20 replies to this topic

[orion63]

Three months ago I found this telescope in an antiques store. Today I went again and brought the inexpensive 0.965 25mm eyepiece I use in a finderscope to test it. I was barely able to hide my satisfaction and bought it for US$80.

As you can see, this one needs a lot of TLC. The tube has several dents and the paint is in very bad shape. The lens has a small dent, but it doesn't seem to affect the views, which are very sharp and well contrasted. In fact, I believe the optical quality of this scope is remarkably good, and it feels very well built. Although cosmetically it is in very bad shape, it works ok and is worthy of a restoration.

The brand is O.K.K.K., which is a largely unknown brand. After much googling and research in the cloudynights forums, I identified this scope as a "circle k", maybe from the 60's, with it's original mount and tripod. With a 76.2mm objective and 1250mm focal length, I expect this one to be a very good planetary scope.

I expect that someone could give me some more information about this scope.

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[orion63]

This is the only text I can find in the scope. The letters around the objective are ilegible. I believe the image at the right of the word "Japan" is a circle K.

[orion63]

Sorry, here is the text:

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[orion63]

The mount

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[orion63]

The finder is in very bad shape, but it works

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[David E]

Orion, I don't know who made what you've got, but I'd say it's a KEEPER! I envy you, down there in Peru with those beautiful southern hemisphere skies!

[CHASLX200]

That OKKK looks A- OK.

Chas

[Dr Morbius]

Has a quality look to it. It's a keeper for sure! Good luck with it.

[orion63]

It is a keeper for sure... thanks!
David, sadly, Lima is a cloudy city and tonight is not the exception. I had to use a building 500 mts from my home to test the optics and, man are they good!! I am amazed at the sharpness of the images I get. Clear, crisp images. Never seen something like this, not that I have seen through many scopes before, but this is in a different league than my ATMd 5" refractor. I can't find any trace of CA even with my inexpensive surplusshed 9mm 0.965 eyepiece!
I am very, very happy with this finding!

[woodsman]

Nice scope with an odd focal length. I remember seeing one other on CN that had that focal length and objective diameter. I think it was a Yamatar, and it was 76.2mm and 1250mm f.l. I'd almost guarantee its made by the same manufacturer and rebranded, as they all were back then. I'm almost positive it is Kenko. Probably has nice optics. I saw it in one Kenko catalog from the late '60s. I'm pretty sure its on Galakuma's list.

[Gerd]

Richard is right with his answer

A Yamatar scope is now offered in Ebay Germany
http://cgi.ebay.de/S...0|39:1|240:1318

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[orion63]

As woodsman says, it seems "circle k" telescopes where made by Kenko. Their telescopes were offered under various brands, including OKKK, Yamatar, Tasco, Royal Astro and even Towa. This specific model has highly regarded optics, some even compare them to Unitrons. I can not say so, never used a Unitron, but I can attest the optics are outstanding.

Apparently, the company that selled OKKK telescopes was Kyanon Kamara Kompany. Since that company changed it's name to Canon Camera Company in 1969, this telescope is at least 40 years old.

I'd appreciate if someone can confirm this. I am also trying to find manuals for this model, regardless of the brand.

Gonzalo

[orion63]

it seems Vixen and H&G also selled this telescopes.

[dweller25]

Hello Orion63,

I have the exact same scope - 76.2mm F16.4.

Mine has had a troubled life though !!!

Can you tell me if you can see any lens spacers between the two front elements - mine has none !!

Thanks in advance.

[galakuma]

Hi Orion63
Trade mark circle-K had used by Kenko and Towa.
The Towa was the company which had the ability that a product design and sold, but supplied OEM mainly.
Kenko sold telescopes with a product design and a sales plan.
Kenko sold Towa’s telescopes and others.
I think this telescope made by Towa. And exported by Kenko or ?.
I attach Kenko’s catalogue 1969.
This telescope had made from about 1965 to 1985.

H.S Japan

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[orion63]

dweller:
There are, indeed, three lens spacers. They look metallic.
Mine doesn't have the triangular tray between the tripod legs. I want to make one, it would be easier if I know the dimensions. I yours have it, can you post a picture or tell me how is it?

Gonzalo

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[orion63]

Thanks, Hiroki!
That seems to resolve the "circle k" mistery.

Gonzalo

[Clive Gibbons]

Hello Orion63.

Your scope looks exactly like my "Astro" 76mm f/16.4 refractor. Same aperture, focal length, hardware, mounting and tripod. I'd venture that they're both from the same manufacturer. I believe that was Astro Royal Optics.

[dweller25]

Hello Gonzalo,

Thanks for the picture - I will put some spacers in between the two elements.

Sorry - I don't have the EQ mount or tripod so cannot answer your question, but these scopes seem fairly common so you should get an answer soon.

Best regards.

[orion63]

Clive, do you have the manuals of your scope?

Gonzalo

[galakuma]

Hi Clive.
In Japan.there was not the telescope of focus length 1250mm in the telescope Astro optics designed.
1. http://yumarin7.saku...n/Astro1970.pdf
2. http://yumarin7.saku...n/Astro1977.pdf
3. http://yumarin7.saku...n/Astro1986.pdf
But,in 1980s Astro opt sold Towa's telescope.
( 3.P10 are Towa made)
I don't know all enported.
If there is it,I think made by Towa.