395 replies to this topic

[Chuck Hards]

I have taken over the Swift Registry, with Chuck Faranda's kind permission.  Chuck is too busy to deal with it at present.  If you have a Swift and would like it added, please get all the details to me.  Model number, serial number, how you would like to be listed as owner, location, any provenance you are aware of before your ownership, condition, degree of completeness, etc.  You can post in this thread or PM me, but a post here and pics would be appreciated by everyone.

 

There aren't too many listed at present, still at a single page.  I will post an updated list later this week and periodically as updates require.  At this point, don't assume that your Swift is already on there, it's been a while since the list was last updated.

 

Although not tracked previously, I'd like to start tracking the Tecnar Satellite scopes, models 815 & 816, as well, so send me info on those if you are an owner.  They do not carry a serial number.  Also the non-Takahashi-made Swifts such as the Aerolite series.

 

I have added the 831 currently up on auction at Amart, that Bob Myler posted in the CL & eBay auction thread.  LINK  If someone here is the winner, please let me know so I can fill out the details on this serial number.  It's only 3 units off of the 831 formerly owned by John Siple and sold to Jerry Kovacs.

 

Thanks gang!

 

 

[Terra Nova]

Swift Model 839, #60028, (AVA) maker's mark- Takahashi, 60x800, setting circles, complete outfit, wood cabinet with wood inserts. (Second owner)

Edited by terraclarke, 14 February 2016 - 06:34 PM.

[rcwolpert]

Chuck,

Can you show us what you have so far. I think mine is already on the registry, but I'm not sure.

 

- Bob

[Chuck Hards]

Added Terra's 839 & Bob's 831, neither was on the list prior.  Bob, I'll be posting a link in the next day or two.  Terra, check your focal length, should be 810mm IIRC.

 

Thanks!

[gelkin]

Very good Chuck. 

 

My first 831 on Faranda's list has been sold. I now have an 831 # 633017. Its in complete excellent condition. Also has an optional sun projection screen and  26mm Kellner eyepiece. I'm the 2nd owner. Original owner from the Milwaukee area. 

 

 

 

[starman876]

now that is really nice Gerald  

[Chuck Hards]

Thanks Gerald, 633017 is now on the list.  You are only the second 831 owner besides myself who I'm sure has the 26mm Kellner.  Nice eyepiece!  I have the sunscreen as well.

 

Do you know who now owns your old one, 623211?

 

 

 

The Swift 831 is one of the few classic scopes I own that, when a laser is inserted into the focuser, the dot is dead-center in the objective after all these years.  Not many stay collimated after that amount of time.

[Chuck Hards]

How many of you have one of these in your kit?

 

[Bomber Bob]

The Swifts are superb!  I think they're the most impressive of the imports.  Similar looks, but more thoughtful features, and better build quality, and the attention to detail.  Engraved circles, enclosed worm gears, accessory twist locks, and those volcano top eyepieces - just to name a few.  I like my Mayflower 815, but it's a light weight in comparison.

[Terra Nova]

How many of you have one of these in your kit?
 
831 02 001.jpg

I do. The booklet/manual as well.

[Chuck Hards]

38 listings so far, all models 838, 839, and 831.

[rcwolpert]

How many of you have one of these in your kit?

 

831 02 001.jpg

 

I do.

 

- Bob

[rcwolpert]

Plus this map of the moon hand drawn by Shyusuke Kojima, who I believe was the designer of the Swift. Anyone else have this map of the Moon?

 

 

 

Edited by rcwolpert, 15 February 2016 - 12:43 AM.

[rcwolpert]

Also the manual.

 

[Chuck Hards]

I need to go through my most recent 831.  There was all kinds of stuff in there and I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't fully inventoried the non-hardware yet.  That's an extremely nice setup, Bob!

 

Gerald:  Is your 831 tube really white, or is the color a camera artifact?  

[gelkin]

Its the normal creamy light tan color. The 839 on the right has been also sold.

 

[jpbutler]

Hi Folks,

I bought that great looking 839 from Gerald.

John Butler

Sent from my SGP561 using Tapatalk

[Chuck Hards]

Thanks, John.  Do you know the serial number?

[jpbutler]

Chuck,

I have the telescope at work in the office.

Taking the day off today, will get it tomorrow.

 

John

[gelkin]

I can help out here John.

 

[Terra Nova]

Plus this map of the moon hand drawn by Shyusuke Kojima, who I believe was the designer of the Swift. Anyone else have this map of the Moon?
 

 

 

I don't have the map. Maybe it only came with the 3" Model?

[Terra Nova]

Any idea which of the three brown Swift refractor models is the rarest/was produced in the lowest numbers? I'm thinking it was the 50mm (#838)?

[rcwolpert]

I don't have the map. Maybe it only came with the 3" Model?

 

This is a good question. I haven't seen any other Swift with Kojima-san's Moon map. Does anyone else have this item with your Swift?

 

- Bob

[jpbutler]

I can help out here John.

 

DSC_4221.JPG

 

Hey thanks,

I set up that telescope at work for awhile then put it away.

I have 2 other telescopes at home in the living room all set up.

 

Trying to get my wife, the dog and the cat used to the idea.

They're coming around.

 

Pretty soon I will bring the Swift home.

 

John

[photiost]

Swift Model 831 serial #633021, original EQ mount, no box

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