17 replies to this topic

[Celeste712]

Hi all,

 

I'm trying to identify this old Celestron Telescope I recently got from a family friend. There's no identifying marks or serial numbers that I can find, but from an extensive image search, I believe this is a variety of the Classic 8 series. Can anyone confirm this info with the attached image? Any idea what this is worth and where I might be able to purchase additional parts / components?

 

Thanks!

 

Edited by Celeste712, 05 February 2025 - 11:17 AM.

[Barlowbill]

You forgot something 

[plunk111]

The serial number might be on the secondary 

[SoCalPaul]

A few more photos will help with identification, in particular 1) the silver base section 2) the rear of the telescope and 3) the front of the telescope with the big lens cap removed.

 

Is there a small black box with a few buttons that plugs into the base?

 

Is there a battery holder built into the silver base?

 

Clear skies,

Paul

[Sincos]

 Celeste712 , try this thread to get a handle on your quest .  https://www.cloudyni...n-c8-registry/ 

  Good Luck and Clear Skies

[Kasmos]

Yes it appears to be a Classic 8.

They came out in 1990 as sort of a throw back to the Original C8.

They are AC powered like the early scopes  (no batteries).

There are always tons of the different models of C8s showing up on the used market,

so my guesstimate of it's value is $300-$500 based on condition and the accessories and how motivated the seller is.

I think the best place to buy additional accessories for it is the used market in the Cloudy Nights Classifieds

I've bought several nice used, older (made in Japan), eyepieces there at decent prices ($40-$50 shipped)

IMO, for the most part stay away from buying cheap Junk on Amazon.

[CHASLX200]

Look like a late 88. Before the back ends changed a few years later gator. I see the silver face plate.

[Celeste712]

 

 

 

I have an electrical wire, but nothing to plug in. I think a lot is missing. Looks all manual and nothing electronic.

[CHASLX200]

Got a pic of the base? Any jacks to plug stuff in?  Could be a Powerstar but if no jacks at all then maybe a 1985 Byers drive model with the silver.

Edited by CHASLX200, 07 February 2025 - 07:38 PM.

[Celeste712]

The base is a tiny picture there- sorry - no electronics to plug into anything. I have the plug, though.  It's a mystery.

[Celeste712]

Edited by Celeste712, 07 February 2025 - 07:55 PM.

[CHASLX200]

I can't see a pic that small to tell ya anything. Then it must be a 1985 .

[jragsdale]

Look like a late 88. Before the back ends changed a few years later gator. I see the silver face plate.

Kasmos already solved the mystery on post #6, it's a "Classic 8".

[CHASLX200]

Kasmos already solved the mystery on post #6, it's a "Classic 8".

Not sure what ya mean. There was the classic and then was a classic made in the 90's.

[Kasmos]

Kasmos already solved the mystery on post #6, it's a "Classic 8".

I think he's still blocking my posts because I once hurt his feelings 

 

Uncle Rod said 1990 (but that didn't seem right) so I checked and found this ad that first showed up Feb 1989.

It's probably a prototype because the top of rectangular base is black instead of silver.

To save $ they used the bottom base casting from the Byers version but unlike it, it's blank on top and has the old C8 drive inside.

 

Celeste712, I never inspected one but the plug for the scope is probably on the bottom of the base like the older ones. And like them it's likely an oval socket with three prongs.

Edited by Kasmos, 08 February 2025 - 04:16 AM.

[CHASLX200]

I think he's still blocking my posts because I once hurt his feelings 

 

Classic-8.jpg

Uncle Rod said 1990 (but that didn't seem right) so I checked and found this ad that first showed up Feb 1989.

It's probably a prototype because the top of rectangular base is black instead of silver.

To save $ they used the bottom base casting from the Byers version but unlike it, it's blank on top and has the old C8 drive inside.

 

Celeste712, I never inspected one but the plug for the scope is probably on the bottom of the base like the older ones. And like them it's likely an oval socket with three prongs.

Never hurt my feelings i got tired of cry babies coming into my threads and crying like a 4 year old.

[Celeste712]

Hey! Thank you so much for all your help, good group links, and general fun. We're gonna give it a try hoping for clear skies in the coming nights.  Lots of snow coming our way.

It's good to know what we have. Wish I had the manual, but I'll go with what I've got!

Happy gazing!

[CHASLX200]

Hey! Thank you so much for all your help, good group links, and general fun. We're gonna give it a try hoping for clear skies in the coming nights.  Lots of snow coming our way.

It's good to know what we have. Wish I had the manual, but I'll go with what I've got!

Happy gazing!

You are lucky you still ave the better forks and base. They got dumbed down and cheap in the later 90's.