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