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Equipment Discussions >> Classic Telescopes

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GlassthrowerModerator
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
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Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16348
Loc: Kuiper Belt
Craigslist, eBay and other vintage scope ads
      #3371635 - 10/04/09 10:18 PM

This is a continuation of the previous thread, which is located here :

Previous Thread - Click Here.

A few reminders :

1) do not post your own ads or the ads of your friends. This is considered sale promotion in the open forums and this is a violation of the CN TOS. Please post such ads in the S&S forum or the CNC.

2) do not post photos from ads unless you have the permission of the person who took the photo. If you must have some reference to the photo in the post, then post a link to the photo, not the photo itself.

3) do not post the entire ad text (or large blocks of it) without permission from the author.

4) try to concentrate on the item for sale and not the seller.

5) Buyer beware - there are some scams floating around, so do your homework before pursuing any ad.

6) CN is in no way responsible for the content of these linked ads.

Best regards and clear skies,

MikeG

--------------------
Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.



Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.


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JamesE
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Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: Glassthrower]
      #3371869 - 10/05/09 12:49 AM

The title says it all

90mm Sears on Amart

--------------------
James

(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)

Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids


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CHASLX200
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Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: JamesE]
      #3372059 - 10/05/09 06:31 AM

I would have jumped on that Parks 12.5" and Byers mount combo if it were local.

Chas


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AaronM
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Reged: 02/02/06
Posts: 340
Loc: NRW, Germany
Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: JamesE]
      #3372428 - 10/05/09 11:43 AM

Puh ! Seems to be really in rough condition !

Regards, Michael


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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus


Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 736
Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: AaronM]
      #3372845 - 10/05/09 03:15 PM

My thoughts too.

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Starpoke
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Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 275
Loc: Western Montana
Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: AaronM]
      #3372860 - 10/05/09 03:26 PM

Yeah, really ugly for an incredibly rare Royal Astro 90mm..Hmmmm.wonder if he would take my 66mm Zeinthstar for it..
Clear skies.. Glenn

--------------------
152nn f9 Starfire Apo on Schaefer AT-4 Mount
94mm f7 Brandon Apo on ASGT (or Polaris when AGST is on the fritz.)
WO Zenithstar 66 f6 ED Pretzval on UA Microstar
Tasco 7TE-5 60mm. f16.7 EQ Refractor.
Celestron C-60E f15 on Polaris
Celestron CO 62 Cometron f5
Meade 390 90mm f11 on Mizar m-4
Tasco 8V
eyepieces, books, some old scopes and mounts - ect.


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AlienFirstClass
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Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 736
Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: Starpoke]
      #3372907 - 10/05/09 03:45 PM

Anyone who collects that condition is EVERYTHING.

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woodsman
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Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: AlienFirstClass]
      #3372912 - 10/05/09 03:49 PM

You should have seen mine before I restored it. It actually doesn't take that much work and that scope could be looking nearly good as new. I hope someone here gets it and posts pictures. Its too bad he is missing the eyepiece turret and colored eyepieces. Those are tough to find.

--------------------
artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm


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Preston Smith
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Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: woodsman]
      #3372940 - 10/05/09 04:01 PM

Definitely a lot of dings, dents and some damaged hardware. I wish he would have shown some pictures of the mount.....Hmmm wonder why not?

His Amart name is lxd55ar5 so he has other scopes and mounts.

If I didn't have so many scopes I would have probably contacted him by now!

--------------------
Preston

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26

SV115T,NHII,SV70,SV50 and Tele Vue Ranger

Vintage Refractors: Asahi-Pentax, Edmund Scientific, Tasco, Unitron

60mm Telescope Club


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JamesE
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Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: Preston Smith]
      #3373085 - 10/05/09 05:16 PM

The poster on Amart is a new user. Possibly they do not know the value of this particular scope?

--------------------
James

(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)

Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids


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mustgobigger
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7TE-5 PA. CL new [Re: JamesE]
      #3373429 - 10/05/09 09:29 PM

Tasco 7TE-5 PA. CL

link 175.00

--------------------
RV-6
Meade 826
Meade 880 Deluxe
Unitron's 114,128,140,142,150,152,155,160
4" Jaegertron
4.5" A.E f/14 Refractor
4" f/15 Edmund's Refractor



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AaronM
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Posts: 340
Loc: NRW, Germany
Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: JamesE]
      #3373892 - 10/06/09 03:30 AM

Maybe this is one for our "Habsburg8" , Mr. Siple ??
But I think, he's collecting only first quality condition...

Kind regards, Michael


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Happy-Idiot
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Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: AaronM]
      #3373937 - 10/06/09 04:39 AM

Cool Little 50mm Monolux

--------------------
Brian



A small scope that gets used often is a better investment than a big scope that stays in the closet.

Unitrons, you spend more time looking at them than you do through them.



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deSitter
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Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: JamesE]
      #3373967 - 10/06/09 05:56 AM

Quote:

The title says it all

90mm Sears on Amart




Goodness it is physically painful to see something that mishandled. And something so rare - Philistines!

-drl


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Preston Smith
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Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: deSitter]
      #3374373 - 10/06/09 11:54 AM

Quote:

Quote:

The title says it all

90mm Sears on Amart




Goodness it is physically painful to see something that mishandled. And something so rare - Philistines!

-drl




...Philistines!



--------------------
Preston

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26

SV115T,NHII,SV70,SV50 and Tele Vue Ranger

Vintage Refractors: Asahi-Pentax, Edmund Scientific, Tasco, Unitron

60mm Telescope Club


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tim53
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Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: Preston Smith]
      #3374520 - 10/06/09 01:01 PM

Hey, I happen to *like* the Philistines!

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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Starpoke
sage


Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 275
Loc: Western Montana
Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: tim53]
      #3374793 - 10/06/09 03:19 PM

Nah, they too hairy...see Goliath.
Actually I did offer the zeinthstar and he responded with an email and the comment that he had an incredible amount of responses to his ad. I detailed my offer and closed with the comment that it was a very scarce instrument but that the condition was scary. If he replies again I will ask for pictures of the mount which apparently is motorized. I am all internally conflicted about this thing. I know the Williams is a good little scope and the optics of the Royal Astro are legendary but if the outside of that scope is that beat up, it makes me wonder about the guts.
Clear skies all
Glenn

--------------------
152nn f9 Starfire Apo on Schaefer AT-4 Mount
94mm f7 Brandon Apo on ASGT (or Polaris when AGST is on the fritz.)
WO Zenithstar 66 f6 ED Pretzval on UA Microstar
Tasco 7TE-5 60mm. f16.7 EQ Refractor.
Celestron C-60E f15 on Polaris
Celestron CO 62 Cometron f5
Meade 390 90mm f11 on Mizar m-4
Tasco 8V
eyepieces, books, some old scopes and mounts - ect.


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Preston Smith
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Posts: 3435
Loc: Eureka, Pa
Re: 7TE-5 PA. CL new [Re: mustgobigger]
      #3374911 - 10/06/09 04:19 PM

Quote:

Tasco 7TE-5 PA. CL

link 175.00




Check out the finder scope in the picture..... sure looks like a long barlow with the diagonal stuck in it!

Wonder if the original finder is in the box or missing.....

--------------------
Preston

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26

SV115T,NHII,SV70,SV50 and Tele Vue Ranger

Vintage Refractors: Asahi-Pentax, Edmund Scientific, Tasco, Unitron

60mm Telescope Club


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tim53
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Reged: 12/17/04
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Re: 90mm Sears on Amart new [Re: Starpoke]
      #3374953 - 10/06/09 04:36 PM

Quote:

Nah, they too hairy...see Goliath.
Actually I did offer the zeinthstar and he responded with an email and the comment that he had an incredible amount of responses to his ad. I detailed my offer and closed with the comment that it was a very scarce instrument but that the condition was scary. If he replies again I will ask for pictures of the mount which apparently is motorized. I am all internally conflicted about this thing. I know the Williams is a good little scope and the optics of the Royal Astro are legendary but if the outside of that scope is that beat up, it makes me wonder about the guts.
Clear skies all
Glenn




I wish people who want to trade things would nevertheless list an asking price, for those who don't have (or want) something in trade.

More pictures would definitely be helpful, assuming the condition it's in could be offset by much of *anything* a pic could show.

Rare, but not so old that it wouldn't be best to restore rather than leave as is.

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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mikey cee
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Posts: 3508
Loc: bellevue ne.
Re: 7TE-5 PA. CL new [Re: Preston Smith]
      #3374960 - 10/06/09 04:39 PM

Should seem pretty obvious even to a neophyte that a little white telescope would fit in the bracket nicely. Go figger.

--------------------
7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.


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clintwhitman
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Re: 7TE-5 PA. CL new [Re: mikey cee]
      #3375706 - 10/06/09 11:40 PM

Hate to say it but the optics in the WO are more than likely better any way!!! I know the red florite 80mm WO I have are! The focuser looks like it was finger painted during its last restoration!!!

--------------------
Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.

Edited by clintwhitman (10/06/09 11:43 PM)


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ukcanuck
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3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: clintwhitman]
      #3376107 - 10/07/09 08:35 AM

On our very own CN Classifieds...

It looks like its' all there, but you'll have to buy it piece by piece.

--------------------
Richard

A few nice telescopes.

...but most importantly, a beautiful son who fills my days with sunshine, and my nights with stars.

THE SKYLIGHT F15

Skylight Gallery


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mustgobigger
Carpal Tunnel
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Reged: 06/12/07
Posts: 2420
TASCO 15TE new [Re: ukcanuck]
      #3376722 - 10/07/09 02:40 PM

TASCO 15TE on AM

--------------------
RV-6
Meade 826
Meade 880 Deluxe
Unitron's 114,128,140,142,150,152,155,160
4" Jaegertron
4.5" A.E f/14 Refractor
4" f/15 Edmund's Refractor



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clintwhitman
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Loc: ValVerde CA(SoEasyaCavemanCanD...
Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: ukcanuck]
      #3376806 - 10/07/09 03:21 PM

Hack O Rama on the three inch??? mount, box, and legs, in three separate adds? Why not sell a bolt at a time. Left leg bolt $25 ??? Metal unitron leg tip $15..... WHY!! Just sell the scope to someone looking for one?
Personaly I dont get it goes against the main reason I collect and restore telescopes. Put them back together for the next bunch of great guys like us!!!!

--------------------
Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.


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ukcanuck
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: clintwhitman]
      #3376916 - 10/07/09 04:19 PM

Quote:

Hack O Rama on the three inch??? mount, box, and legs, in three separate adds? Why not sell a bolt at a time. Left leg bolt $25 ??? Metal unitron leg tip $15..... WHY!! Just sell the scope to someone looking for one?
Personaly I dont get it goes against the main reason I collect and restore telescopes. Put them back together for the next bunch of great guys like us!!!!




There's more...the wooden cases are being sold separately, as are a set of eyepieces and a Unihex. There's a wooden Unihex box too.

--------------------
Richard

A few nice telescopes.

...but most importantly, a beautiful son who fills my days with sunshine, and my nights with stars.

THE SKYLIGHT F15

Skylight Gallery


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tim53
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Reged: 12/17/04
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Loc: Highland Park, CA
Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: ukcanuck]
      #3376952 - 10/07/09 04:39 PM

That's got to be a violation of the Pure Food and Drug act, or something...

As people have heard, *I* would like a nice Optical Craftsmen Connoisseur one of these days, but I simply WILL NOT ever get one by assembling a collection of unrelated parts.

It's a matter of principle. I just hope (and will encourage) other collectors to blackball any seller willing to part out a classic telescope to make a few extra bucks in the short haul.

Encourage them to get a real job!

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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davela
professor emeritus
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Reged: 12/19/06
Posts: 538
Loc: Pasadena, CA, USA
Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: tim53]
      #3377078 - 10/07/09 06:06 PM

Tim,

Let me ask you some questions: When you need a radiator for your car, do you want to be forced to buy a complete car to get replacement? Should we blackball dealers who sell car radiators, or maybe just dealers that sell radiators for classic cars? Maybe we should we should require all sellers of classic car parts to price them way under market value to make collectors happier? What makes telescope collectors any different?

Any by the way, I do have a real job -- a pretty good one in fact.


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tim53
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: davela]
      #3377122 - 10/07/09 06:46 PM

Quote:

Tim,

Let me ask you some questions: When you need a radiator for your car, do you want to be forced to buy a complete car to get replacement?




No.

Quote:

Should we blackball dealers who sell car radiators, or maybe just dealers that sell radiators for classic cars?




No. When my Model A needed a new radiator (original was so rotted out that it couldn't be fixed without creating more leaks than it patched), I went to a shop that specializes in vintage car radiators (and had a completely new radiator made for the car).

But I don't quite get your point here. I would support someone restoring a classic telescope having parts made that couldn't be found. I would think that would be far preferable to parting the scope out for lack of a few original parts. An intact original will always be more valuable than a scope (or vintage car) assembled from parts. Particularly as the years go by. In the ad in question, the seller is apparently taking a complete, or nearly complete telescope and disbursing the parts so that another classic has, in effect, ceased to exist. And the parts will be less likely to survive long-term than if the scope was intact as-built. And it's so unnecessary.

Quote:

Maybe we should we should require all sellers of classic car parts to price them way under market value to make collectors happier? What makes telescope collectors any different?




Sellers of classic car parts or classic telescope parts aren't different. The sellers of classic car parts that I buy from are either selling new reproduction parts or parts retrieved from junk yards or other salvage acquired in the distant past. I would doubt that ANY Model As are being junked today, even if they've been totaled in an accident (which might be a reasonable justification for selling the parts to preserve other cars, I suppose).

Quote:

Any by the way, I do have a real job -- a pretty good one in fact.




Excellent! I think mine's pretty nifty too!

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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davela
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: tim53]
      #3377140 - 10/07/09 06:59 PM

OK Tim, I'll always be sure to get your approval for anything I list for sale here to make sure it meets your muster. I'll run my prices by you for approval too.

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tim53
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Reged: 12/17/04
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Loc: Highland Park, CA
Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: davela]
      #3377156 - 10/07/09 07:08 PM

I just realized that you're the seller! D'oh!

We may even work at the same place.

Don't worry, my hot-rodder friends know how I feel about what they do to antique cars, too. And we're still friends.

Quote:

OK Tim, I'll always be sure to get your approval for anything I list for sale here to make sure it meets your muster. I'll run my prices by you for approval too.




That won't be necessary. I just won't be the buyer when you part something out like that. I'm sure someone else will have no problem with it.

But, for hoots, since you asked me some questions...

Why not sell the whole scope as a package?

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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tim53
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 12/17/04
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: ukcanuck]
      #3377177 - 10/07/09 07:15 PM

Quote:

On our very own CN Classifieds...

It looks like its' all there, but you'll have to buy it piece by piece.




And my point all along is that - what if you want a classic refractor, so you buy *most* of it but don't get *all* of it because someone else beats you to one or more original parts? If I were looking for a Unitron, I'd pass on this one because of the risk of not getting it all.

But others may not be as concerned about that as I would be. That's life. Different strokes for different people who stroke.

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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davela
professor emeritus
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Posts: 538
Loc: Pasadena, CA, USA
Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: tim53]
      #3377210 - 10/07/09 07:42 PM

Tim,

Several reasons not to sell it as a kit:

1) I get much less back on my original investment selling it as as a kit - buyers generally do not pay a premium for a complete collectible scope despite what one might think. I've bought and sold many scopes over the years and this has been my experience. In fact selling a kit tends to invite low-ball offers.

2) The risk of encountering a problem buyer and putting a lot of money at risk is less if spread out among buyers, most of whom are serious minded. Anything sold on the Internet (especially eBay) over $1000 in value is risky especially if PayPal is used.

3) Unitron parts are a helluva lot easier to ship compared to shipping complete Unitrons

4) Unitron parts are easier to sell than Unitron kits. Why? There's a dearth of replacement parts. Not everyone knows how to use a lathe or sand cast aluminum in their backyard.

5)The Moral compass: Unitron 3" refractors are not rare. They may be uncommon, but not rare. Anyone with enough cash can buy a good one with a bit patience. My parts also allow others to complete their kits (as you pointed out there are many nearly complete sets that just need a part or two).

By the way if you want to see how important telescope parts are to consumers, just put an ad out for a SCT corrector plate. I sold one once and I had buyers form Timbuktu contacting me six months after it sold. They can't get them from Celestron or Meade at economical prices and there are many otherwise fine scopes rendered useless by broken ones.


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tim53
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Reged: 12/17/04
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: davela]
      #3377243 - 10/07/09 08:00 PM

Dave:

Your arguments do make sense. It may be that I just have a bit of a lofty image of Unitrons because I effused gallons of drool over the years as a youth wishing for one.

Your point that they are uncommon but not rare is a good point as well. Similarly, some old cars are uncommon, even rare, but are unlikely to become classics, though they might be antiques. The Chevy Vega (and it's relatives) is a good example, because of that throw-away engine block (can't be rebuilt, must be replaced). And yet there is a collector following for those (mostly modified, however). And though I don't think anybody does junk an intact Model A anymore, I do see ads for rolling chassis for sale because a rodder has removed the body to put on a modern frame. I do cry, by the way, because I can't afford and don't have the space to save them myself.

Back to telescopes, I don't think we'd be in disagreement as to whether a nearly-complete Clark should be kept intact rather than parted out.

As for SCT corrector plates. I've seen a few ads for these being sold before. But aren't the secondaries figured to match both the primary (really not that hard because it's a sphere) and the corrector? If so, I wouldn't think you could simply replace a broken corrector with another one from another scope without refiguring the secondary?

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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davela
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: tim53]
      #3377259 - 10/07/09 08:14 PM

Quote:


As for SCT corrector plates. I've seen a few ads for these being sold before. But aren't the secondaries figured to match both the primary (really not that hard because it's a sphere) and the corrector? If so, I wouldn't think you could simply replace a broken corrector with another one from another scope without refiguring the secondary?

-Tim.



To answer the question about corrector plates one should turn to ray tracing program like Zemax. The SCT model is a very standard one and easy to enter into such a program. Most likely focus compensations would allow an off-the-shelf corrector plate to be used as a replacement, at least to some level of correction.


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tim53
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: davela]
      #3377319 - 10/07/09 08:47 PM

According to Uncle Rod's used SCT buyers guide, Meade matched components to get the best combination of optics, and Celestron figured the secondary to match the primary and corrector. Criterion did neither, so any that performed well optically were accidents (and I've never seen one, though I've not looked through as many as Rod has).

I think the recommended recourse for someone who's broken their corrector is to spend a few hundred bucks to have Celestron or Meade make/find a replacement that will work with the remaining components, part the scope out, or otherwise write it off as unfortunately reduced to junk.

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"

Edited by tim53 (10/07/09 08:48 PM)


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AlienFirstClass
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: tim53]
      #3377404 - 10/07/09 09:32 PM

Quote:

I just realized that you're the seller! D'oh!

We may even work at the same place.

Don't worry, my hot-rodder friends know how I feel about what they do to antique cars, too. And we're still friends.

Quote:

OK Tim, I'll always be sure to get your approval for anything I list for sale here to make sure it meets your muster. I'll run my prices by you for approval too.




That won't be necessary. I just won't be the buyer when you part something out like that. I'm sure someone else will have no problem with it.

But, for hoots, since you asked me some questions...

Why not sell the whole scope as a package?

-Tim.




Because he thinks he will get more money selling it partwise.

FWIW...I put such sellers on a blacklist and do not buy anything from them in the future.

Parting out a complete scope is just plain wrong.


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akman1955
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: davela]
      #3377478 - 10/07/09 10:19 PM

Hi dave, I'am one of the one's interested in parts and I do agree with you. I have incomplete unitron telescopes that need legs, mount..exc. So with that said I,am willing too pay premium plus shipping too alaska for said parts. As you said it is easier too ship parts too far off places then whole set-ups. Believe me I know because some day I will sell my unitrons but no one is willing too pay shipping from here for complete set-up. Also like you said you will always get more for individual piece's then whole. I kinda agree with Tim that it is a shame too not sell whole thing, but your parts might make two whole 3" unitrons for me tho. just my 2 cents,John

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JamesE
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: AlienFirstClass]
      #3377703 - 10/08/09 01:21 AM

I don't mind jumping in the fire.


In the big picture........it's just a scope. Metal, wood and glass.

In the smaller picture.......we all do what we need to do, for the reasons we do it.


I personally have benefited from part-outs of complete scopes. I was able to complete a set. I would think that there are several other happy owners from such a transaction, hence several completed scopes from one part out.

I think fundementaly, either approach has it's pro's and con's. Selling a full scope could exclude many from obtaining such a thing of beauty. It becomes elitist. Where someone that works over years to collect bits and pieces could possibly find deep satisfaction in obtaining that last piece to complete there set.

On the other side, many think of themselves as caretakers of such scopes. And it is the responsibility of those that are caretaking, to pass on the whole project to the next person. Selling a complete scope is part of the process.

Anyways, I seem to always pick no sides in these adventures.

--------------------
James

(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)

Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids


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clintwhitman
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: AlienFirstClass]
      #3377708 - 10/08/09 01:29 AM Attachment (7 downloads)

There are a few people around that could care less about A classic scope, The maker, the history, Who might have owned it or any thing else about it. The motavation is money not love of telescopes, Optics or history. Most of us here on the Classic forum are romantics that love telescopes (Thank God) Tearing apart a telescope in its original condition and sending it off in all directions is destroying something special. Finding some random parts and selling them to a guy in alaska is a completly different thing. I cant even bring my self to split the eyepieces from a complete kit even when I know I would make hundreds of dollars if I did so. Due to my love of the Art and feelings of preservation of these things the god of Telescopes sends the really cool ones to Folks like me and not to a hack shop to be canabalized for money!!!! The good news is I only know of 2 guys around that do this stuff. Bad news make that 3
LOL
FOR SALE LEGS OFF OF ONE OF THE LAST 1947 4" TINSLEY REFRACTORS KNOWN TO BE LEFT ON EARTH $350 PER LEG. Will post the focus knob under misc. items next week LOL


bad scope Karma!!!

(aveman

--------------------
Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.


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clintwhitman
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: davela]
      #3377716 - 10/08/09 01:42 AM

Dave I am sure glad you didnt tear those old Celestron binolulars apart and sold them to me in one piece. I consider them to be on the verge of classics and to date one of the best astro deals I have recived any where. They have been used by scores of people at alot of star parties and will alway be out there when I am.... As far as the old scope reduction program I hope your love for the art get the better of you... Clint

--------------------
Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.


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davela
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: clintwhitman]
      #3377777 - 10/08/09 03:10 AM

Clint,

Thanks for the comments about the binoculars. Those older Japanese 80's are really something special. Unfortunately I'm getting too near sighted to use those models now without glasses on (maybe it's time to get contacts).

In the past, when I was more into churning scopes and gear, I would occasionally try to sell a nice complete telescope set (Tasco, Sears, Vixen, Pentax, or whatever) that I had owned or used for a while. Invariably I would never (ever) get a price close to what the breakup value was, or even close to what I paid for the set (including what I paid to complete an incomplete set). I nearly always received offers for parts from the set (legs, mount, tube, whatever). At some point I decided not to buck the economics of the thing, and just part them out in cases where it was opportune for me, and this is one. So some collectors talk self righteously about the need to keep sets together, etc., but they don't put their money where there mouth is I'm afraid - yes it's too bad.

Yes I do make more money parting them out when I decide it's time to rearrange the collection, and in fact I think that's a good thing. We are talking about luxury collectible toys here, usually purchased by fairly well-off buyers. These are not tabloids from the pyramids, rare Van Goghs or anything like that for goodness sake. The telescope is about 400 years old now - in that bigger scheme a Unitron refractor is old-hat, a very fine personal toy, but not really so special.

By the way, for those that don't like parting out a 3" Unitron, I know a well-known telescope dealer that parted out two Unitron 5" kits in the not too distant past. He had happy buyers I'm sure (he always does). I doubt he even gave it a second thought.


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akman1955
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: JamesE]
      #3378050 - 10/08/09 10:15 AM

Well said James,I agree with you as it is a no win debate and most have done both. everyone here has posted wanted and searched for parts of there beloved telescope joy's. I know I have but falls on deaf ears usually and I do know some are hourding parts I guess if I do not complete my scopes i'll be parting them out like dave or selling as incomplete unit. By the way last time I tried selling a incomplete set-up someone said "too much is missing, i'll offer half of what your asking" and then there are the cherry pickers too,but thats a whole nother forum. john

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akman1955
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: clintwhitman]
      #3378064 - 10/08/09 10:22 AM

Clint, I for one only sell off extra parts after restoring one from incompleted ones I bought. I'am not a dealer just a collector of fine instruments that are works of art. As I have admired what you, lenny, brian have done for years So with that said..Keep up The Good work!!John

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Preston Smith
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: akman1955]
      #3378151 - 10/08/09 11:18 AM

Well that does it!

If all of you are breaking up your original scope packages to make more money then I might as well compromise my ethics and do the same!

I have a replica Galileo scope that I'm breaking up and selling. I have two lenses and a tube - what do you need?




--------------------
Preston

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26

SV115T,NHII,SV70,SV50 and Tele Vue Ranger

Vintage Refractors: Asahi-Pentax, Edmund Scientific, Tasco, Unitron

60mm Telescope Club


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woodsman
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: Preston Smith]
      #3378336 - 10/08/09 12:57 PM

How much for the tube?

--------------------
artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm


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Preston Smith
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: woodsman]
      #3378352 - 10/08/09 01:02 PM

Quote:

How much for the tube?




Only $175! Hey, it took 400 years of preparation to complete this scope! You won't see anything like it for at least another 100 years... Trust me!

--------------------
Preston

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26

SV115T,NHII,SV70,SV50 and Tele Vue Ranger

Vintage Refractors: Asahi-Pentax, Edmund Scientific, Tasco, Unitron

60mm Telescope Club


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Darenwh
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: Preston Smith]
      #3378465 - 10/08/09 02:10 PM

Maybe I should part out the components of my eyepieces I am planning on selling. Anybody want a field lens for a UO Ortho, 9mm? Eyepiece body? lens retaining ring? spacer? Eye lens? 1.25" barrel w/some set screw mounts?

--------------------
Daren
Covington, GA


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Preston Smith
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: Darenwh]
      #3378497 - 10/08/09 02:27 PM

Quote:

Maybe I should part out the components of my eyepieces I am planning on selling. Anybody want a field lens for a UO Ortho, 9mm? Eyepiece body? lens retaining ring? spacer? Eye lens? 1.25" barrel w/some set screw mounts?




Hi Daren!

Don't forget the field stop! I hear that is a high demand item!

--------------------
Preston

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26

SV115T,NHII,SV70,SV50 and Tele Vue Ranger

Vintage Refractors: Asahi-Pentax, Edmund Scientific, Tasco, Unitron

60mm Telescope Club


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tim53
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: davela]
      #3378689 - 10/08/09 04:41 PM

Dave:

Quote:

In the past, when I was more into churning scopes and gear, I would occasionally try to sell a nice complete telescope set (Tasco, Sears, Vixen, Pentax, or whatever) that I had owned or used for a while.




I do remember a scope you had for sale once (if you are who I think you are) at RTMC several years ago - a complete Optical Craftsmen 8" Discoverer, just like the one I bought in 1972. I was tempted because of the similarity to a scope that I had and was fond of. Truthfully, I parted that scope out when it was only about 7 years old, and thus lacking in collector interest at that time. Your price for the complete unit was high, but not outrageous. I actually sometimes wish I'd bought it at the time. But it was too much scope for that mount, which is why its optics are in another scope that I built in 81.

Quote:

Invariably I would never (ever) get a price close to what the breakup value was, or even close to what I paid for the set (including what I paid to complete an incomplete set).




My heart pumps peanut butter for you. Look, I just bought a TV NP101is, and combined it with a vintage Super Polaris mount I found on craigslist for a great price, but then I paid retail to put a Gotonova upgrade kit on it. It's a nice package, and I intend to sell it as a whole when I'm done with it. I'll probably get less for it than if I part it out, of course. But it's more important to me that I sell it (when I do) with a clear conscience, knowing that there will be few chances for the buyer to be frustrated with it, knowing I will have worked out all the bugs. I will also feel more than compensated for my efforts and folding greens by having had the chance to enjoy the complete, functioning package between now and when I do decide to part with it. I have a day job, so I don't need to pay bills buying and selling hobby equipment.

Quote:

At some point I decided not to buck the economics of the thing, and just part them out in cases where it was opportune for me, and this is one. So some collectors talk self righteously about the need to keep sets together, etc., but they don't put their money where there mouth is I'm afraid - yes it's too bad.




So it's the collector's fault that you decided not to keep a quality collectible telescope together? I'm not interested in helping you make a living at the expense of even these "gray area" soon-to-be-historic instruments. And yes, I do think that your prices for the components are too high.

As I said above, I see the logic of your argument. I don't agree with the results, though (the loss of another intact "classic").

Quote:

Yes I do make more money parting them out when I decide it's time to rearrange the collection, and in fact I think that's a good thing.




For you, clearly it is. For posterity, it's a loss.

Quote:

We are talking about luxury collectible toys here, usually purchased by fairly well-off buyers.




I'm not sure I would agree with this.

Quote:

These are not tabloids from the pyramids, rare Van Goghs or anything like that for goodness sake.




No, they're uncommon classic telescopes.

Quote:

The telescope is about 400 years old now - in that bigger scheme a Unitron refractor is old-hat, a very fine personal toy, but not really so special.




Most of them are getting to be over a quarter century old now. And rarer with time, particularly when one gets taken apart. I know people who collect toys as a hobby, even make quite a decent killing selling them. The most valuable are those still in their original boxes, even still in the original cellophane wrapper!

Quote:

By the way, for those that don't like parting out a 3" Unitron, I know a well-known telescope dealer that parted out two Unitron 5" kits in the not too distant past. He had happy buyers I'm sure (he always does). I doubt he even gave it a second thought.




This makes it okay?

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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GlassthrowerModerator
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Vintage Cave EQ mount new [Re: tim53]
      #3379080 - 10/08/09 08:12 PM

I don't know if this one has been posted yet -

Vintage Cave EQ mount - http://tinyurl.com/yhpep7n

--------------------
Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.



Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.


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davela
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: tim53]
      #3379533 - 10/09/09 12:28 AM

Quote:


I do remember a scope you had for sale once (if you are who I think you are) at RTMC several years ago - a complete Optical Craftsmen 8" Discoverer, just like the one I bought in 1972. I was tempted because of the similarity to a scope that I had and was fond of. Truthfully, I parted that scope out when it was only about 7 years old, and thus lacking in collector interest at that time. Your price for the complete unit was high, but not outrageous. I actually sometimes wish I'd bought it at the time. But it was too much scope for that mount, which is why its optics are in another scope that I built in 81.



Sure wasn't me

Quote:


My heart pumps peanut butter for you. Look, I just bought a TV NP101is, and combined it with a vintage Super Polaris mount I found on craigslist for a great price, but then I paid retail to put a Gotonova upgrade kit on it. It's a nice package, and I intend to sell it as a whole when I'm done with it. I'll probably get less for it than if I part it out, of course. But it's more important to me that I sell it (when I do) with a clear conscience, knowing that there will be few chances for the buyer to be frustrated with it, knowing I will have worked out all the bugs. I will also feel more than compensated for my efforts and folding greens by having had the chance to enjoy the complete, functioning package between now and when I do decide to part with it. I have a day job, so I don't need to pay bills buying and selling hobby equipment.





Nothing special about a SP and a TV101. If selling personal possessions at a loss make you feel good, well I suppose that's fine, but 99% of the world is not on-board for that I'm afraid.

Quote:



So it's the collector's fault that you decided not to keep a quality collectible telescope together?



reductio ad absurdum

Quote:

I'm not interested in helping you make a living at the expense of even these "gray area" soon-to-be-historic instruments.



Don't worry Tim, I won't be requiring your help

Quote:

And yes, I do think that your prices for the components are too high.




Apparently others don't agree. Most of the items posted have either been sold or I have offers (multiple offers in some cases)

And Tim, yes I think it's fine to part out a 5" (or any) Unitron. I firmly believe in the sanctity of private property. However, if I owned a 5" Unitron I'd be looking for a site to build a dome for it.


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donnw
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: davela]
      #3379562 - 10/09/09 12:53 AM

Hmmm - interesting series of posts, but I think it needs moved to its own thread - si? It's hard to find all the latest classic scope deals in the midst of all these really long posts ;-) ;-)

--------------------
Peace & Blessings,
Donn Williams
Member - AAVSO
----------------------------------
Celestron EdgeHD 11 on CGE in SkyShed POD GL5
Meade Lightbridge 12", SN10, LX200 Classic 8", AR5, 314 Brass & ETX125PE
Lunt LS60T/DS, Stellarvue SV102ED, SV80BV, SV80/9D, SV NH2
Cave Astrolla 8", Zeiss Telementor II, Unitron 114, 128, 142
Towa 339, Royal Astro 76/1200, Pentax J80, Borg 100, AT 102-F/11
Goto 105, Various Sears/Tasco/Selsi/Towa 60-80mm's


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tim53
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: davela]
      #3379587 - 10/09/09 01:30 AM

Quote:


Nothing special about a SP and a TV101. If selling personal possessions at a loss make you feel good, well I suppose that's fine, but 99% of the world is not on-board for that I'm afraid.




There's no need to be so frightened. What makes you think I'll take a loss when I sell the TV? I got a great price on the OTA and mount. I paid retail for the goto upgrade, yes, but I'm still very much ahead, expenditure-wise. Plus, I intend to use it.

Quote:

Quote:

So it's the collector's fault that you decided not to keep a quality collectible telescope together?



reductio ad absurdum




Like the argument earlier about having to buy a whole car to replace a bad radiator. Yes, I see what you mean.

Quote:

Quote:

And yes, I do think that your prices for the components are too high.




Apparently others don't agree. Most of the items posted have either been sold or I have offers (multiple offers in some cases)




Why not collect Barbie dolls? Their wardrobes and accessories are perfectly designed to be separated, put back together, and sent pell-mell to the ends of the Earth.

Quote:

And Tim, yes I think it's fine to part out a 5" (or any) Unitron. I firmly believe in the sanctity of private property.




So do I, but I've seen people wave that flag to justify destroying something of historic significance, almost as much to spite the preservationists as in service of the almighty buck.

Quote:

However, if I owned a 5" Unitron I'd be looking for a site to build a dome for it.




Not me. I'd sell it to Caveman (intact!) and buy a nice old long-focus Newtonian. Maybe a Brashear, if I can ever find one. But a Cave, Optical Craftsmen, Coast, Criterion, or Star-Liner might be nice if I can't.

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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tim53
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: donnw]
      #3379589 - 10/09/09 01:31 AM

Quote:

Hmmm - interesting series of posts, but I think it needs moved to its own thread - si? It's hard to find all the latest classic scope deals in the midst of all these really long posts ;-) ;-)




Ah, yes! I think I agree. ...but maybe the mods need to make the move?

-Tim

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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Littlegreenman
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: clintwhitman]
      #3379674 - 10/09/09 04:06 AM

I want to add my 2 cents worth. I wrote this after reading posts last night, and just read some recent posts. So I will make this Part 1. Part will come soon.

When you buy old telescopes like this, they often have missing parts, broken parts, non-functioning but fixable parts, miss-matched parts, or parts that don’t belong. Sometimes, if you are lucky, there is a part or accessory that appears to have never been used.

For the sake of discussion, let’s imagine a telescope sold 30 years ago. 100 were made. Currently 10 are in really nice condition, 25 are in incomplete condition, 40 have some major defect or issue, and the rest have been destroyed. (We are assuming there are none left collecting dust in attics and garages).

By mixing and matching parts, we may end up with, say, 25 pretty good setups, 20 incomplete, and some left over parts. I don’t see anything wrong with that. The other option is to try to make as many setups by using non-original parts. We may end up with 15 mostly original scopes, and 30 partly original scopes. I don't see that this is an issue of right or wrong. Is the world better or worse if one or other happens? There is no real answer, of course.

Supply and Demand. If nobody were restoring old scopes, there would be no market for parts. If you want to stop parting-out scopes, that’s were you should look. Go after the people restoring scopes!

Late comment: if we are talking about some historical, museum piece scope, arguments to keep it together would carry more weight in my mind. But this isn't one of them.

Littlegreenman

Edited by Littlegreenman (10/09/09 05:23 AM)


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Littlegreenman
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: Littlegreenman]
      #3379703 - 10/09/09 05:21 AM

Part 2 on parting out. *

Years ago I had a 1976 Lancia Beta Coupe. I’d also lusted after the Lancia Zagato from that era. If you want to get one and keep it running, it’s easy. Buy one to drive and 4 extras to cannibalize for parts. The simple fact is, for both 30 year old Lancias and Unitrons, some of the original parts have been lost, damaged, destroyed. To get a functional or restored one, you may have to mix and match parts by salvaging them from other set ups. We will never have the same number of fully functional setups that were originally sold.

In my previous post I asserted that:
“When you buy old telescopes like this, they often have missing parts, broken parts, non-functioning but fixable parts, miss-matched parts, or parts that don’t belong. Sometimes, if you are lucky, there is a part or accessory that appears to have never been used.”

It just so happens that I am a friend of davela, the seller of the Unitron stuff that started this row. In fact, he sold me my first scope.

When he acquired the Unitron he is selling, he invited me over both to ooh and ahh and to help him get it up and running. 4 hands and 1.5 brains** can be an advantage. And, this scope had missing, broken, and non-functional parts, miss-matched parts, parts that didn’t belong, a few items that appeared to have never been used, and more than a handful of mystery items.

We spent several evenings working on the mount and collimation. I’m sure he has many many hours of elbow grease invested in it. The mount was not in working condition when he acquired it. There is a spring loaded bearing that was not seated right, and at least one axis was frozen due to old dried grease. We partially disassembled the mount and regreased it. We had to futz with the tightness of several bolts. I know he did a lot more work on the mount when I wasn’t around; he worked on it constantly for several weeks in his off time. Of course, this was represented as being “hardly used in great condition” when he bought it. Eventually he got it to the point where everything works, but it is not a fully restored set up.

To turn what he has into a restored, near complete set-up would cost more money, work and effort. It would require new parts to be made or parts bought from other sellers parting their scopes out. That is the quandary.

Dave used this scope and had fun with it for a while, but for whatever reason he decided to sell it. What I want to point out in defense of davela is that this set-up was not a wonderful complete set up to begin with. It’s much better now than when he got it. But it still is not a complete original setup. BTW, some of the items he’s selling were optional accessories when purchased new.

Of course, if someone feels strongly about keeping it all together, just contact him and offer to buy everything.

Final comment: I will continue to buy and sell from anybody!

Littlegreenman

*Does this mean I’m parting my posting out?

** I supplied the 0.5 brains.


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AaronM
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: Littlegreenman]
      #3379947 - 10/09/09 08:50 AM

Sorry for my statement as a far away "Kraut" - but : I think Davela can sell his items in any way he want. He has not to jutify himself how he is selling his property.

Kind regards Michael

Edited by AaronM (10/09/09 08:51 AM)


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woodsman
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: Littlegreenman]
      #3380311 - 10/09/09 12:01 PM

I thought your reasoning was well thought out. I think it is an interesting discussion, and can be suited to this forum, provided it doesn't become too heated. There have been good points made on both sides. Right now, I am somewhere in the middle as I have been looking for a few things to complete a couple of my scopes. I even had a finder for my Sears 90mm, that came on a Tasco 7TE that I owned. I ended up giving it to my brother-in-law for Christmas, but couldn't bring myself to take the finder and mount off it, even though it would have completed the Sears 90mm. It was a tough decision, but I imagine that one will surface someday. When it does, I'll be there!

--------------------
artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm


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akman1955
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: woodsman]
      #3380919 - 10/09/09 07:04 PM

well said woodsman, just too let you know i bought the mount and legs with shipping too alaska (150.00) and all for the good as i now have two complete eq 3" unitrons with accesary's that will not be parted out but sold as whole when i decide too do so. so out of the ashe's of one ..two are born nicer the the original beleive me so this dead horse is beat too death now if someone can tell me how too put small enough pictures onto forum or as attachments i'll keep you all informed. thanks, john

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akman1955
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: woodsman]
      #3380929 - 10/09/09 07:09 PM

Also woodsman, what size finder and color that you need for your sears refractor? john

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mustgobigger
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CL Telescope AD new [Re: akman1955]
      #3381000 - 10/09/09 07:57 PM

what the... link

--------------------
RV-6
Meade 826
Meade 880 Deluxe
Unitron's 114,128,140,142,150,152,155,160
4" Jaegertron
4.5" A.E f/14 Refractor
4" f/15 Edmund's Refractor



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mustgobigger
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And Whats This. new [Re: mustgobigger]
      #3381004 - 10/09/09 07:59 PM

HUH! CL link

--------------------
RV-6
Meade 826
Meade 880 Deluxe
Unitron's 114,128,140,142,150,152,155,160
4" Jaegertron
4.5" A.E f/14 Refractor
4" f/15 Edmund's Refractor



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mikey cee
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Re: CL Telescope AD new [Re: mustgobigger]
      #3381058 - 10/09/09 08:31 PM

Looks like another flooroscope again. Look at the finder....this party means business. These are becoming less rare than I thought.Mike

Edited by mikey cee (10/09/09 08:35 PM)


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davidmcgo
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Re: CL Telescope AD new [Re: mikey cee]
      #3381073 - 10/09/09 08:39 PM

You could always tell people they could see the feet on the Moon...

Dave


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woodsman
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: akman1955]
      #3381462 - 10/10/09 01:38 AM

Hey John,
The finder that originally came with the Sears was a 5X 25mm. It is white, with a black dewshield. I think they may have made a couple different colors for the dewshield for different scopes, but the mounting bracket has a base that is a cast or machined piece that is more roundish, with a tapering shaft, smaller at the top and gradually getting wider towards the bottom, flaring into the mounting foot that is bullnosed in the front, with three mounting screws that attach to the tube of the telescope, rather than the focuser body. The mount ring is a single cylinder. My old 7TE Tasco, from the '50s used the same type of finder. I think it may have been used on other scopes, if they were Royal Astro manufactured. I've seen other finders that were similar listed as 5X 24mm, which might be the same thing. Thanks, Rich

--------------------
artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm


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akman1955
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: woodsman]
      #3381470 - 10/10/09 01:45 AM

Hi woodsman,(rich)? i'll check what i have ..if so its yours,john

Edited by akman1955 (10/10/09 01:48 AM)


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woodsman
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: akman1955]
      #3381499 - 10/10/09 02:31 AM

Hey thanks John, I'd be grateful. Rich

--------------------
artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm


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Siguy
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: woodsman]
      #3382003 - 10/10/09 12:00 PM

Anyone know whether this is a good deal on a Dynascope? I'm slightly intrigued.
link

--------------------

Meade LXD75 SN-6AT
Stellarvue AT1010 Nighthawk


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woodsman
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: Siguy]
      #3382030 - 10/10/09 12:08 PM

Seems like a pretty decent deal to me. It looks to be in pretty good conditon as well.

--------------------
artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm


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mikey cee
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: Siguy]
      #3382085 - 10/10/09 12:47 PM

I'd have bought it yesterday for that price. Mike

--------------------
7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.


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AlienFirstClass
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Re: Carl Zeiss Jena DDR Refractor - $4000 new [Re: mikey cee]
      #3382302 - 10/10/09 03:08 PM

FYI...

http://tucson.craigslist.org/pho/1405974861.html


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Happy-Idiot
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COC new [Re: AlienFirstClass]
      #3382635 - 10/10/09 06:43 PM

Evil-bay COC

--------------------
Brian



A small scope that gets used often is a better investment than a big scope that stays in the closet.

Unitrons, you spend more time looking at them than you do through them.



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teast
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Red tube Edmunds fork-mount reflector on Denver CL new [Re: Happy-Idiot]
      #3382821 - 10/10/09 09:11 PM

Can't tell if it's a 6 inch or an 8 inch -

Red tube Edmunds

I'm not the seller.

-Tom


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akman1955
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Re: 3" Unitron parts on CN Classified new [Re: woodsman]
      #3382922 - 10/10/09 10:12 PM

Hey Rich, i have ota tasco 99vr with finder and mount that sounds like what you need. mount is attached by 3 screws and all metal but is red tube. nice finder plus i have extra c-90 5 x 24 orange tube finder... you can have anyone you want and does this help? john

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CHASLX200
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Re: Red tube Edmunds fork-mount reflector on Denver CL new [Re: teast]
      #3382924 - 10/10/09 10:15 PM

Quote:

Can't tell if it's a 6 inch or an 8 inch -

Red tube Edmunds

Looks like a 8 to me.

Chas
I'm not the seller.

-Tom




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donnw
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60mm Unitron 114 new [Re: CHASLX200]
      #3383006 - 10/10/09 11:19 PM

Hi all:

Just wanted to let all the Unitron aficionados know that there is a 60mm Unitron 114 (alt-az) available at Hands On Optics in Damascus, MD (handsonoptics.com) for $250. Before you scramble for the phone or internet, it is in need of some TLC and does not include any accessories or even a wooden box -- but it is a Unitron! There was also a 3" alt-az there for a similarly good price, but after I left the store, it was gone (I couldn't help it - honestly!) Oh well, someone please pass me my toolbox :-)

Peace & blessings,
Donn Williams

--------------------
Peace & Blessings,
Donn Williams
Member - AAVSO
----------------------------------
Celestron EdgeHD 11 on CGE in SkyShed POD GL5
Meade Lightbridge 12", SN10, LX200 Classic 8", AR5, 314 Brass & ETX125PE
Lunt LS60T/DS, Stellarvue SV102ED, SV80BV, SV80/9D, SV NH2
Cave Astrolla 8", Zeiss Telementor II, Unitron 114, 128, 142
Towa 339, Royal Astro 76/1200, Pentax J80, Borg 100, AT 102-F/11
Goto 105, Various Sears/Tasco/Selsi/Towa 60-80mm's


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Steve_M_M
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Re:Crescent 4.5" new [Re: donnw]
      #3383080 - 10/11/09 12:51 AM

Here's a nice little reflector..AND, you can get some education by reading the ad.

Crescent

--------------------
1956 Goto Optical 6" f15 Observatory Refractor
From the Titan Observatory as featured in S&T 1957-1959
&
1961 Nishimura 6" Reflector



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jgw12936
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Re:Crescent 4.5" new [Re: Steve_M_M]
      #3383499 - 10/11/09 11:12 AM

12.5 inch Meade from 1987
Brenham, TX
Craigslist Houston

--------------------
Jim


APM/TMB 80/480
Takahashi FSQ ED 106
AP 155 EDFS
Mach1GTO
FLI Proline 11002M
Starlight Xpress SXV-H9/H9C
http://jimwood.smugmug.com/


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magic612
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Re:Crescent 4.5" new [Re: Steve_M_M]
      #3383511 - 10/11/09 11:22 AM

Quote:

Here's a nice little reflector..AND, you can get some education by reading the ad.

Crescent




A well written description, though I'm concerned that it does not appear to include a solar filter, given the last line of the description:

Quote:

Don't miss the next solar event!!!






--------------------
- Celestron C8+, Orion 90mm f/10, Orion ST-80, 5" f/8 Dob, 127mm f/9.4 refractor, 114mm f/8 on DS GoTo, 60mm Sears 6333-A, 127mm f4.4 refractor lens (current project), 12" f/5 mirror (future project)
- Orion Vista 10x50s (5 deg), Sears #6207 7x35 (7 deg), Jason #138 Statesman 7x35 (11.5 deg)

Yes, I'm addicted to telescopes and binoculars. I am getting help. Every time I look at the heavens, it helps.

http://www.eyesonthesky.com


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CHASLX200
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Re:Crescent 4.5" new [Re: jgw12936]
      #3383606 - 10/11/09 12:03 PM

Quote:

12.5 inch Meade from 1987
Brenham, TX
Craigslist Houston




Meade stopped making the RG scopes way before 1987. Maybe it was left over stock.

Chas


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akman1955
sage


Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
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Re: 60mm Unitron 114 new [Re: donnw]
      #3383829 - 10/11/09 02:26 PM

Quote:

Hi all:

Just wanted to let all the Unitron aficionados know that there is a 60mm Unitron 114 (alt-az) available at Hands On Optics in Damascus, MD (handsonoptics.com) for $250. Before you scramble for the phone or internet, it is in need of some TLC and does not include any accessories or even a wooden box -- but it is a Unitron! There was also a 3" alt-az there for a similarly good price, but after I left the store, it was gone (I couldn't help it - honestly!) Oh well, someone please pass me my toolbox :-)

Peace & blessings,
Donn Williams


Hey donn, Good deal we want more info on your new scope and of coarse pictures john

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Scott Horstman
Vendor- Backyard Observatories
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Re:Crescent 4.5" new [Re: Steve_M_M]
      #3384199 - 10/11/09 06:37 PM

Quote:

Here's a nice little reflector..AND, you can get some education by reading the ad.

Crescent





So THAT'S how those crazy things work.

--------------------




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magic612
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Re:Crescent 4.5" new [Re: Scott Horstman]
      #3384283 - 10/11/09 07:45 PM

Does this qualify as vintage?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/for/1415101385.html

--------------------
- Celestron C8+, Orion 90mm f/10, Orion ST-80, 5" f/8 Dob, 127mm f/9.4 refractor, 114mm f/8 on DS GoTo, 60mm Sears 6333-A, 127mm f4.4 refractor lens (current project), 12" f/5 mirror (future project)
- Orion Vista 10x50s (5 deg), Sears #6207 7x35 (7 deg), Jason #138 Statesman 7x35 (11.5 deg)

Yes, I'm addicted to telescopes and binoculars. I am getting help. Every time I look at the heavens, it helps.

http://www.eyesonthesky.com


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Happy-Idiot
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Re:Crescent 4.5" new [Re: magic612]
      #3384291 - 10/11/09 07:52 PM

Sure does but i can't remember if the 4000 with the gold band was the good models or the bad models.

I wonder why they kicked ne off the Bomb Squad.........

Was it cut the red wire or don't cut the red wire.

--------------------
Brian



A small scope that gets used often is a better investment than a big scope that stays in the closet.

Unitrons, you spend more time looking at them than you do through them.



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mustgobigger
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swift aerolite 60mm new [Re: Happy-Idiot]
      #3384323 - 10/11/09 08:18 PM

Swift Aerolite Astronomical Telescope - $120 DETROIT CL

--------------------
RV-6
Meade 826
Meade 880 Deluxe
Unitron's 114,128,140,142,150,152,155,160
4" Jaegertron
4.5" A.E f/14 Refractor
4" f/15 Edmund's Refractor



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mikey cee
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Re: swift aerolite 60mm new [Re: mustgobigger]
      #3384521 - 10/11/09 10:35 PM

OMG! That's the same exact scope I bought from a local camera store back in 1972 and a few weeks later took it back and traded up for a Selsi 247. I don't believe it. Mike

--------------------
7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.


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tim53
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Reged: 12/17/04
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Re: swift aerolite 60mm new [Re: mikey cee]
      #3385690 - 10/12/09 04:49 PM

I'm suffering from withdrawals! At a meeting in Tuscany, and they don't have Craigslist here! (well, the wine and cheese and the views are spectacular, to make up for it!)

I think I've decided that I need to make one of Gary Seronik's airline portable 8" newts for trips like this one. I wish I had a telescope up here.

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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Happy-Idiot
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Lafayette new [Re: tim53]
      #3386083 - 10/12/09 08:45 PM

CL Lafayette 60mm this is one nice quality scope. I own the exact model and it is a winner. Price is too steep but maybe he can be talked down. I almost put up mine for sale last week because i needed to fund another astronomical wonder but i didn't have the heart to part with it. Besides shipping is a pain, the wood box is solid and weights a ton.

--------------------
Brian



A small scope that gets used often is a better investment than a big scope that stays in the closet.

Unitrons, you spend more time looking at them than you do through them.



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JamesE
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Group list of scopes new [Re: Happy-Idiot]
      #3388404 - 10/14/09 12:12 AM



Sears 60mm

Nice Selsi

Cause this is a good combination

Old post for an 80mm Sears

Cometron???

Carl Ziess - Ad doesn't seem right

Sexy Nurse Costume - Because it came up in my Telescope search "????"

A Unitron Scope for $25 (Brian probably doesn't have this one yet)

Well, That's it for tonight. Not to much in the way of excitement.

Cheers,

--------------------
James

(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)

Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids


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mikey cee
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Re: Group list of scopes new [Re: JamesE]
      #3388458 - 10/14/09 12:58 AM

That's because the simpletons didn't know the difference between a telescope and a stethoscope.

--------------------
7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.


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Happy-Idiot
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Re: Group list of scopes new [Re: mikey cee]
      #3388609 - 10/14/09 05:53 AM

James if you buy any of those i would like to see pictures......Well except the nurses outfit......Well ok even the nurses outfit.



--------------------
Brian



A small scope that gets used often is a better investment than a big scope that stays in the closet.

Unitrons, you spend more time looking at them than you do through them.



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JamesE
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Re: Group list of scopes new [Re: Happy-Idiot]
      #3388843 - 10/14/09 10:23 AM

Brian,

Were I come from, that kind of wording can get a person into a lot of trouble. But if you are serious in your intent, then my response would be.... Link

Otherwise......I will just stick to my scope



--------------------
James

(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)

Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids


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Scott Horstman
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Re: Group list of scopes new [Re: JamesE]
      #3388850 - 10/14/09 10:27 AM

That's one homely chick.

--------------------




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Happy-Idiot
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Re: Group list of scopes new [Re: Scott Horstman]
      #3389919 - 10/14/09 07:34 PM

Oh so you know my Mother-Inlaw?



Thanks for the laughs guys. I really needed it, without hijacking the thread i had a bad few days. Just to name the top two, my son tore his ACL and fractured a bone, and my daughters school was in lock down last week due to a shooting.(we live in a peaceful,quiet, and small homey community)it was a shock.

Please don't respond i don't want the mods upset, this is a sales posting thread and i don't want to abuse the privilege. But thanks for the laugh.

--------------------
Brian



A small scope that gets used often is a better investment than a big scope that stays in the closet.

Unitrons, you spend more time looking at them than you do through them.



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mustgobigger
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Kosmos-Lehrmittel Refracting Telescope new [Re: Happy-Idiot]
      #3393546 - 10/16/09 07:10 PM

on the Bay,
local pickup only.
vintage Refractor on pedistal.
link

--------------------
RV-6
Meade 826
Meade 880 Deluxe
Unitron's 114,128,140,142,150,152,155,160
4" Jaegertron
4.5" A.E f/14 Refractor
4" f/15 Edmund's Refractor



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akman1955
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Re: Kosmos-Lehrmittel Refracting Telescope new [Re: mustgobigger]
      #3394334 - 10/17/09 10:43 AM

Boy they are limiting themselve's by local pick-up only. this can be crated and shipped if buyer wants it. Why do people do this?? the buyer should have option too pickup or pay shipping. my 2 cents worth, John

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CHASLX200
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Re: Kosmos-Lehrmittel Refracting Telescope new [Re: akman1955]
      #3394365 - 10/17/09 11:04 AM

I won't ship anymore OTA's or big scopes after what UPS did to a $1200 pellet gun i sold. I don't mind shipping something like a C8 OTA or smaller, but big Newts have to be picked up.

Chas


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woodsman
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Re: Kosmos-Lehrmittel Refracting Telescope new [Re: CHASLX200]
      #3394400 - 10/17/09 11:22 AM

I'd say that your identification of the shipper says it all. I've shipped scopes and had them shipped. Fed Ex delivered my used C14 from 3 states away and it arrived perfectly. So did my Sears 90mm and both Schmidt cameras, one from Canada I might add. I always tell the shipper DO NOT USE UPS! I ship by USPS, and Fed Ex and have little fears. UPS could ship dirt and it would arrive as mud. They are the worst in my opinion. Years ago I manufactured medical equipment carts. I shipped upwards of 600 boxes through the old RPS, which was bought out by Fed Ex. I had Zero damage, except one single time with an airfreight package. I made the claim, RPS paid. I had a customer ship 3 boxes back to me, and they used UPS. All 3 were destroyed, looked like they had been kicked down the street. Would UPS pay on the insurance? Not hardly, they told me to go suck eggs.

I have no idea why anyone in this world uses that company. The last time I did (easily 8-9 years ago), I took a package into their office and watched as the person behind the counter literally tossed the thing about 5 feet into the stack of packages.

Perhaps it's not the fact of shipping instruments, its the shipper you use.

--------------------
artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm


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woodsman
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Re: swift aerolite 60mm new [Re: tim53]
      #3394413 - 10/17/09 11:25 AM

Quote:

I'm suffering from withdrawals! At a meeting in Tuscany, and they don't have Craigslist here! (well, the wine and cheese and the views are spectacular, to make up for it!)

-Tim.




Did you at least get to go see an Andrea Bocelli concert while you were there? I believe that is where he grew up.

--------------------
artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm


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habsburg8
scholastic sledgehammer
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Classic Orange C-8 on Goodwill Auction Site new [Re: Glassthrower]
      #3394980 - 10/17/09 06:13 PM

Goodwill of North Central Wisconsin has a nice looking classic orange C-8 listed on its auction site. The item number is 5356469. It can be viewed by going to www.shopgoodwill.com and then either typing in the key word "Telescope" or by entering the specific item number.

However, Goodwill mentions that this is a pickup only item. I wonder if there are any accessories such as eyepieces included with the telescope?


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Telescopeman54
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Re: Classic Orange C-8 on Goodwill Auction Site new [Re: habsburg8]
      #3395031 - 10/17/09 06:58 PM

Woodsman:

That is EXACTLY why we use FEDEX exclusively! If someone wants anything shipped via UPS they need to send us a CERTIFIED letter accepting any and all responibility for the item.

CS

Steve

--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619

6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower


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woodsman
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Re: Classic Orange C-8 on Goodwill Auction Site new [Re: Telescopeman54]
      #3395090 - 10/17/09 07:52 PM

Steve,
At least I now know that it just isn't me. The company has the worst customer service of any company I have ever dealt with, bar none. Earlier this year, I received something on my doorstep. It was a telephone modem or something from one of the phone providers, in a brown box. It was labeled with another person's name and address. I called them as a courtesy to let them know that they delivered something that went to the wrong address. They first asked me to drive to their station and drop it off and tried to give me directions to the place for me to deliver it to. I had to reiterate 20 times that I wasn't going to bring it to them, they needed to come get it, which became a game of 20 questions on the phone about the package, and finally ended with me telling the customer service tech "look you have one week to come and get this thing or its going into the trash can".

I left it out on the porch and about 2 weeks later I noticed it was gone. I don't know if they ever got it, or if the wind blew it away. Frankly, I didn't care.

--------------------
artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm


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mikey cee
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Re: Classic Orange C-8 on Goodwill Auction Site new [Re: woodsman]
      #3395109 - 10/17/09 08:04 PM

Geesh Rich....I'm glad that none of my packages has accidentally landed on your doorstep. You'd probably want me to drive clear across Nebraska and halfway into Colorado to get it....wouldn't you? The audacity of it all. Mike

--------------------
7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.


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Falcon-
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Reged: 09/11/09
Posts: 240
Loc: Gambier Island, BC, Canada
Re: Classic Orange C-8 on Goodwill Auction Site new [Re: mikey cee]
      #3395173 - 10/17/09 09:01 PM

One other reason to dislike UPS... I have found UPS packages crossing the border (from the US into Canada) to be slapped with $50-$90 "brokerage" fees, while FedEX packages of the same stuff charge $10 for brokerage. (This is above the standard duties/taxes of course).

--------------------
Tasco 11TE-5 'Lunagrosso': 4.5" Newtonian, 900mm f/7.9
Meade DS-2114S: 4.5" Newtonian, 1000mm f/8.8
Galileoscope: 50mm Achromatic Refractor, 500mm f/10
Tasco EQ-2-like mount w/ clock drive
Celestron CG-5GT mount


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woodsman
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Re: Classic Orange C-8 on Goodwill Auction Site new [Re: mikey cee]
      #3395215 - 10/17/09 09:23 PM

Hi Mike,
If it was a telescope, my response would be: Package, what package, I don't have no stinking packages..

Also, forgot to mention in my first post, that the total damage I lost when they didn't cover the insurance was about $1000 out of my pocket, since I built the carts and could have resold them. Plus I've got about 25 other stories about how they've cost me money, and destroyed my packages.


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Telescopeman54
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Re: Classic Orange C-8 on Goodwill Auction Site new [Re: woodsman]
      #3395264 - 10/17/09 09:54 PM

Would you like to know about the Paramount that was delivered and KICKED off the back of the UPS truck while a friend of mine watched the diver do it?! THAT was one to behold for certain! All of the boxes were maked with FRAGILE on them! It took almost an entire year AND a good lawyer for the owner of the mount to get things "resolved".

Steve

--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619

6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower


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woodsman
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Re: Classic Orange C-8 on Goodwill Auction Site new [Re: Telescopeman54]
      #3395296 - 10/17/09 10:17 PM

Hey Steve,
No kidding I have a story almost like that one. I purchased a used piece of machinery that would have cost about $2500 to replace. I got it for about $500. The guy whom I purchased it from insisted on shipping by UPS from the East coast. I gave the guy specific orders, "do not ship by UPS, use FedEx". He absolutely would NOT! I still to this day have no idea why as I was paying the shipping and had a Fed Ex account, so they would swing by and pick it up. Needless to say, I arrived home one evening late (as I was building a house) to behold a large package in a heap in the center of my driveway, with popcorn blowing all over the neighborhood. The machine was literally BROKEN IN HALF! It looked as if they drove up, opened the back door and like your package, kicked it into the driveway. I contacted the guy who sent it and he told me, deal with UPS insurance. I informed him that it was his problem and to refund my money. He eventually did and subsequently apologized to me, as UPS denied his claim and told him it was packaged incorrectly. I'd like to know this, how do you pack something so that it won't get damaged when they heave it into your driveway. I wouldn't be surprised if they flew by in a plane, opened the hatch and dropped it off that way. That company sucks rotten eggs!

--------------------
artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm


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clintwhitman
Caveman
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Re: Classic Orange C-8 on Goodwill Auction Site new [Re: woodsman]
      #3395551 - 10/18/09 01:59 AM

I would have to agree and have not shipped ups in over five years hope they go out of buss.. I try to use usps they seem to do a fine job

--------------------
Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.


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refractory
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Re: Classic Orange C-8 on Goodwill Auction Site new [Re: clintwhitman]
      #3395574 - 10/18/09 02:34 AM

According to recently declassified CIA documents, UPS is run by Al Qaeda operatives intent on destroying the US economy, aided by disgruntled former Communist East Block sleeper agents and underground surviving Luddites.

Jess Tauber


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woodsman
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Re: Classic Orange C-8 on Goodwill Auction Site new [Re: refractory]
      #3395586 - 10/18/09 02:46 AM

Quote:

According to recently declassified CIA documents, UPS is run by Al Qaeda operatives intent on destroying the US economy, aided by disgruntled former Communist East Block sleeper agents and underground surviving Luddites.

Jess Tauber






I would agree that UPS driver would qualify as a Luddite. He had NO respect for fine machinery!

--------------------
artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm


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Binary Star
member
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Reged: 09/04/08
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Loc: N.E. Ohio
Edmund Scientific 8" - Akron/Cleveland OH CL new [Re: woodsman]
      #3395606 - 10/18/09 03:17 AM

I've seen these Edmund reflectors here on the classic forums before. I always thought they looked cool... here

(not my ad)

--------------------
Meade SN6/LXD55
Antares 8" Newtonian f4.9
Meade 4500 4.5" f8
Celestron/Vixen Firstscope 80


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Littlegreenman
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Re: Edmund Scientific 8" - Akron/Cleveland OH CL new [Re: Binary Star]
      #3395614 - 10/18/09 03:29 AM

On the bay, an 80mm f/1200 Katana. It's hard to tell but it looks like it could be a Circle T. Also, the winner will have to convince the seller to not use UPS* like he or she plans to.

web page


*My personal experience with UPS on receiving things is good. Maybe because I get deliveries at work, a business address? Maybe because I happily tell all delivery drivers they can stop to use the restroom? I have almost no shipping experience with then in the past 8 years since they closed the local depot. The nearest UPS Shipping Depot is a 30-60 minute drive each way, and I live in a city. I've also heard that the staff at that depot have no clue about customer service or relations. As you probably know UPS Stores, which are everywhere, are Franchises. They have to pay UPS for everything shipped. Most of the UPS store stores do not do enough volume to get a discount. The only source of income for the store is to selling things like shipping supplies and to add a surcharge to the shipping, which is buried in the overall charges. The end result is UPS Store prices are higher by 10-35% than, say, the Post Office.

Edited by Littlegreenman (10/18/09 03:44 AM)


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albert1
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Re: Edmund Scientific 8" - Akron/Cleveland OH CL new [Re: Littlegreenman]
      #3395689 - 10/18/09 06:17 AM

Maybe I'm just one of the lucky ones but I use UPS and USPS 35/65 for shipping/receiving and never had a "major" problem with either after roughly 200-300 shipments (not just astro stuff) in the past 5 years. Disclaimer; I do spend a fortune on packing materials. When I receive a package I do notice it is far more banged up with UPS than any other service so I do try to avoid using UPS for my fragiles. When I do use UPS for a scope, I make sure I do an extra super packing job and sometimes line the box with luan plywood and 1x2's, strapping tape, the whole 9.

--------------------
Albert

1 Great 'ole Newt
4 Good 'ole Newts
2 Great 'ole Cats
1 Lousy 'ole Newt
One of these days I'll try a Refractor better than my 90mm finderscope



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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
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Posts: 1541
Loc: New Hampshire
Re: Edmund Scientific 8" - Akron/Cleveland OH CL new [Re: albert1]
      #3395934 - 10/18/09 10:38 AM

I use a FEDEX/KINKO's site that is 45 miles away. We DO have local fellow, but, he's only open when he has nothing else to do. I know everyone in the F/K store and they are very attentive and helpful. My shipping record with FEDEX is perfect.

Back on subject now. Those later model Edmund scopes are not nearly as good as the older white tube models. The newer ones look cute, but, they cannot hold a candle to the older ones. I would not pay that much for that scope.

CS

Steve

--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619

6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower


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tim53
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 12/17/04
Posts: 1434
Loc: Highland Park, CA
Re: Edmund Scientific 8" - Akron/Cleveland OH CL new [Re: Telescopeman54]
      #3396079 - 10/18/09 12:01 PM

Steve:

I have a friend with one of the Edmund red tubes. I think it's an 8", but it might be a 6". He's thinking of selling it, and I'd like to help him get his best price for it. It's on the right coast, and I'm on the left, otherwise I'd make him an offer myself.

His is in essentially mint condition, from what I remember.

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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Littlegreenman
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80mm f/1200 Katana new [Re: tim53]
      #3396192 - 10/18/09 01:14 PM

On ebay, see my post above with a link. I asked the seller if the logo is a circle T, and he got back to me right away confirming it is.

Ebay has recently revamped their pic presentation, defaulting to smaller sized pics and you can't save them to you computer like your used to. In the past I could save a pic and process with photo-editing software to better see. I'm sure I could have read that logo 6 months ago.

BTW, if I am considering any Ebay purchase over $100 or so, I always ask a question, any question. How or if the seller replies often lets me know if I want to do business with the seller.

Littlegreenman
Vixen 102 f/9 fluorite
Vixen GPDX
Parks 6" f/6 newt
Orion 100mm binoculars
Celestron 11x80 Binoculars
...increasingly smaller piles of optical astro junk,
(now selling by the pound! )


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tim53
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 12/17/04
Posts: 1434
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Re: 80mm f/1200 Katana new [Re: Littlegreenman]
      #3396248 - 10/18/09 01:55 PM

LGM:

One thing you might still be able to do is take a screenshot of the pic window and process that. I do this all the time on my Mac (using "grab" and "selected window" in the preview app, but I'm sure there must be an equivalent PC routine).

-Tim.

--------------------
"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"


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David E
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Unitron Eyepieces new [Re: tim53]
      #3396432 - 10/18/09 03:28 PM

On Ebay: four Unitron Eyepieces.

--------------------
David E

If you keep a stack of old Orion catalogs in your bathroom, you might be an astro-redneck.



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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus


Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 736
Re: Classic Orange C-8 on Goodwill Auction Site new [Re: habsburg8]
      #3396454 - 10/18/09 03:35 PM

Quote:

Goodwill of North Central Wisconsin has a nice looking classic orange C-8 listed on its auction site. The item number is 5356469. It can be viewed by going to www.shopgoodwill.com and then either typing in the key word "Telescope" or by entering the specific item number.

However, Goodwill mentions that this is a pickup only item. I wonder if there are any accessories such as eyepieces included with the telescope?




I doubt it...it looks like anything that could be lost has been.

Also take a look at the tripod...rather tough shape.

I suspect that the scope looked that way also..but someone from Goodwill wiped it down before the pictures were taken.

I will bet the corrector has serious scratches in it now from the cleaning an inexperienced Goodwill employee gave it trying to get the mildew off. How else did they figure out that the mildew was on the INSIDE?

The good news is I don't see a Beanie Baby inside the scope. ;<)


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albert1
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Posts: 1368
Loc: Northern New Jersey
Re: 80mm f/1200 Katana new [Re: Littlegreenman]
      #3396518 - 10/18/09 04:00 PM

Quote:


BTW, if I am considering any Ebay purchase over $100 or so, I always ask a question, any question. How or if the seller replies often lets me know if I want to do business with the seller.

Littlegreenman
Vixen 102 f/9 fluorite
Vixen GPDX
Parks 6" f/6 newt
Orion 100mm binoculars
Celestron 11x80 Binoculars
...increasingly smaller piles of optical astro junk,
(now selling by the pound! )




Excellent suggestion. Same here.

--------------------
Albert

1 Great 'ole Newt
4 Good 'ole Newts
2 Great 'ole Cats
1 Lousy 'ole Newt
One of these days I'll try a Refractor better than my 90mm finderscope



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wfj
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Posts: 258
Loc: California, Santa Cruz County
Re: Edmund Scientific 8" - Akron/Cleveland OH CL new [Re: albert1]
      #3396519 - 10/18/09 04:00 PM

One more on the UPS rant - a friend of mine told me that you've got to understand what the UPS business model is.

This was again made clear to me this summer when my son got delivery of a steel auto muffler with integral exhaust pipes/flanges. He was outside working on the car at the time. They rolled up, kicked the door open, heaved the part out (not a scratch of shipping material, just bare metal with a stuck on plastic pouch with the shipper form), it clunked on the driveway, and the driver drove off.

This is the majority of what they do - items like this.

Didn't bother the muffler - my son put in without comment and finished the job - he didn't even think about it. Hardest part was getting off the shipper plastic so it wouldn't burn.

They think this is how they optimize their business.

Two decades back I had an instrument company that shipped ruggedized electronics instruments. We specifically designed the shipping materials, and continually tested them, to survive 20 foot drops. One of our suppliers offered us a deal on lower cost shipping materials, and my mfr director packed up an instrument on site, and heaved it 40 ft into a wall (UPS shipping simulation) - it broke open. The vendor complained it was unfair. The director handed him some pictures of shipping experiences, repacked in our existing materials, did it again, it survived. And we never shipped through UPS, nor accepted RMA's through UPS ... however we still had units show up through UPS (arrgh!) - so you can never get off the hook.

Got a mirror diagonal off ebay from Israel - it was shipped in a 60 watt bulb's thin cardboard box, taped in with a single 4" long strip of 1/2" wide clear tape. Shipping label was handwritten on the box, the mail cancellation stamp had crushed in part of the box.

I was amazed a) it got through b) no damage c) that any idiot would try such a thing.


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mustgobigger
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