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Any ideas on this Edmund Scientific finder scope?

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#1 TheGreenMan

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Posted 29 October 2024 - 12:53 AM

I'm trying to find out what this scope went to. I haven't been able to find anything online that looks similar. The objective lens is about 2.25''.

 

Finder3.jpg

 

Finder4.jpg

 

Finder2.jpg



#2 deSitter

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Posted 29 October 2024 - 02:40 AM

This is likely a repackaging of the old 6x50 finder that was standard on the 8" reflector (Super-Duper Colossal Space Conqueror). Here it is in a catalog excerpt from 1969.

 

-drl

 

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#3 TOMDEY

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Posted 29 October 2024 - 06:15 AM

I believe it's optically identical to their contemporary "optical alignment telescope" (that was black or silver). I used to have one long ago. My recollection is that it comprises a repurposed stripped out WWII cemented doublet binocular objective and a (different) stripped out WWII eyepiece + cross reticle mounted into a sturdy machined thick-walled tube. They aligned the reticle and focuser to be intimately coaxial to the external mechanical barrel over a substantial range. At least that was the alignment scope embodiment. That one was massively heavy because of its precision machined thick-walled tube.    Tom



#4 TheGreenMan

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Posted 29 October 2024 - 12:05 PM

Thanks! That looks to be it. Even knowing what it is I can't find much other than a few pictures of ads and a few threads here that even show it. Was there an eye piece originally or just a rubber eye cup? I can't tell.

 

 

 

Yes it is fairly heavy. I was surprised when I first picked it up. Interesting to note that it is partially made from repurposed WWII optics.


Edited by TheGreenMan, 29 October 2024 - 12:05 PM.


#5 deSitter

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Posted 29 October 2024 - 12:16 PM

Thanks! That looks to be it. Even knowing what it is I can't find much other than a few pictures of ads and a few threads here that even show it. Was there an eye piece originally or just a rubber eye cup? I can't tell.

 

 

 

Yes it is fairly heavy. I was surprised when I first picked it up. Interesting to note that it is partially made from repurposed WWII optics.

It likely used a war surplus eyepiece from a gunsight. Edmund sold similar eyepieces - they had non-standard barrel diameters.

 

-drl



#6 NinePlanets

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Posted 29 October 2024 - 01:16 PM

Yes. I had / have the original, black wrinkle paint, cast double ring mount, and all.

 

It was an absolutely WONDERFUL finder scope with an enormous field of view until the cement in the objective failed. When I separated it for re-gluing, I foolishly tried to hurry the process and cracked the flint element. Duhhh... Lesson learned.

 

The objective was rolled into the threaded brass cell. Not likely to ever glom onto another, so I took the focusable 32mm Erfle eyepiece and paired it with a different longer military objective and use it as a 20x50 finder on my big refractor to this day. You will note that the original eyepiece was as received from surplus. By the time the "red tube" Edmunds came along, their inventory had been reduced to using a sliding focuser as shown above.

 

I still have all the parts. The huge crossline reticle is mounted in a ring which is adjustable to the objective focal plane. That is what the brass thumbscrew on the side is for.

 

It was one of Edmund's real jewells, I thought. I'll see if I can find a photo around here...

 

EDIT: These are the best I've got. The 1st photo barely shows the thing as mounted on my old Cass. before destruction of the objective. The second photo shows the eyepiece as mounted on the other rig.

Attached Thumbnails

  • finder.jpg
  • eyepiece.jpg

Edited by NinePlanets, 29 October 2024 - 01:27 PM.

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#7 deSitter

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Posted 29 October 2024 - 01:29 PM

Yes. I had / have the original, black wrinkle paint, cast double ring mount, and all.

 

It was an absolutely WONDERFUL finder scope with an enormous field of view until the cement in the objective failed. When I separated it for re-gluing, I foolishly tried to hurry the process and cracked the flint element. Duhhh... Lesson learned.

 

The objective was rolled into the threaded brass cell. Not likely to ever glom onto another, so I took the focusable 32mm Erfle eyepiece and paired it with a different longer military objective and use it as a 20x50 finder on my big refractor to this day. You will note that the original eyepiece was as received from surplus. By the time the "red tube" Edmunds came along, their inventory had been reduced to using a sliding focuser as shown above.

 

I still have all the parts. The huge crossline reticle is mounted in a ring which is adjustable to the objective focal plane. That is what the brass thumbscrew on the side is for.

 

It was one of Edmund's real jewells, I thought. I'll see if I can find a photo around here...

 

EDIT: These are the best I've got. The 1st photo barely shows the thing as mounted on my old Cass. before destruction of the objective. The second photo shows the eyepiece as mounted on the other rig.

My first telescope had a 12x40mm finder with a narrow Ramsden eyepiece - not exactly a star hopping champion. I lusted after the Edmund finder but $32! That was a fortune to 10-year old me!

 

-drl


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