Hi all, I recently purchased a used PST (specifically, a 60mm Denkmeier modded version, but I don't believe this to be relevant). This is my first solar scope, but not my first time doing solar observing and imaging. Upon trying to use it visually, it was immediately obvious something was up as the sun appeared as a hazy red blob, with strong vignetting/obscuring in consistent areas. It feels like looking through a pinhole.
The only details I've managed to see, when as close to focus as possible, are some blurry sunspots. Visually about as good as a cheap white light filter which I have several of already. I've tried this with the included 12mm & 18mm eyepieces as well as a wider field 20mm of my own. I even tried imaging with my ZWO 120MM mini, and when I managed to get it sort of in focus the outer regions of the sensor are severely darkened and blurred, with the center capturing some minor detail but not much to write home about.
Suspecting an optics failure, I took it apart and found the interior of the eyepiece filter to be splotchy and green, with a little clear spot in the center. I'm guessing this is the source of my problems. The other (red-colored) side seems spotless.
Online the consensus seems to be that this is an ITF failure. Does this seem right, and if so, what's the recommended replacement purchase? And how are you intended to remove the filter from the eyepiece tube? Photos attached.
