19 replies to this topic

[Brian A]

I don’t recall when or how I acquired this scope and I don’t know much about it. It’s in great condition but I’ve never mounted it and looked through it. I see no markings on the scope other than the two labels pictured. Anybody have any idea what it is?
Thanks
Brian

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Edited by Brian A, 20 June 2022 - 09:29 AM.

[steveward53]

A picture of the other badge might be useful ... 

[Brian A]

The other badge.

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[steveward53]

I thought that might give a clue , but Google Lens reliably just informs me "Never look at the Sun ... risk of blindness" ... 

[barbarosa]

https://www.cloudyni...s/#entry3530065

 

Good luck.

[Starlighter]

I believe it’s a Kenko from the 1960s. 

[Brian A]

Hmm. My research came up with Dai-Ichi Kogaku. Does anyone know for sure?
Thanks
Brian

[Jon Isaacs]

This seems like it belongs in the classics forum.. They are much more likely to know about an older Japanese scope.  You might ask the moderators to move the thread.

 

Jon

[CHASLX200]

Vixen made it looks to me. Maybe 80's or 90's made.

Edited by CHASLX200, 20 June 2022 - 05:52 AM.

[eric_zeiner]

If you look at the makers mark below the word "lens," you'll see a D with the K inside.  I think you are right.

[Brian A]

If you look at the makers mark below the word "lens," you'll see a D with the K inside.  I think you are right.

You are indeed correct! I believe it is made by Dai-Ichi Kogaku.

 

The research I've done on this brand is pretty interesting. On first glance you notice a lot of parts are made of plastic but it still seems to be made pretty well. Nothing like a dept store brand. I read that back in the 80s they used the same glass a Vixen and that they were actually pretty decent scopes. I'm going to have to piggyback this one and get a peak thought it.

 

Thanks for all your input.

Brian

[Brian A]

This seems like it belongs in the classics forum.. They are much more likely to know about an older Japanese scope.  You might ask the moderators to move the thread.

 

Jon

Hi Jon,

 

I think you are right but I'm not sure how to request the move.

 

Brian

[eric_zeiner]

Hi Jon,

 

I think you are right but I'm not sure how to request the move.

 

Brian

Get in contact with one of the moderators and they will take care of it.

[hyia]

Hi Jon,

 

I think you are right but I'm not sure how to request the move.

 

Brian

Hi Brian,

 

I think you got it already.  Of relevance here, I think, is this thread:

https://www.cloudyni...e-manufacturer/

 

I also have this post bookmarked which is interesting:

https://www.cloudyni...ols/?p=10704955

 

 

Best Regards.

[Kasmos]

A lot of different brands used DK made scopes (or at least the components) for their low end scopes including Vixen and Mizar. The clue is they all used that same plastic objective cell and dew shield.

[sdedalus83]

A lot of different brands used DK made scopes (or at least the components) for their low end scopes including Vixen and Mizar. The clue is they all used that same plastic objective cell and dew shield.

The better 80mm DKs have aluminum cells, though they attach via 3 screws. This one looks like it has a 36.4mm drawtube focuser, so it should be a lot more useful than the typical DK.

[Bomber Bob]

DK, late 80s / early 90s, possibly based on the 1970s Kenko GS-540 (same optical specs):

 

 

The GS is all metal, and much fancier (and heavier).  Could have a good lens, regardless of the plastic parts.

[davidmcgo]

Spectra sold these as guidescope in the early to mid 1990s.  I briefly had one but the chromatic aberration and spherical were pretty bad and I rapidly replaced it. Didn’t think to check for a flipped front element though.  This was pre CloudyNights where tribal wisdom was Compuserve or local.

 

Dave

[deSitter]

This is the "Daisy Red Rider 100" and the label clearly says, you can put your eye out with that thing, Ralphie.

 

-drl

[Brian A]

Thanks for all the information. Much appreciated.