52 replies to this topic

[mfoose]

Over seven years ago I started this topic "Acquiring a Criterion RV-6" https://www.cloudyni...criterion-rv-6/ in that topic I posted about a Criterion RV-6 that I was going to buy from a CL ad. Unfortunately, the seller stopped responding and the deal never happened.

 

Last week I was browsing FB Marketplace ads when I spotted one for a "large Criterion telescope". Even though it only had a picture of the manual, I could tell it was an RV-6. The seller's husband owned the scope, but he had passed and she wanted it move on from it. When I picked it up I was surprised to find it came with both original shipping boxes. They definitely show their age and I will be disposing of them soon, but looking at the address on the one confirmed for me that this RV-6 has only had one owner. The other box, had the shipping date written on it: 7-16-74.

 

Now, for the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

 

The good:

 

The primary mirror is in excellent shape. It had a thick layer of dust from the years, perhaps decades, it sat unused in an attic. However, it was nothing that some distilled water and a drop of mild dish soap couldn't take care of. The coating shows some age, but for 50 years old, it looks fantastic! On the back of the mirror is written the focal length: 50.035, which would make this an f/8.3 scope. No UPCO sticker on this one. Something else that was written on the back was "60%" then some scribbles beneath it. Unsure what that could mean. Looks like it was written with a different marker. After I cleaned it, I also noticed a small stamping in the glass "UL 22".

 

The finder and 3 eyepieces look good, but for some dust. I have not cleaned those yet.

 

The mount also looks to be in excellent shape. I have not done a full inspection of the mount, but I have not detected any surface rust on it. Only a few scuffs in the paint. No serial number plate on this mount. I did assemble it and motion in both axis is smooth. I did not check the infamous cork clutch ring, but I am assuming it is no good. 

 

The bad:

 

The focuser needs a once over. While nothing is broken on it, it is extremely loose and not functional. I have read how these need tuning, so I am not too worried.

 

The ugly:

 

Unfortunately, the tube is in bad shape. The seller lives 2.5 hours from my house, but some family flew in to an airport located only 15 minutes from the seller's house. So, I picked up the scope when I went to pick them up. However, this meant that I did not have time to do a thorough inspection and I missed some major damage on the side of the tube opposite the focuser. Two holes the size of my thumb from when the tube was hit with something. There is also a section of the bottom of the tube is cracked and flimsy. 

 

I think the tube should repair easily with some sanding and some glue, and some bondo. Unfortunately the weather here is becoming colder and I do not have a warm work area to do sanding, bondo, and painting. Maybe a few warm days will sneak in, but I may not be able to address some of these issues until Spring. Until then, I need to clean everything and replace the felt on the tube rings. 

 

Excited to finally own an RV-6. 

 

More picture are below. I had to post them separately due to size.

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Edited by mfoose, 27 November 2024 - 12:02 AM.

[mfoose]

Here are both of the shipping boxes. Original foam still included.

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[mfoose]

Here is the mount disassembled. The pier is to the far right. 

 

Criterion 6x30 straight through finder as well as the Criterion A.R 7mm, 9mm, and 18mm EPs

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[mfoose]

Mirror before and after cleaning shots. Needs a center spot, but I can't find my hole punch reinforcer stickers.

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[mfoose]

Writing on the back of the mirror. Besides the 50.035 focal length, I am unsure what the rest means. The UL 22 is best seen in the last picture. 

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Edited by mfoose, 26 November 2024 - 11:58 PM.

[mfoose]

The 3 areas of damage to the tube.

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[Jim45157]

nice find 

[deepwoods1]

Pretty cool find!

[The Ardent]

Here is another story about RV6

https://oldlight.sub...com/p/old-glass

[highfnum]

welcome to the RV6 world

 

at some point if you are going to use original   clock drive

you will need to check cork spacers

and replace if they are cracked

[Chris MN]

Personally, I would keep the shipping boxes even in the shape they are in.  All part of the history associated with this find (confirms its age).

 

But that's just me.  I'm kind of an astronomy box hoarder anyway.

[deSitter]

welcome to the RV6 world

 

at some point if you are going to use original   clock drive

you will need to check cork spacers

and replace if they are cracked

You mean in the clutch? I replaced the sticky cork with leather from a dead boot, and it was much improved.

 

-drl

[deSitter]

Here is the mount disassembled. The pier is to the far right. 

 

Criterion 6x30 straight through finder as well as the Criterion A.R 7mm, 9mm, and 18mm EPs

That's in excellent shape other than the tube dings. This sort of tube is easily repaired with Bondo and membranes. There are several threads here of such repairs.

 

The worst aspect of mine was the focuser drawtube, which was held in the focuser tube with great force. My fingers always smelled like brass after a session. Today I would patiently hone and polish the brass so the fit was better.

 

-drl

Edited by deSitter, 27 November 2024 - 11:14 AM.

[YourNotSirius]

Over seven years ago I started this topic "Acquiring a Criterion RV-6" https://www.cloudyni...criterion-rv-6/ in that topic I posted about a Criterion RV-6 that I was going to buy from a CL ad. Unfortunately, the seller stopped responding and the deal never happened.

 

Last week I was browsing FB Marketplace ads when I spotted one for a "large Criterion telescope". Even though it only had a picture of the manual, I could tell it was an RV-6. The seller's husband owned the scope, but he had passed and she wanted it move on from it. When I picked it up I was surprised to find it came with both original shipping boxes. They definitely show their age and I will be disposing of them soon, but looking at the address on the one confirmed for me that this RV-6 has only had one owner. The other box, had the shipping date written on it: 7-16-74.

 

Now, for the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

 

The good:

 

The primary mirror is in excellent shape. It had a thick layer of dust from the years, perhaps decades, it sat unused in an attic. However, it was nothing that some distilled water and a drop of mild dish soap couldn't take care of. The coating shows some age, but for 50 years old, it looks fantastic! On the back of the mirror is written the focal length: 50.035, which would make this an f/8.3 scope. No UPCO sticker on this one. Something else that was written on the back was "60%" then some scribbles beneath it. Unsure what that could mean. Looks like it was written with a different marker. After I cleaned it, I also noticed a small stamping in the glass "UL 22".

 

The finder and 3 eyepieces look good, but for some dust. I have not cleaned those yet.

 

The mount also looks to be in excellent shape. I have not done a full inspection of the mount, but I have not detected any surface rust on it. Only a few scuffs in the paint. No serial number plate on this mount. I did assemble it and motion in both axis is smooth. I did not check the infamous cork clutch ring, but I am assuming it is no good. 

 

The bad:

 

The focuser needs a once over. While nothing is broken on it, it is extremely loose and not functional. I have read how these need tuning, so I am not too worried.

 

The ugly:

 

Unfortunately, the tube is in bad shape. The seller lives 2.5 hours from my house, but some family flew in to an airport located only 15 minutes from the seller's house. So, I picked up the scope when I went to pick them up. However, this meant that I did not have time to do a thorough inspection and I missed some major damage on the side of the tube opposite the focuser. Two holes the size of my thumb from when the tube was hit with something. There is also a section of the bottom of the tube is cracked and flimsy. 

 

I think the tube should repair easily with some sanding and some glue, and some bondo. Unfortunately the weather here is becoming colder and I do not have a warm work area to do sanding, bondo, and painting. Maybe a few warm days will sneak in, but I may not be able to address some of these issues until Spring. Until then, I need to clean everything and replace the felt on the tube rings. 

 

Excited to finally own an RV-6. 

 

More picture are below. I had to post them separately due to size.

You got a very nice telescope. I would definitely keep the boxes because they are always the first thing to be tossed and they are part of its history. Just like other collectible markets the packaging does help with the value. Even if you need to break them down and store them flat under a bed, they still bring value to the instrument if and when you decide to sell it.

 

The tube can be fixed at any time. It is still useable as it is right now. Just throw some painter's tape over the holes. It won't pull the finish off as would duct tape or something else. Then, in the spring, go for it. That's not a difficult job IF you know what you are doing and take time to do it properly.

 

You scored well. Congratulations.

 

Q

[highfnum]

OK your on business 

[apfever]

Here are both of the shipping boxes. Original foam still included.

 

 

Personally, I would keep the shipping boxes even in the shape they are in.  All part of the history associated with this find (confirms its age).

 

But that's just me.  I'm kind of an astronomy box hoarder anyway.

 

 

You got a very nice telescope. I would definitely keep the boxes because they are always the first thing to be tossed and they are part of its history. Just like other collectible markets the packaging does help with the value. Even if you need to break them down and store them flat under a bed, they still bring value to the instrument if and when you decide to sell it.

 

You scored well. Congratulations.

 

Q

 

 

Ditto Ditto.

Please keep the boxes. If I were close, you would have the happiest visitor this side of MS. Somebody else reading this string might be close by and very happy to have those. The best place for posterity would be to stay with the original scope. Many of us would have already offered to take them for the cost of shipping but that is now a death cost. 

[mfoose]

I like the idea of breaking down the boxes and storing them. I will find a place for them.

 

That's in excellent shape other than the tube dings. This sort of tube is easily repaired with Bondo and membranes. There are several threads here of such repairs.

 

The worst aspect of mine was the focuser drawtube, which was held in the focuser tube with great force. My fingers always smelled like brass after a session. Today I would patiently hone and polish the brass so the fit was better.

 

-drl

 

I have read through some of those threads already. I am going to keep reading more. Thankfully, the tube material is still there, it was just beaten in. It does not hang into the light path. If I can push the broken material out from the inside to line it up with the rest of the tube, the repair should be easy, just takes time. I would repaint the whole tube while I am at it too. 

 

That is the one thing I will need to work on before I use it now, the focuser. It is very out of tune. I'll need to take the tube apart to clean the cobwebs and dust out, so I will do it then.

 

 

The tube can be fixed at any time. It is still useable as it is right now. Just throw some painter's tape over the holes. It won't pull the finish off as would duct tape or something else. Then, in the spring, go for it. That's not a difficult job IF you know what you are doing and take time to do it properly.

I was thinking the same. The rest of the scope and mount needs to be wiped down, but it is usable as is. Once Spring arrives, then I can tackle the restoration.

[greedyshark]

Nice.   …and I agree with the above, keep the boxes. 
 

Cs,

Charles

[Jon Isaacs]

mfoose:

 

Congratulations on your "new" RV-6.  Having some information on the history is very nice.. I suspect the focuser will clean up.. I had two RV-6's and I parted ways with them because I didn't have the room.  They are the one true classic I would like to have.  

 

You did good.. 

 

An RV-6 with it's big brother and some bum who got caught in the photo. 

 

 

Jon

[deSitter]

 

mfoose:

 

Congratulations on your "new" RV-6.  Having some information on the history is very nice.. I suspect the focuser will clean up.. I had two RV-6's and I parted ways with them because I didn't have the room.  They are the one true classic I would like to have.  

 

You did good.. 

 

An RV-6 with it's big brother and some bum who got caught in the photo. 

 

 

 

Jon

 

Wow do you still have them? The 12" is Olympian!

 

-drl

[Jon Isaacs]

Wow do you still have them? The 12" is Olympian!

 

-drl

 

No.  I gave both RV-6s away and in 2013 I stumbled onto one heck of a deal on a 13.1 inch F/5.5 Starsplitter Dob with a Royce mirror plus a dual axis Aluminum , Tom O equatorial platform which made the 12.5 inch Meade redundant.

 

I had given one of RV-6s to a young member here, YoungAstromer42. He had restored it so I gave him the 12.5 inch Meade RG.

 

Jon

Edited by Jon Isaacs, 28 November 2024 - 05:58 PM.

[apfever]

 

I had given one of RV-6s to a young member here, YoungAstromer42. He had restored it so I gave him the 12.5 inch Meade RG.

 

Jon

youngamateur42.  Justin joined a young teen, maybe pre teen? Probably mid 20's now.  He and Zane kinda grew up through this forum. Heh, while the rest of us have grown old here. 

[mfoose]

 

mfoose:

 

Congratulations on your "new" RV-6.  Having some information on the history is very nice.. I suspect the focuser will clean up.. I had two RV-6's and I parted ways with them because I didn't have the room.  They are the one true classic I would like to have.  

 

You did good.. 

 

An RV-6 with it's big brother and some bum who got caught in the photo. 

 

 

 

Jon

 

Thanks Jon!

 

I have heard nothing but praise for the RV-6. Excited to start using it soon. How would you rate the optics compared to your other premium mirrors?

 

Hopeful for the focuser will clean up. I may find a replacement for it though. I have some T6 Naglers and I am hesitant to put them in the current focuser since it is only friction fit. I'd still keep the current focuser so I can easily swap it back.

[greedyshark]

Thanks Jon!

 

I have heard nothing but praise for the RV-6. Excited to start using it soon. How would you rate the optics compared to your other premium mirrors?

 

Hopeful for the focuser will clean up. I may find a replacement for it though. I have some T6 Naglers and I am hesitant to put them in the current focuser since it is only friction fit. I'd still keep the current focuser so I can easily swap it back.

While you await Jon’s response, permit me to chime in…with regards to the optical quality of the mirrors used by Criterion, take a look at my “past scopes” list. Secondly, know that I am, for the most part, a planetary observer. Without exception, my RV-8 has put up a sharper, more detailed image than any other instrument on the list, bar none. My RV-6, despite a slight reduction due to size, is right there with it. Odds are that you have some nice glass. 
 

Cs,

Charles

[deSitter]

While you await Jon’s response, permit me to chime in…with regards to the optical quality of the mirrors used by Criterion, take a look at my “past scopes” list. Secondly, know that I am, for the most part, a planetary observer. Without exception, my RV-8 has put up a sharper, more detailed image than any other instrument on the list, bar none. My RV-6, despite a slight reduction due to size, is right there with it. Odds are that you have some nice glass. 
 

Cs,

Charles

I think mine had a Coulter mirror. It was fantastic. But David G. says the ones he's tested were undercorrected and even spheres.

 

-drl