39 replies to this topic

[marcyc]

Since the earlier discussion about this telescope was more about whether it is a Towa or a Mizar (and seems to be morphing into comparisons of the two), I thought I'd give this uncommon piece of equipment a thread of its own.

 

Anyone interested in the earlier discussion can find it here - https://www.cloudyni...-mizar-or-towa/

 

Here are a few pictures (I know how much everyone loves pictures!). It has a few issues that need to be addressed, but it is generally in very good shape for a scope its age.

 

Edited by marcyc, 15 June 2024 - 01:12 PM.

[marcyc]

 

 

 

[firemachine69]

You even have the electronic focuser, impressive!

[marcyc]

And a couple of close-ups of the mount:

 

[marcyc]

[marcyc]

You even have the electronic focuser, impressive!

I know! I think I'm more excited about that than just about anything else. And unlike the mount drive (which is missing the battery box), I know the motofocus works!

Edited by marcyc, 15 June 2024 - 03:51 PM.

[marcyc]

And the all-important objective shot: 

 

[davidmcgo]

What a cool looking scope!  Have fun with it!

 

Dave

[Kasmos]

That's a very nice and rare telescope. The 440 has been asked about in 2 threads, but both times everyone (myself included), thought it was the Towa Unitron clone. I'd have to go back and check, but I think the Unitron clone had the same number designation at one time, which added to the confusion. 

 

BTW, I'm pretty sure it's a Mizar! 

[ericb760]

I would have expected collimation screws on a scope from that era.

[marcyc]

I would have expected collimation screws on a scope from that era.

 

There actually are. I am not sure why they didn't show up in the pic.

[marcyc]

So my scope came with some literature the original owner saved from 1986 (presumably when he/she got the scope), and the catalog shows that the 440 came with a 6x30 finder. I know the 50mm finder I got with the scope isn't original (it's Antares), but someone (BB?) said the finder brackets looked original. I guess the original owner may have bought Mizar 50mm brackets to replace the 30mm ones (and the screw pattern might have matched up)? But then you would think they would have bought the matching 50mm finder. Here is the ad - any thoughts?

 

 

Edited by marcyc, 16 June 2024 - 08:33 AM.

[Kasmos]

So my scope came with some literature the original owner saved from 1986 (presumably when he/she got the scope), and the catalog shows that the 440 came with a 6x30 finder. I know the 10x50 finder I got with the scope isn't original (it's Antares), but someone (BB?) said the finder brackets looked original. I guess the original owner may have bought Mizar 50mm brackets to replace the 30mm ones (and the screw pattern might have matched up)? But then you would think they would have bought the matching 50mm finder. Here is the ad - any thoughts?

 

IMG_20240615_224749673_copy_2565x3420.jpg

Perhaps the finder mounts screw pattern is wider and the two mount bases are covering one side's holes?

 

BTW, the finder brackets don't look like the ones for the 6x30 on my Mizar at all. 

I would think if the 10x50 brackets were Mizar, they would be more robust as well.

Edited by Kasmos, 16 June 2024 - 02:48 AM.

[Bomber Bob]

I know the 50mm finder I got with the scope isn't original (it's Antares), but someone (BB?) said the finder brackets looked original.

 

Yes, they look just like those on my 130SL.  I suspect Mizar used a different style with larger tubes, but I'll have to get on ZEN and confirm...  Dang!  And y'all know how much I hate browsing ZEN Market...

[marcyc]

I know the 50mm finder I got with the scope isn't original (it's Antares), but someone (BB?) said the finder brackets looked original.

 

Yes, they look just like those on my 130SL.  I suspect Mizar used a different style with larger tubes, but I'll have to get on ZEN and confirm...  Dang!  And y'all know how much I hate browsing ZEN Market...

 

So sorry for the pain I've caused you! ;-)

 

While you are there, if you happen to run across a period correct blue 50mm Meade Mizar finder, let me know (unless, of course, you are in the market for one).

 

Would a close-up picture of my finder brackets help you confirm that they're like yours?

Edited by marcyc, 16 June 2024 - 01:01 PM.

[Bomber Bob]

Would a close-up picture of my finder brackets help you confirm that they're like yours?

 

Yes, thank you!  (Plus, any other Eye Candy pix are always appreciated!)

[marcyc]

Okay, so here are some close-ups of the finder brackets

 

[marcyc]

[Bomber Bob]

Thanks!  And yes, them's the ones.  Well made, like the other Mizar hardware... and, very different from Towa.

[deSitter]

Okay, so here are some close-ups of the finder brackets

 

Finder 1.jpg

I have seen the Antares RACI finder with a right-angle roof prism but never this one with a 45 degree Amici prism. That's pretty rare in itself I think! It would take a 25mm Plossl or Kellner. You can easily add crosshairs.

 

-drl

[marcyc]

I have seen the Antares RACI finder with a right-angle roof prism but never this one with a 45 degree Amici prism. That's pretty rare in itself I think! It would take a 25mm Plossl or Kellner. You can easily add crosshairs.

 

-drl

 

Thanks for the tip on what eyepiece to use. Oddly enough, I hadn't really paid any attention to the finder (given that it wasn't original) other than noticing that it was missing the eyepiece. I imagine the 45 degrees might be more easy to use than a 90 because you don't have to pull back as much from viewing position to use it?

[deSitter]

Thanks for the tip on what eyepiece to use. Oddly enough, I hadn't really paid any attention to the finder (given that it wasn't original) other than noticing that it was missing the eyepiece. I imagine the 45 degrees might be more easy to use than a 90 because you don't have to pull back as much from viewing position to use it?

I personally do not like 45 degree views. The purpose is for comfort in a table top spotting scope, e.g. target spotting at a shooting range. It is the worst of both worlds on a free standing telescope in my experience. 90 degree roof prisms have larger clear aperture usually and the diffraction spike from the roof line seems less prominent.

 

-drl

[marcyc]

Interesting. Well, since I've got it I'll give it a try. I have a spare RACI I can use if I don't like it, so no downside (other than my RACI is black and not blue).

[marcyc]

I would have expected collimation screws on a scope from that era.

 

 

Yes, thank you!  (Plus, any other Eye Candy pix are always appreciated!)

 

Here is a pic of the lens cell with collimation screws:

 

 

BB - is that recognizable as Mizar?

[marcyc]

The dew shield is held in by two screws - assuming that was an original-owner modification (frustration when it kept falling off or additional insurance if he/she used a solar filter on the shield)?