44 replies to this topic

[robjme]

I just wanted to share a telescope that I found interesting. This is an Upco Optics reflector from Geneva, Ohio, listed for sale on Facebook Market place. I am not the seller, but I enjoyed looking at this beast. It looks heavy and solid; they don't make them like this anymore. I would love to try this scope, but I am not buying any scopes anytime soon. And I don't need any more projects.

 

 

There is a thread on CN "Upco Optics" from 2010. Any info would be of interest to me.

 

Rob

 

[CHASLX200]

Mount looks to be a prob of being steady.

[robjme]

Yep! That is definitely the weak link for this scope. It has a single bolt to attach the legs. A second bolt would make a big difference. And the caster wheels are the worse. I would set this thing on three 4x4's and get rid of the wheels. But... no more scopes or projects for me. So I will just imagine what could be done.

[GalaxyPiper]

UPCO, Universal Precision Company, Shamokin Dam, PA.

They were advertised in Edmond Scientific catalogs.

Made in the mid 1950s -1960's the mirrors were very good quality, and the 8 inch was "a full

1-3/8” thick, these UPCO (Universal Precision Company) mirrors are renowned for
their consistent quality."

 

The rest can be found here: https://astromart.co...ry-mirror-cell 

Edited by GalaxyPiper, 29 March 2025 - 10:25 AM.

[YourNotSirius]

My old man used to live in Mentor, Ohio which isn't too far from Geneva. He's wondering how much they are asking?

 

We have no presence on FB so we cannot look it over but, it's definitely got his interest. I suspect nostalgia partially but, UPCO? He's never seen one made by them, ever.

 

If someone can post more information, please....? It will either drive him nuts or shut him up. 

 

Q

[GalaxyPiper]

My old man used to live in Mentor, Ohio which isn't too far from Geneva. He's wondering how much they are asking?

 

We have no presence on FB so we cannot look it over but, it's definitely got his interest. I suspect nostalgia partially but, UPCO? He's never seen one made by them, ever.

 

If someone can post more information, please....? It will either drive him nuts or shut him up. 

 

Q

Send a private message to the topic starter!

[YourNotSirius]

Send a private message to the topic starter!

Done!

 

Q

[robjme]

Here is a link to the FB page with the ad. This link may not work if you do not have a FB account, but I don't know. The ad shows the scope was marked down from $700 to $400. It was never my intention to help sell this scope. I have nothing to do with this sale.

 

https://www.facebook...e8-79db09007860

 

Incidentally, I watch the telescope ads on FB all the time, not because I am in the market, but I enjoy seeing and reading about the old scopes. If you have an interest in old scopes, then you should have a FB account and visit their Marketplace often.

 

I will admit that I get very tempted to buy a few of them like the Sears scope I got for Christmas in the sixties or the Criterion RV-6 that I always longed for as a teenager. I purchased a "Scope" brand 4 1/2" reflector in about 1970 and I would like to see one of those. I saw the ad for this "Scope" reflector from the 1970 Jaegers catalog here on CN somewhere. I posted a story about that purchase here on CN.

Edited by robjme, 30 March 2025 - 07:47 AM.

[YourNotSirius]

Here is a link to the FB page with the ad. This link may not work if you do not have a FB account, but I don't know. The ad shows the scope was marked down from $700 to $400. It was never my intention to help sell this scope. I have nothing to do with this sale.

 

https://www.facebook...e8-79db09007860

 

Incidentally, I watch the telescope ads on FB all the time, not because I am in the market, but I enjoy seeing and reading about the old scopes. If you have an interest in old scopes, then you should have a FB account and visit their Marketplace often.

 

I will admit that I get very tempted to buy a few of them like the Sears scope I got for Christmas in the sixties or the Criterion RV-6 that I always longed for as a teenager. I purchased a "Scope" brand 4 1/2" reflector in about 1970 and I would like to see one of those. I saw the ad for this "Scope" reflector from the 1970 Jaegers catalog here on CN somewhere. I posted a story about that purchase here on CN.

As interesting as it is, we have our rules by which we live and that includes never, EVER being on those platforms. No way. No how.

 

Q

[apfever]

This was discussed in the "CL EB...Ads" string some time ago. It would take me too long to find the link.

 

In addition to the meh legs and casters, I'm not a fan of the primary cell design or finish from what I can see. Original price was $700 and no way. Now reduced to $400 maybe worth a look with the three U. O. orthos including a flat top.

[GalaxyPiper]

I think $400.00 is a fair price due to age, because the mirror alone is $700.00 and above because of thickness and quality.

 

So $400.00 is a steal for a robust telescope such as this, because it is a tank and will last 100 years or more.

 

Not like those particle board Dobsonians and thin mirrors and plastic focusers.

[Cavs56]

It’s difficult to say what something is worth not knowing if the mirrors will need coatings (probably). Or if the mirror was good, very good or excellent to begin with. I have been watching this telescope, I live in Ohio I am not going to buy it at least not for $400.

[robjme]

UPCO, Universal Precision Company, Shamokin Dam, PA.

They were advertised in Edmond Scientific catalogs.

Made in the mid 1950s -1960's the mirrors were very good quality, and the 8 inch was "a full

1-3/8” thick, these UPCO (Universal Precision Company) mirrors are renowned for
their consistent quality."

 

The rest can be found here: https://astromart.co...ry-mirror-cell 

Thanks for the link and comments. They are just what I was hoping for.

[apfever]

I think $400.00 is a fair price due to age, because the mirror alone is $700.00 and above because of thickness and quality.

 

So $400.00 is a steal for a robust telescope such as this, because it is a tank and will last 100 years or more.

 

Not like those particle board Dobsonians and thin mirrors and plastic focusers.

Sorry, those mirrors are not worth anything remotely close to $700.  The AM ad linked is selling for $265 with the cell.  "Full thickness" is now considered a disadvantage due to cooling time. It is easy to sufficiently support a thinner mirror.  

 

All that aside they are good mirrors. The thickness is not a big issue, I'm just stating that it's there. I wish they were worth that much since I have some, but they're not.  The entire Edmund 8" set up is quite collectible and valuable in complete original good condition.  Originality of the mirror could affect the price of an Edmund 8" set up. 

[GalaxyPiper]

Sorry, those mirrors are not worth anything remotely close to $700.  The AM ad linked is selling for $265 with the cell.  "Full thickness" is now considered a disadvantage due to cooling time. It is easy to sufficiently support a thinner mirror.  

 

All that aside they are good mirrors. The thickness is not a big issue, I'm just stating that it's there. I wish they were worth that much since I have some, but they're not.  The entire Edmund 8" set up is quite collectible and valuable in complete original good condition.  Originality of the mirror could affect the price of an Edmund 8" set up. 

Well, I'm not one to force information on anyone, but you may want to read this C.N. thread on the subject.

 

https://www.cloudyni...mirror-quality/

Edited by GalaxyPiper, 30 March 2025 - 03:52 PM.

[CHASLX200]

Still the mount the is the weak link.

[deSitter]

UPCO, Universal Precision Company, Shamokin Dam, PA.

They were advertised in Edmond Scientific catalogs.

Made in the mid 1950s -1960's the mirrors were very good quality, and the 8 inch was "a full

1-3/8” thick, these UPCO (Universal Precision Company) mirrors are renowned for
their consistent quality."

 

The rest can be found here: https://astromart.co...ry-mirror-cell 

The one UPCO mirror I have personally tested was not great - no better than 1/3rd wave - it was a 4.5" f/10 from a Pal Jr which still had the sticker. Probably a sphere, but not even a good one.

 

-drl

[GalaxyPiper]

Well, value is always in the "eye" of the beholder. Yes, maybe a bit of a pun here.

 

But old scopes I can respect. I always have to be careful on applying modern standards to older equiptment. Back in their day, these were race horses, keep in mind, a lot of enthusiasts were making and rolling their own back in the day.

 

Applying modern standards risks turning one's nose up on a great long lasting visual telescope.

 

Will it be a great grab and go telescope to a star party...um, no.

Will it ever be a great astrophotograpy platform...er, no.

Will the mount ever be as accurate as a modern mount...no again.

 

BUT IT IS WHAT IT IS, and it very unfair to both the telescope and the efforts put in on designing it for the scientific public back in the day, when we had not even been to the moon yet, and satilites were still in their infancy, and Elon Musk was not even a good time yet in the back seat of a car.

 

THAT...is what I see...

Edited by GalaxyPiper, 30 March 2025 - 09:13 PM.

[deSitter]

Well, value is always in the "eye" of the beholder. Yes, maybe a bit of a pun here.

 

But old scopes I can respect. I always have to be careful on applying modern standards to older equiptment. Back in their day, these were race horses, keep in mind, a lot of enthusiasts were making and rolling their own back in the day.

 

Applying modern standards risks turning one's nose up on a great long lasting visual telescope.

 

Will it be a great grab and go telescope to a star party...um, no.

Will it ever be a great astrophotograpy platform...er, no.

Will the mount ever be as accurate as a modern mount...no again.

 

BUT IT IS WHAT IT IS, and it very unfair to both the telescope and the efforts put in on designing it for the scientific public back in the day, when had not even been to the moon yet, and satilites were still in their infancy, and Elon Musk was not even a good time yet in the back seat of a car.

 

THAT...is what I see...

There is only one way to be assured of a great mirror, other than making it yourself - buy one from a great mirror maker.

 

-drl

Edited by deSitter, 30 March 2025 - 07:49 PM.

[apfever]

The one UPCO mirror I have personally tested was not great - no better than 1/3rd wave - it was a 4.5" f/10 from a Pal Jr which still had the sticker. Probably a sphere, but not even a good one.

 

-drl

The Pal Jr. is 4.25" scope. They probably are spheres but a 4.25" F10 sphere would be better than 1/4 wave. It looks like a dog got out which is bound to happen. Aside from the rare slip, they're great. Mine are fine Kline. (sorry Chas)

The great mirror makers can slip too.  I knew Steve Swayze and Swayze knew Zambuto quite well. I've been to Swayze's shop when the two of them were talking. Those two had tremendous respect for each others work and a comradery that went to a level I can't define. Things can hide behind a test like stiggy glass that is at equilibrium.  The top guns can slip too but super rare compared to big commercial. 

 

 

Well, I'm not one to force information on anyone, but you may want to read this C.N. thread on the subject.

 

https://www.cloudyni...mirror-quality/

Nothing new. Was it the thickness thing? I'm all for going to a pm to keep from bogging the string.  I'm all for the Upco mirrors for what they were and are. Nothing is perfect. This string is about an ad, not a private pride and joy. The critique will and should be a step up. I don't think anyone has stepped out of line or been close to a nose turn. It's all observation, facts, questions and good comments. Good string. 

Edited by apfever, 30 March 2025 - 08:21 PM.

[deSitter]

They probably are spheres but a 4.5" F10 sphere would be better than 1/4 wave. It looks like a dog got out which is bound to happen. Aside from the rare slip, they're great. Mine are fine Kline. (sorry Chas)

The Pal Jr. is 4.25".

Yes 4.25" sorry. I suspect it had a bad turned edge. I just did a cursory start test and it was really not good.

 

-drl

[apfever]

My old man used to live in Mentor, Ohio which isn't too far from Geneva. He's wondering how much they are asking?

 

We have no presence on FB so we cannot look it over but, it's definitely got his interest. I suspect nostalgia partially but, UPCO? He's never seen one made by them, ever.

 

If someone can post more information, please....? It will either drive him nuts or shut him up. 

 

Q

 

Send a private message to the topic starter!

 

Done!

 

Q

Way to go Quinton!  Let us know!  I was wondering about a complete Upco scope myself and did some search to no avail. I don't think anybody ever identified the scope but I haven't located the previous discussion in the ads string.  If anybody knows the scope, or if Upco ever sold a complete scope, or can identify any parts for sure like the OTA or mount, or link to the previous discussion of this scope, then post Post POST.  Link preferred for starters.

Edited by apfever, 30 March 2025 - 08:33 PM.

[Mr Magoo]

The mirror cell is a University Optics “Expand-O-Cell”.

[Mr Magoo]

The rings are unmistakably from a Cleveland Instruments telescope, but I don’t know about the rest of the mount. It doesn’t look like any of the other Cleveland mounts that I have seen before. The legs are unique also. 

[Mr Magoo]

Tom Kiehl should have a look at the pictures if he is still lurking. He’s the man when it comes to Cleveland Instruments telescopes. Being that the scope is 50 miles from Cleveland makes you wonder.