544 replies to this topic

[NinePlanets]

Here is my latest. Didn't see it in the list:

 

C5 SN 13816 8
(Manufactured 1st Q, 1978: SN 3816)

Corrector 5009 or 5409 ?

Motor date code 11 77

 

Came with standard 5x24 finder. Not laser and RACI...

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[MichiganUniverse]

I have  a C5+  Serial # 53049

 

The original manual has the address as being in Torrance California and a copyright date of 11-94.  I'm pretty sure I bought the telescope around 1995. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Adviser_III]

Check out this grand old C5, #229!

https://www.facebook...5c-567a8636b2f9

[abe]

Check out this grand old C5, #229!

https://www.facebook...5c-567a8636b2f9

That sure is/was a beaut.   Do those right angle 5x24 finders turn up on occasion or are they ultra rare?

[Kasmos]

That sure is/was a beaut.   Do those right angle 5x24 finders turn up on occasion or are they ultra rare?

Somewhere between on occasion and rare 

When they do turn up they tend to sell fast.

 

Actually it wouldn't be extremely hard to fashion one. Cut a standard straight thru version and mate it to a .965" diagonal. But, first experiment with a cardboard tube to get it right. 

[deSitter]

Somewhere between on occasion and rare 

When they do turn up they tend to sell fast.

 

Actually it wouldn't be extremely hard to fashion one. Cut a standard straight thru version and mate it to a .965" diagonal. But, first experiment with a cardboard tube to get it right. 

I bought a Meade "mirror lens" scope that came with an incredibly nice Japan-made 5x24 finder - no astigmatism, wide field and ultra-sharp crosshairs. The scope was soft, but the finder was worth the price.

 

-drl

[ngc4910]

For the registry:  Telephoto f/10, S/N 789, corrector marked "T438". As a curiosity, the primary has two triangular marks at 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock. Is this typical for C5s of that period?

 

 

[Chuck2]

C5+, Starbright Coatings, Purchased new in 1992:

 

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[Dave Skywatcher]

My C5 I traded for. Originally (and still) sold as the C5 Spotting Scope with padded case. Same OTA, just different packaging.

 

I added a 2" SCT diagonal and a longer rail.

 

 

 

Really nice set up! How did you add the RACI to replace the 6x30 finder scope?

[MarkMittlesteadt]

Really nice set up! How did you add the RACI to replace the 6x30 finder scope?

Just used the same findershoe with the bigger RACI.

[BartZ]

Hello folks! I just joined cloudynigh because I saw this forum while searching on the internet for information of the old C5's. I have just purchases an old one.  For now I will only post the raw footage as I bought it. It will need some TLC, what I will be doing the next couple of days. The optics look quite nice, of course the corrector plate needs a clean-up,  I think they people who used it,did obey the remarks written on the OTA very nicely. Also the collimation as bought is spot on.  The serial number is, 2 497 3 , if I'm correct, it should be a 1973 version based on the serial. While cleaning up I will look for the motor dates and corrector plate number etc. A question that I have at this moment, how can I see if I have a 230V 50Hz version or the 110V 60Hz version for the motors? The only thing I could read on the motors was 0,75 RPM.

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Edited by BartZ, 15 February 2025 - 06:34 PM.

[NinePlanets]

BartZ, the motor dates should be stamped around the circumference of each motor. You might need a little mirror and a flashlight to see them where they are recessed into the mount base.

[Kasmos]

Hello folks! I just joined cloudynigh because I saw this forum while searching on the internet for information of the old C5's. I have just purchases an old one.  For now I will only post the raw footage as I bought it. It will need some TLC, what I will be doing the next couple of days. The optics look quite nice, of course the corrector plate needs a clean-up,  I think they people who used it,did obey the remarks written on the OTA very nicely. Also the collimation as bought is spot on.  The serial number is, 2 497 3 , if I'm correct, it should be a 1973 version based on the serial. While cleaning up I will look for the motor dates and corrector plate number etc. A question that I have at this moment, how can I see if I have a 230V 50Hz version or the 110V 60Hz version for the motors? The only thing I could read on the motors was 0,75 RPM.

Nice find.

Yes 1973, and as you might know a Tri-Color model with the Velatone soft touch paint.

 

Just in case you don't know, the registry is suppose to be only for specs (so it doesn't get too clogged up), so If you want to post photos of the clean up process start a new topic of it's own. I'm sure several others would be interested in that.

Edited by Kasmos, 16 February 2025 - 03:40 PM.

[ngc4910]

Hi everyone, will add this here for completeness:

 

1970s C5 Telephoto version, black faux leather exterior (hard surface, just the texture imitates that of leather), "Special Coating" sticker. Serial number is covered/illegible.

 

This version has a solid tripod mount, machined to support both the mirror cell and the tube:  I have not seen this type of tripod mount anywhere else, does anyone know anything about this? Was this perhaps the original design before moving to the much less massive L-bracket supplied with all later Celestron telephoto lenses? Or could this have been a special order?

 

Cheers, ngc

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[DanaPtDave]

What a great collection of information from the C5 owners around the world. I just purchased an early 2000's NexStar C5, SN# 70718. Please add this to the registry. 

 

I purchased this from a wonderful daughter of a local Doctor who loved astronomy. I understand that he purchased this scope new so I believe I am the proud 2nd owner. This is my first SCT, so I need to learn my way around it. The scope and tripod are in excellent shape. The tripod has a built in wedge. So cool. The scope has always been stored in its JMI carrying case. Here are a few pics of my new Celestron NexStar C5. 

 

 

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[DanaPtDave]

Just a couple more pics of my new NexStar C5.

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[Dartguy]

Hi everyone, will add this here for completeness:

 

1970s C5 Telephoto version, black faux leather exterior (hard surface, just the texture imitates that of leather), "Special Coating" sticker. Serial number is covered/illegible.

 

This version has a solid tripod mount, machined to support both the mirror cell and the tube:  I have not seen this type of tripod mount anywhere else, does anyone know anything about this? Was this perhaps the original design before moving to the much less massive L-bracket supplied with all later Celestron telephoto lenses? Or could this have been a special order?

 

Cheers, ngc

I believe the serial number on these is on the same rim as the Special Coatings tag.

[CHASLX200]

Just a couple more pics of my new NexStar C5.

I had one of them in 2002 and dead sharp.

[navillus]

I bought my first C5 directly from Celestron sometime in the mid or late 70's at the same time as I bought my C14.  That C5 came with a pointing adapter for mounting it on the C14 rear cell to be used as a guide scope for photography.

 

About 7 or 8 years ago I traded that C5 with C14 mounting adapter for another "classic" C5 with a fork mount.  I now use this C5 (with a focal reducer) mounted piggyback on the C14 with I need a wider FOV.   It has the orange pebble tube paint.  The secondary holder is made of metal.  On the secondary holder there it a number:   S70605.  I assume this is the serial number.  On the fork mount there is only "Celestron" in raised metal.  There are no other identifying marks or plaques.

 

Phil

[CHASLX200]

I bought my first C5 directly from Celestron sometime in the mid or late 70's at the same time as I bought my C14.  That C5 came with a pointing adapter for mounting it on the C14 rear cell to be used as a guide scope for photography.

 

About 7 or 8 years ago I traded that C5 with C14 mounting adapter for another "classic" C5 with a fork mount.  I now use this C5 (with a focal reducer) mounted piggyback on the C14 with I need a wider FOV.   It has the orange pebble tube paint.  The secondary holder is made of metal.  On the secondary holder there it a number:   S70605.  I assume this is the serial number.  On the fork mount there is only "Celestron" in raised metal.  There are no other identifying marks or plaques.

 

Phil

That tangent coupler is worth 700 smacks today.