11 replies to this topic

[BunburyStarGazer]

Ok, so I just got the bargain of the century- I think lol. I just bought these (the guy called them A Celestron 5), what I believe to be SE5s. He has had them for 20+ years, and they were scopes from a school that were discarded due to being replaced by newer ones, so he grabbed them. They come with the old style cast aluminum GOTO mounts and a wedge he bought some years back. This is the only pic I have of them, but I pick them up tomorrow. SO, are these old SE5s? or were the older scopes different in some way. BTW, I paid just $110.00 AUD for both scopes and all the other stuff he can find for them.

 

As stated, they come with the motorized fork mounts, and being this old does anyone know if there is software available to hook this old unit up to the computer, and use it as we do the later GOTO mounts.

Just trying to get a head start on them, and any info appreciated. Not new to astrophotography, and own a few goto scopes, but nothing this old.

Added- Or are these mounts just the old analog clocked mounts?

Thanks

Brad

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Edited by BunburyStarGazer, 03 March 2025 - 07:01 AM.

[Sincos]

Sweet deal ! Check out the C5 registry here in the classic scope forum to find out when ( year ) they are from . They sort of look to be older sandcast models but unsure from photo . Years of viewing still available with them , do not think it will be feasible to make them GOTO . 

[Daveatvt01]

Yes, these old sandcast models just have clock drives, no goto or computers. They have an excellent reputation- nice find!

[BunburyStarGazer]

I just got back from picking up the 2 c5 scopes. What I got for my $110.00AUD investment--2x C5 scopes, 1x tripod, 1x wedge, 2x image correctors-1 large and 1 small, a couple of little eye pieces, 2x 240vac cords, 2x cases, bag of bolts for attaching scope to wedge and tripod. Both scopes need the corrector plates cleaned, but to be expected after sitting a shed for 20+ years. Mirrors look good, scopes seem to be in pretty good condition. Wedge needs a soda blast and repaint, as does the tripod mounting base. 1 scope base has one of the drive motors missing, the other seems to be working when I plug it in. So, now i need to make a decision,1- do I sell one unit and keep one for myself? or 2- do I sell them as a pair with all of what I got, and buy myself a C6 OTA?, as I already have goto mounts I use my other scopes on. And what would be a good asking price? 

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[mclewis1]

Those two scopes likely have much more value to a Celestron collector vs. someone wanting to make it an everyday goto setup. They are just too far from the "normal" NexStar type of goto scopes to be fun for the regular user. I'd post them to the classifieds and see what kind of offers you get.

 

Those C5s were coveted as travel scopes and such and they likely have pretty good optics (despite needing a little TLC). I don't think there's a lot of extra value in disassembling both of them for parts (de forking, etc.). With some careful dealing and selling one complete and breaking down the other one without the motor you certainly should get enough money for something like a new 6SE and that would really be my choice for an everyday scope going forward.

 

I'm not sure I'd even clean them up and wouldn't touch the optics ... perhaps just the outside of the trunk and any obvious corrosion on the tripods but otherwise I'd leave it up to a collector/affectionado to do the extra work. 

Edited by mclewis1, 11 March 2025 - 11:42 AM.

[Wildetelescope]

Moving to Classic scope group for a better fit as these are not computerized mounts.

 

JMD

[Kasmos]

I just got back from picking up the 2 c5 scopes. What I got for my $110.00AUD investment--2x C5 scopes, 1x tripod, 1x wedge, 2x image correctors-1 large and 1 small, a couple of little eye pieces, 2x 240vac cords, 2x cases, bag of bolts for attaching scope to wedge and tripod. Both scopes need the corrector plates cleaned, but to be expected after sitting a shed for 20+ years. Mirrors look good, scopes seem to be in pretty good condition. Wedge needs a soda blast and repaint, as does the tripod mounting base. 1 scope base has one of the drive motors missing, the other seems to be working when I plug it in. So, now i need to make a decision,1- do I sell one unit and keep one for myself? or 2- do I sell them as a pair with all of what I got, and buy myself a C6 OTA?, as I already have goto mounts I use my other scopes on. And what would be a good asking price? 

These are just plain C5s. No SE designation. Contray to what was said in posts #2&3 they are not sand cast models, but are diecast models from about 1978 to '84. The plastic secondary gives a rough idea of my year estimate and the numbers on them will help narrow that down. They are just clock driven and can not be used with any Go To software. If they aren't damaged what you paid would be a extremely good price for 1 let alone 2. The one missing a motor is obviously not worth as much as the other. Best to sell one at a time. In the US I wouldn't exactly call them highly collectible but still sought out by many folks and probably more collectitble in Australia.

 

The C5 registry can be found below.

A description of their general details and serial numbers are the main things usually posted. Also things like the motor production numbers.

 

https://www.cloudyni...on-c5-registry/

 

Edit: Since you appear to be in Australia I'm sure they have motors that are made (rotate opposite) for the southern hemisphere.

Edited by Kasmos, 17 March 2025 - 02:49 PM.

[CHASLX200]

Older late 70's to early 80's C5's. Worth around 1k.

[jragsdale]

Older late 70's to early 80's C5's. Worth around 1k.

Never seen a die cast C5 go for $1k. Closer to $300-$400/each. More for a sand cast/tri-color.

[Bomber Bob]

Older late 70's to early 80's C5's. Worth around 1k.

If CHAS is referring to the Whole Lot, I agree.  Cosmetics look pretty good.

 

Congratulations, Brad!! on a Steal of a Deal.  $110 for all in the pic... Wow!   (I'm a fan of the Big Box sales, too.)

 

Best to sell one at a time. In the US I wouldn't exactly call them highly collectible but still sought out by many folks and probably more collectible in Australia.

 

I agree with Chris.  If I didn't want either, and the optics were undamaged, I'd ask $450 / $350 -- working drive / broke drive.  I'd part-out the wedge / tripod for $150.  That's about $950 - $110... $840 profit... well worth messing with!

[CHASLX200]

Never seen a die cast C5 go for $1k. Closer to $300-$400/each. More for a sand cast/tri-color.

I WAS typing about both for 1k so avg around 500 smacks each

[Kasmos]

My estimates are USA based

 

The one with both motors $300 with power cord

The one missing a motor $225 with power cord

Wedge $50

Tripod $100

 

My reasoning:

Wedges usually go for $75+ but that one looks pretty rough and looks to have CT12 or something carved into it.

You'll see C5s for more ($450-$500, but they are usually in better condition that those from schools.

and often times come with EP and accessories or even the wedge and tripod.

Both cases are in pretty bad shape but should be included with each one.

(nobody is going to go out of there way to buy one in that condition anyway)

 

Selling them separate is wiser since a potential buyer is going to want a better deal for taking both off your hands.

 

Lastly, I'd have to see them in person to estimate their true worth

Edited by Kasmos, 18 March 2025 - 08:04 PM.