13 replies to this topic

[Otto Piechowski]

On ebay currently there is a 3.5 for sale.  On the bottom is etched 1-968.  Would you please tell me/us what this 1-968 indicates is the date of manufacture?

 

Thank you.

 

Otto

[Gregory Gross]

That would be a 1961 Questar.

 

Incidentally, those early camera couplers as depicted in that listing (https://www.ebay.com/itm/384221983963) are hard to find. It looks like an excellent early example.

[Otto Piechowski]

Gregory, thank you for that information. Otto

[Gregory Gross]

Demerit points from this early Questar aficionado for the historically inaccurate finder solar filter installation. (But kudos from this solar observing enthusiast for installing it.  )

 

I have never seen that “Questar Corp” labeled plastic box before. I wonder if they included them in the early 1960s.

[RMay]

I think the Questar Corp engraving may be on the screwdriver inside the box?

Hard to tell, but maybe...?

Ron

[Optics Patent]

I might suggest this be moved to the eBay listing thread as there would otherwise be a clutter.

The Questar screwdriver is typically included in a little box I have seen that houses the Azimuth brake, but I see no other evidence of that.

I consider the finder solar filter to be an appropriate accessory that does not modify a vintage scope.

[PKH]

Hi,

 

Here is some additional information about #1-968.

 

To my surprise I won the Ebay auction for a 1961 Questar! It arrived in good condition and I thought a few pictures were in order. Inspired by the ones shown in the 1960 Questar catalog, I present my take of this classic beauty.

 

Of all the Questar telescopes I’ve seen in person and the numerous images posted here, I had never seen a lavender colored moon map. Quite striking and unique really after seeing the light blue newer Qs, the dark blues of the 90’s and 50’s, the deep purples, and of course the mystic ones. While the star map in this scope is the standard color that mysteriously changes from purple to blue depending upon the lighting, the lavender barrel is more uniform and consistent but still changes color slightly with the light.

 

This scope came with a finder solar filter but not one for the front aperture and no dust cap. It did come with a soft brush in the case to dust off the optics. The corrector is clear and the mirror is bright all the way to the edge. The controls (RA and dec.) are quite stiff but usable, probably needing re-lubrication. The focusing knob was a little scratchy when first turned but smoothed out nicely with a little grease applied to the threads.

 

The focal length is 45.5” visual, making it an f/13 model.

 

For a 60 year old, this little Q is still giving enjoyment to it’s current owner. Remarkable and a testament to the design and quality that is Questar.

 

Now, on to the pictures.

 

PK

 

 

 

 

Edited by PKH, 29 June 2021 - 07:01 PM.

[RMay]

Very nice!! Might I venture that the light ‘lavender’ color you speak of is actually attenuation of the color due to fading caused by sunlight, as there appears to be a slightly lighter band of coloration at the front third of the scope body itself. Nevertheless, a great purchase of a great classic scope, complete with its own unique history… and character.

Congrats again, and use it in good health, always,

Ron

[Optics Patent]

I’ve seen many in that date range with the lavender moon map. Fading rarely impacts the moon map. Much more typical to see the star chart be sun damaged, and that will usually show uneven shadowing from the arms and possibly a bias toward one side from a scope displayed for years in a window in the same position.

It may well be an effect of aging but I suspect if it didn’t start that light it got that way in the dark. But my notes show this is the norm for that era. Including #2-1204 that I recently serviced and sold.

The star charts can also be somewhat faded then but less so, and I suspect that some of those may have been replaced.

 

Looking at my notes, in the notes the terms "light", "lighter", and "faded" appear in about half the color descriptions from 1958-1962, and virtually on no other periods.  The terms "faded" are limited to only 1961-62. 

 

I'll note that the term "brilliant" (purple) often but almost exclusively in 1964-69, the aesthetic pinnacle of these scopes in my opinion.

 

The terms "warm" and "dark" for purple appear mostly 1976 and later. Blue returns in the mid 90s.

Edited by Optics Patent, 29 June 2021 - 07:50 PM.

[Gregory Gross]

I love the pictures! Welcome to the Questar forum, PK, and thank you very much for sharing photos of your beautiful 1961 Questar!

[PKH]

Thanks Ron, I imagine that Questar went through different dyes and processes over the years and some were more stable than others. Color changes can be light induced or by time. Even new anodizing can fade.

 

Ben, excellent information. It appears that between ‘58- ‘62 color change was more prevalent with the lovely lavender hue reserved for the ‘61 and ‘62 model years. Quite rare indeed!
“Light”, “lighter”, and “lavender” ?

 

Greg, thanks for the welcome. The photos were fun to shoot while trying to approximate the ones from the old Questar catalog. It helped to burn off some excess initial excitement.

 

I’m waiting to hear from Jim at Questar for some history and a born on date.

 

PK

Edited by PKH, 30 June 2021 - 12:20 PM.

[vcnightscope2017]

Great find PK. Not sure if you emailed Questar for the "born on date" but fastest way to get an answer is to call them, 800-247-9607.

 

Rick

[Gregory Gross]

The focusing knob was a little scratchy when first turned but smoothed out nicely with a little grease applied to the threads.

PK, what specific lubricant did you use on your focuser rod? I'm assuming that you accessed it via the axial port.

[PKH]

I used a white Teflon based lubricant that I had. A small amount on a toothpick reached the threads through the axial port. No more scratchy feel and one finger focusing is back.