that, again I think you got a great deal! I've had my C80-HD and orange C80 for about 5 years now and I wouldn't part with either one. Just something about a long
All the best and good luck on a mount,
"The Hankmeister" Celestron 8SE, orange tube Vixen made C80, CG4, AZ-EQ5 and SolarQuest mounts.
Too much Towa glass/mirrors.
Solar:
H/A - PST stage 2 mod with a Baader 90mm ERF on a Celestron XLT 102 (thanks Mike!)
Ca-K - W/O 61mm, Antares 1.6 barlow, Baader 3.8 OD and Ca-K filters with a ZWO ASI174mm.
W/L - C80-HD with Baader 5.0 & 3.8 Solar film, Solar Continuum 7.5nm and UV/IR filters with a Canon EOS 550D.
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
These are Celestron refractors called a Celestron Firstscope, they were made right after Celestron finished their partnership with Vixen.
Now yours does not have the original tripod and mount but this will give you an indication of what the package is worth. (You got a very good deal actually)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/CELESTRON-FIRS ... 3648445009
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
I agree, I am very happy with the purchase, honestly been wanting to expand my scope range, but I can hardly afford any decent fracs. So this opportunity came at the right timeThefatkitty wrote: ↑Mon Aug 17, 2020 12:10 am First off, great deal! I did the conversion to CDN$, and that's just under $50 here. And you're very happy with the views it seems, so that just makes it even better!
I have to say when I first saw your pictures I couldn't believe how much it looked like my Celestron C80-HD, which was made in 1997. Everything from the dew shield cap, tube rings, even the focuser colour are all the same as on mine. The only difference is mine has the orange Celestron sticker on the tube, and the focal length on mine is 900mm, not 910mm like yours. Other that that I would swear they're the same scope:
And it looks so similar almost identical, so must be as Lady Fraktor said, it's a Celestron FS80.
I am certain I won't part with this one CG4 seems to be a very solid mount for this scope. And it looks great on your image!Thefatkitty wrote: ↑Mon Aug 17, 2020 12:10 am Mine also has a few what looks like small chips or stains on the objective, same as yours, and they haven't marred my views either. I think the mirror in my 10" is dirtier...
As for the mount, mine came with the stock (albeit old) CG-4. I found some advertising for the scope here, and it states, "This heavy duty refractor telescope stands out from the other 80mm telescopes on the market by having by far the best mount." Well, that might be a stretch, but the scope rides very solidly on it, and I believe the new version of the CG-4 has steel legs. And my scope didn't come with as many counterweights as in the advert...
I'd personally say a CG-4 would be a good starting point for sure, though others may have better thoughts
Regardless of that, again I think you got a great deal! I've had my C80-HD and orange C80 for about 5 years now and I wouldn't part with either one. Just something about a long f/l 80mm achro... I can see you doing the same
All the best and good luck on a mount,
I am just thinking should I invest some time and try to fix up the existing mount, but at the same time, might as well save me the frustration and try to buy a new mount. For this I would be inclined to buy an AZ mount. But still, decent ones are around 200€, so that's an issue for me
Yes I thought it was from your previous posts, but when I saw there is no reference anywhere I wasn't sure. And I agree a very good deal, only theLady Fraktor wrote: ↑Mon Aug 17, 2020 3:45 am Great that you enjoyed the views!
These are Celestron refractors called a Celestron Firstscope, they were made right after Celestron finished their partnership with Vixen.
Now yours does not have the original tripod and mount but this will give you an indication of what the package is worth. (You got a very good deal actually)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/CELESTRON-FIRS ... 3648445009
It's safe to say I understand why people love refractors, a different experience altogether.
Waiting to see if I get some clear skies tonight, going out again
Oh and 2 questions:
1. How does one check the solar filter (if it's still good). It seems to have been in some old case with soft fabric interior. I am quite scared to give it a try though
2. Any idea if these eyepieces are any good, I haven't tried them last night, but will check them this evening. I am guessing they are below BCOs that I already own.
Thanks,
West
Mounts SW AZ GTI
Binoviewer MaxBright II
Barlow Baader Q-Barlow 2.25x / 1.3x
Eyepieces Baader Classic Orthos 6mm, 10mm, 18mm | Baader Classic Plössl 32mm | Maxvision 24 mm 68°| BST 5mm
Filters Baader Neodymium (Moon & Skyglow) | Astronomik UHC
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
1. Being scared is the correct response. Discard it. Either use a front end filter or a Herschel wedge at the back end. The eyepiece filters are unreliable. There are threads that show proper solar kit.West83 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 17, 2020 12:11 pm
Oh and 2 questions:
1. How does one check the solar filter (if it's still good). It seems to have been in some old case with soft fabric interior. I am quite scared to give it a try though
2. Any idea if these eyepieces are any good, I haven't tried them last night, but will check them this evening. I am guessing they are below BCOs that I already own.
2. The BCOs are better.
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
notFritzArgelander wrote: ↑Mon Aug 17, 2020 12:24 pm1. Being scared is the correct response. Discard it. Either use a front end filter or a Herschel wedge at the back end. The eyepiece filters are unreliable. There are threads that show proper solar kit.West83 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 17, 2020 12:11 pm
Oh and 2 questions:
1. How does one check the solar filter (if it's still good). It seems to have been in some old case with soft fabric interior. I am quite scared to give it a try though
2. Any idea if these eyepieces are any good, I haven't tried them last night, but will check them this evening. I am guessing they are below BCOs that I already own.
2. The BCOs are better.
The filter is the front end filter if I am correct. The old man seems to have taken good care of his gear, as the scope is in great condition (better than on pictures). He even still has the receipt for the filter. But I guess it's better to discard it.
Thanks for the input
Mounts SW AZ GTI
Binoviewer MaxBright II
Barlow Baader Q-Barlow 2.25x / 1.3x
Eyepieces Baader Classic Orthos 6mm, 10mm, 18mm | Baader Classic Plössl 32mm | Maxvision 24 mm 68°| BST 5mm
Filters Baader Neodymium (Moon & Skyglow) | Astronomik UHC
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
Refractors: ES AR152 f/6.5 Achromat on Twilight II, Celestron 102mm XLT f/9.8 on Celestron Heavy Duty Alt Az mount, KOWA 90mm spotting scope
Binoculars: Celestron SkyMaster 15x70, Bushnell 10x50
Eyepieces: Various, GSO Superview, 9mm Plossl, Celestron 25mm Plossl
Camera: ZWO ASI 120
Naked Eye: Two Eyeballs
Latitude: 48.7229° N
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
When looking at the sun are there any pinpoints of light showing?
The filter may work but from your images it is very poorly made, I would not use it until t has been re-made properly.
https://www.astro-physics.info/tech_sup ... f-axis.pdf
The filter must fit snug on the telescope so that it cannot be bumped or blown off the tube.
When doing solar observing remove the finderscope so you do not accidentally look in it while pointed at the sun.
The 25mm and 10mm should work fairly well as they should be actual Plossl eyepieces and not the cheap things they include with telescopes today.
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
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Re: Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?
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