13 replies to this topic

[MASILMW]

I picked this Optron 4" f/6 scope up off of the bay a while back, but have been quite busy and haven't had a chance to post. I didn't think about it at the time I picked it up cuz I figured it was a Newt with an optical window but, a friend said I should test the mirror because Optron did make Schimdts. So, I tested the mirror and Viola, it's spherical and what I have here is a Schimdt Newtonian.

There's not a lot of info on Optron but, I did manage to glean a bit. They pioneered the inconel-on-glass solar filter, the "Telewin" do-it-yourself Schmidt corrector plate, exotic Herschelian Schmidts, etc... The firm was a partnership between a Latvian named Torp Lepenis and a Swede named Olaf Moon. I can't confirm this but, I heard that Torp worked for Zeiss at one time.

I do remember seeing them advertise a 4.25" off-axis Catadioptric called the "FI-nis 425 back in the late 50's but, I've never seen this scope before. Is it a one of a kind? Maybe someone can shed some light on this scope?

BTW - It produces a very fine image.

SF

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[MASILMW]

Label

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[MASILMW]

Side view.

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[reddog15]

Nice score Bro

[JamesE]

That's a beaut!

[MASILMW]

Thanks, guys.

Also, I failed to mention that it has a tripod adapter block underneath so you can view with it easily.

[clintwhitman]

Sheldon, What the deal with the foucuser? How do you focus? It it Definitely a very nice build with the simple straight forward way of building a telescope. I like the Logo and color very nice obscure piece of asto history... So you think its from the 50s?
(^V3^^AN

[MASILMW]

Hi Clint,

You manually move the eyepiece up or down to focus. They sold Brandon eyepieces when they were in business and I think it was designed for them.

I would guess 1959 or 1960 that it was made. I'm hoping that someone might know about this guy and share some info about it's history.

SF

[Nightdog]

Nice find. First time Ive seen one.

[Doug76]

I'm not adverse to modification, so I'll say it could use a better focuser. Otherwise I'd not change a thing. Really cool looking!

[Preston Smith]

I'm not adverse to modification, so I'll say it could use a better focuser. Otherwise I'd not change a thing. Really cool looking!

Usually, I agree with Doug but I have to admit that this is very unique and it might be better to leave this in it's original form. I have never seen this scope. And the fact that you can attach it to a tripod is great!

Most important question - have you observed with it yet?

[Doug76]

Last line of his first post.

[Doug76]

I just figured at f/6 it might be touchy to focus with a push/pull focuser.

[MASILMW]

Preston,

I've had it out a few times. Mainly looking at DS objects: M45, M42, M41 etc. It has a nice flat field.

It'll get a lot more use once the Summer Milky Way is out at an early hour.

Don't worry, I'm not going to change the focuser.

SF