Hey Guys. There are several archived threads on these old devices, but we can't exactly post to those so I'm starting this new one.
Today I received a package from Japan, containing what was listed as "Vixen Sun Zenith Mirror". Now I'm not sure how they identified it as Vixen, but it is absolutely a vintage sun prism (Herschel Wedge) and that's good enough for me. For $30 I might as well try it out.
I'm impressed with this little thing! It gives me a safe way to use the old sun filter (Screwed into the eyepiece. This is required! Don't use the sun filter without the wedge, and vice-versa!) that came with my 7TE , and once I got over the green tint I was impressed with the level of surface detail that was revealed. The sharpness is a significant improvement over my thousand oaks glass filter and Solar Projection.
This thing does have one glaring quirk - there's a laser beam coming out the back. Of course this is an exaggeration, as long as you're more than about 6 inches from the rear of the diagonal it wont affect your body at all, as the beam defocuses. You must remain aware of it though and its probably best not to use it around kids.
Enjoy these pictures of the wedge in use, along with a crappy out of focus snap with my cellphone. Is anyone else using these still?
Edited by mpsteidle, 13 November 2023 - 02:57 PM.