94 replies to this topic

[Yonsayvitch]

Any AP gurus out there that could give me any advice.  I'll be see it in a few days for a possible purchase. No clue on condition and no info can be given.  It's hanging from the ceiling by a wire. The dew shield is missing and some discoloration of the white tube. Only gave me 1 photo which I'll try to post. Never have any luck with photos.  I'm just thinking would this be a very expensive restoration and possibly getting way over my head or worth the chance. Thanks for any input. 

[Jay_Reynolds_Freeman]

I understand you are contemplating a possible purchase and will get to see the actual telescope in person before proceeding. It seems suspicious that the seller cannot provide you with more information and more images beforehand. I would proceed with caution.

 

I also suggest you contact Astro-Physics, provide them with as much information as you can, and ask about restoration. It would be very valuable to have images and a good description of the state of the optics to send to them. You might be well advised to make that contact before purchasing the telescope.

 

If I misunderstand you, and you do not have an opportunity to check out the telescope in detail, in person before money changes hands, the situation is different. I myself would not buy the telescope under those circumstances.

 

 

Clear sky and good luck ..

[ccwemyss]

The 4" f8 Starfire OTA was offered in 1988 for $1345 with a 2" focuser, and $170 to upgrade to a 2.7" focuser. The tube is 5" Hastings aluminum pipe, painted blue, with a straight 5" diameter dew shield. By 1991 it had switched to the 2.7" focuser as standard, painted white, and listed for $1565, including a carrying case. 

 

The serial number will be written in sharpie on the outside edge of the objective, and AP can tell you more about it if you give them that information.

 

Chip W. 

[Yonsayvitch]

Hopefully these came out OK. It was bought as a lot ( man cave ) who collected many different things. Not paying much at all but if it needs a lot then who know what it would cost.  I would definitely get in touch with Astro Physics. 

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Edited by Yonsayvitch, 14 March 2025 - 09:47 PM.

[starman876]

interesting way to store a scope.   It should have excellent optics.  If you are buying it cheap enough I would buy that in a heart beat.   

[Jay_Reynolds_Freeman]

Hopefully these came out OK. It was bought as a lot ( man cave ) who collected many different things. Not paying much at all but if it needs a lot then who know what it would cost.  I would definitely get in touch with Astro Physics. 

I think that what I can say about the optics is "so far, so good". The objective -- if it is good -- is likely worth a great deal over half of the total value of the telescope, perhaps nearly all of it. That image does not show all of the glass, and it is not a particularly good image of what it does show, but it does not appear to me that there are any obvious faults to be seen. When you examine it first-hand, what you probably should br looking for, beyond obvious chips and cracks (perish the thought), is any sign of weathering or corrosion of the surfaces of the glass. It is important -- and sometimes difficult -- to distinguish a problem that has damaged the glass surface from a mere collection of dust or film that can be washed off. (Note that disassembling and cleaning a telescope objective is an art requiring a good deal of knowledge and technique -- I recommend that you consult us here, or better yet the folks at Astro-Physics, before you attempt such a thing. And steer clear of steel wool and scouring powder.)

 

 

Clear sky ...

Edited by Jay_Reynolds_Freeman, 15 March 2025 - 01:16 AM.

[Yonsayvitch]

Yeah I didn't want to ask why about the hanging in case he thought I might be insulting.  Cheap enough to where I'd hate to pass it by.  This Tuesday or Wednesday I'll see it. Post photos when it's home. 

[Yonsayvitch]

Jay.      I wouldn't dare to dismantle or clean it without guidance.  Past few decades I've only used Newtonians and dobs for their simplicity and light gathering.  Only these past couple years I have acquired a couple refractors. Mainly to try my hand in photography.  Not my strong suite. Anyway I hate seeing neglected telescopes of any kind. Hopefully I can save this one.

[R Botero]

I have a model from this era also. The “first StarFire EDF” as per Thomas Back’s Brief History of Astro-Physics:  https://groups.googl.../m/-iVmLFpEP6YJ

 

Mine was in better shape when I got it over a decade ago but I restored and learned lots about it in the process. The paint AP used for scopes back then was Corvette White (RAL0001). AP still had decals for mine and I bought some for my restoration. 

 

Go to Astro-Physics’ website. They have tutorials on how to clean the lens in their support webpages. I clean mine regularly using their instructions. 

 

Good luck and keep posting pictures of your progress!

 

Roberto
 

[CHASLX200]

Most want crazy prices for one that age like 3k or more.  A good old Tak FS 102 will do just as good and be much cheaper. I would not go over 1200 smacks.

[starman876]

Jay.      I wouldn't dare to dismantle or clean it without guidance.  Past few decades I've only used Newtonians and dobs for their simplicity and light gathering.  Only these past couple years I have acquired a couple refractors. Mainly to try my hand in photography.  Not my strong suite. Anyway I hate seeing neglected telescopes of any kind. Hopefully I can save this one.

I hope you can save it also.  These older AP scopes are part of history of the AP legend and only will increase in value.  You also get the pride of ownership which is priceless,  

[Yonsayvitch]

Interesting about the paint.  Kind of like that.  I'm assuming that because they aren't mass produced like Celestron or Meade, parts will be fat and few. If the dew shield is actually missing? One can be made but it'll take away from it's originality.  Or maybe AP's engineering/production would be willing to make another.  On the list of questions I have for them.

[Bomber Bob]

I'm not an AP Guy, but I am a refractor guy (see Signature).  

 

The Glass looks good enough to take a chance.  IF the price is $500 or less, I'd grab it... and run... (okay, walk fast).

 

It was bought as a lot ( man cave )...

 

Music to my ears!  I snagged 2 HAZY Taks that way, plus 2 boxes of assorted TAK stuff -- for pennies on the dollar...

 

Not paying much at all but if it needs a lot then who know what it would cost.

 

Yeah, that's a tough call.  What would one in Decent Condition bring at Auction?  I'll assume $2500.  What does AP charge to repair / refresh an oil Triplet?  IDK.  But... If I paid $500 for the scope, plus $1500 for AP Service, I'd still be a happy camper -- IF an AP was personally desirable...

Edited by Bomber Bob, 15 March 2025 - 08:50 AM.

[ccwemyss]

I don't see any spacers, so it would be an oil-spaced triplet. You can clean the outer surfaces, but if there is anything between the elements, I'd recommend sending it back to AP for service. For a replacement dew shield, you could order a piece of 5" pipe from Hastings and paint it. 

 

From the pictures, it's hard to tell exactly what is going on with the wire at the front, but it looks like someone drilled a hole through the cell, and maybe carved out some material in the retaining ring. Hopefully they didn't do that with the lens in place, as that could throw metal against it. But otherwise, that would mean they took the lens out, which could also be an issue.

 

Inspect it carefully and be sure you can see the serial number on the edge of the elements (you'll need to read it mirror-image). Probably something like SF48###.

 

Chip W. 

[CHASLX200]

Interesting about the paint.  Kind of like that.  I'm assuming that because they aren't mass produced like Celestron or Meade, parts will be fat and few. If the dew shield is actually missing? One can be made but it'll take away from it's originality.  Or maybe AP's engineering/production would be willing to make another.  On the list of questions I have for them.

All white tubes yellow with age like bowling pins do and Park tubes. Some yellow worse than others brothers.

[saemark30]

Had a couple of AP refractors from that early era.

Might be better just to buy a more modern Skywatcher 100mm ED refractor with superior glass and coatings and performance rather than take a chance.

[CHASLX200]

Had a couple of AP refractors from that early era.

Might be better just to buy a more modern Skywatcher 100mm ED refractor with superior glass and coatings and performance rather than take a chance.

Much cheaper also. Mine was a killer for 450 with a case that got flooded from the cane and reducer.

[Yonsayvitch]

I appreciate everyone's comments and concerns.  It's a big help.  Nice to know I can get a bit of pipe and do the shield myself.  Still would like the decals from AP. Cringe to think someone may have drilled the cell to hang. I have new refractor for  APhotography. A 130mm for decent balance between planets and deep space.  From what everyone is saying and even if needed a good amount to go into it it's still a great deal. And at least I can keep it from falling to it's demise. I'll store it properly for me or the next. I'll post what I find out and with better photos next week. 

[CHASLX200]

I appreciate everyone's comments and concerns.  It's a big help.  Nice to know I can get a bit of pipe and do the shield myself.  Still would like the decals from AP. Cringe to think someone may have drilled the cell to hang. I have new refractor for  APhotography. A 130mm for decent balance between planets and deep space.  From what everyone is saying and even if needed a good amount to go into it it's still a great deal. And at least I can keep it from falling to it's demise. I'll store it properly for me or the next. I'll post what I find out and with better photos next week. 

Ap still has left over stuff from 30 years ago . I got parts for my AP800 mount they still had

[Yonsayvitch]

I would prefer to put original pieces back on.

[CHASLX200]

Call AP ya never know.

[starman876]

the people at Astro Physics are great.  Very responsive and will help you all they can.  

[Jay_Reynolds_Freeman]

[...] And at least I can keep it from falling to it's demise. [...]

Further suggestion: Don't pay for it until the seller has taken it down from wherever it hangs and placed it securely on something that does not depend on the string for support.  :-)  :-)  :-)
 

[Yonsayvitch]

Lol 100% agree.  I'll be a safety net when it comes down. 

[CHASLX200]

Test first if ya can as no one is gonna collimate one easy.