29 replies to this topic

[Kasmos]

The SS80 was a spotter so it never had a finder. Since it shared the same focuser with other models there should be 4 mounting holes under the glued on flat on the top of the focuser so an adaptor is not necessary if using an old style Vixen finder base.

 

They had two different styles that used the same 4 bolt pattern

 

An alternate solution would be to buy a finder dovetail shoe and mount it to the flat spot.

Something like this one:

https://www.ebay.com...C34SB3D5NEFB2AE

Edited by Kasmos, 05 July 2024 - 04:07 PM.

[patjos1]

The Celestron SS80, like you said uses a different method to attach a finderscope.  The finderscope stalk is angled and at the flat base it uses 4 Philips screws to mount it.

 

You could try posting a wanted add in the classifieds, or if you have access to a 3D printer you could try making an adapter that would let you add an offset vixen shoe. Then you can use any finderscope with a vixen base

That makes sense. I think making the adapter via a 3D printer may be the best solution. Finding a finderscope with a vixen base should not be an issue. Thank you.

[patjos1]

I'm not clear what you are asking for. Pictures are always nice when asking questions. Do you have an ST80 or a spotting scope like the pictured in this thread? The spotting scope does not have a finderscope, and the ST80 has a standard Vixen dovetail shoe for mounting one. 

Sorry for not posting some pictures and not being clear. I have the exact same scope as Shredder1656 posted above. Tony Spina offered a great solution that I think will work. I really was looking for a finder scope with a vixen base the could attached to flat  offset vixen shoe base with the 4 screws.

[RichA]

The SS80 was a spotter so it never had a finder. Since it shared the same focuser with other models there should be 4 mounting holes under the glued on flat on the top of the focuser so an adaptor is not necessary if using an old style Vixen finder base.

 

They had two different styles that used the same 4 bolt pattern

Vixen-Finder-C60 .jpg

Vix-Finder-Base.jpg

 

An alternate solution would be to buy a finder dovetail shoe and mount it to the flat spot.

Something like this one:

https://www.ebay.com...C34SB3D5NEFB2AE

How annoying.  I just got the identical scope and I HAD that finder before, don't know where I got it from but I didn't keep it.  C'est la vie.

[ericb760]

Sorry for not posting some pictures and not being clear. I have the exact same scope as Shredder1656 posted above. Tony Spina offered a great solution that I think will work. I really was looking for a finder scope with a vixen base the could attached to flat  offset vixen shoe base with the 4 screws.

Since the focuser was almost universal for Celestron/Vixen 80 and 90mm scopes, your best bet would probably be to try and buy a refractor from that period and cannibalize the finder scope from it. As has been stated, this 80mm spotter did not come with a finderscope originally.