I was beginning to think a 60mm was not going to be my future. However, after reading some of the reviews by happy owners, and comments like those from AstroJenson and AndresEsteban, I am thinking a classic 60mm refractor with some modern oculars would be fun. There is just something very cool about those vintage long white tubed refractors. Please keep your comments and observations coming. Mark
From a practical standpoint, tossing the scope in the back of your car and heading out, your TeleVue 85 will be the winner there.
As far as a classic with modern eyepieces, as Thomas said, it is the only way to go. This is my 60mm x F/13.3 Asahi-Pentax with a 16mm Type 2 Nagler.
I have owned a number of classic 60mm.. This is how I see it.
When looking for a classic 60mm, you want one known for very good optics. The Asahi-Pentax's are known for this.
When looking for a classic 60mm, you want one with a solid mount, the tubes are long and prone to vibration, most of the mounts are on the shaky side, usually due to the tripod. The Asahi-Pentax is the only Japanese 60mm I ever had with a super solid mount. In the photo, you can see just how robust the tripod is.
The other important thing is a focuser that is 1.25 inch capable. There are work-arounds but they generally compromise the view. Some take a Vixen visual back and that's the best. The Asahi-Pentax's have a back that's the same diameter but a different pitch, I got lucky with the two I had, I had a diagonal eyepiece holder that just happened to fit.
Thomas's Zeiss Telmentor is probably near the top of the list...
Jon