Vicky050373

The finder scope is very similar, as Dave says, to the finder that came on a vintage scope I picked up, which I believe is a Prinz 660. If it is the sane then it isn't a very good finder by modern standards, but does its job if aligned well. It is difficult to see the eyepiece fitting on the photos, but the scope I bought had the old 0.965" fitting. However, I found I could unscrew the end and fit a Vixen 36.4mm to 1.25" adapter (cost around £20) for a very easy upgrade. But, I can't tell if the scope in your post would convert the same. I've attached a couple of pictures of my scope & attachments if it'll help. All the best, Vicky

Hi Eric, yes it is a pity that we no longer use the WADAS forum on SGL. I tried to continue with it, but found I was the only one using it. I mentioned at a recent meeting that we don't seem to use any of our chat groups/forums etc. But that being said, I don't think anyone has really managed to get out this season, so we are struggling finding things to post about. We will have a chat in the next meeting and see about getting some momentum going within our group. Also, I agree with you about needing somewhere to meet up for viewing/imaging but the season is disappearing fast.

Thank you for your lovely comments. I wasn't offended by your previous post, and honestly meant my response to be light hearted. I really do love that scope and can't believe it would now be in landfill if my brother's mate hadn't have mentioned me to his work colleague. I was gutted I couldn't save the original mount, but I feel it important to keep things as useable as possible as there wouldn't be any point saving them if not. I am so pleased I found the Vixen adapter to enable the use of modern eyepieces without having to irreversibly change the scope. The original solar projection screen is an absolute hoot to use, and it's a shame we don't have many sunspots of late. Anyway, just wanted to thank you all for your kind comments and reassure you all that I wasn't being at all negative in my original response. Vicky

I looked up the "Circle K" when I first acquired the scope as it took me a while to pin down exactly which scope it was as there seems to have been a few very similar looking scopes with various branding. The optics aren't quite in the same league as my WO FLT-110, BUT... I have to say that the Prinz 660 does get dragged out into the garden more often for an enjoyable viewing session. Plus I am up and running in quite literally two minutes! As a quick update to my previous post, I have now re-attached the original finder scope, and also fitted the lovely long slow motion control knobs which I removed from the original mount which was unfortunately unsalvagable. I believe these may possibly be made from Bakelite, as they have that look and feel. I have fitted these controls to the Vixen Porta II mount and very smart they look too

I feel as though my vintage frac has really let page 99 down in the "serious glass" category LOL

Seeing Nakedgun's post showing that lovely vintage long focal length refractor has inspired me to show you the result of a little project I worked on last year. My brothers best mate knows I'm "into astronmy" and offered me a telescope that one of his work colleagues was wanting rid off and was free to a good home. Of course, I jumped at the offer without even knowing what was being offered as I'd never wish a scope of any description to be taken to the tip. I was warned that it came in a huge wooden box and there were loads of bits that looked damaged and or broken. I'll keep the post short and I collected what I believe to be a Prinz 660 refractor complete with tripod, wooden coffin case and most of it's original accessories. Unfortunately, the tripod was in a sorry state and I don't have space for the case, so the tough decision was made to discard these. Even though the 0.965" EPs are not in good condition, I have kept them for prosperity. I have also kept the solar projection screen which I have attached and used to view sunspots. I used a Vixen 36.4mm adapter (which I had read on another forum fits these old scopes perfectly) to convert the focus tube to accept modern 1.25" accessories. I bought some new 76mm tube rings (which are surprisingly difficult to find) and fitted these so I could use on my modern mounts. I currently use this scope mounted on my Vixen Porta II mount (bought from a fellow SGL member) for casual viewing. I fitted a Telrad finder which, although not very attractive, is far superior to the original finder scope, which I have also kept. I absolutely love this old telescope, which is probably a similar age to myself. Even though I have an incredible refractor in the form of a WO FLT-110, the Prinz 660, with a 76.2mm lens and focal length of 1250mm, is the scope that gets hauled out into the yard when I just want to get back to basics and have a bit of fun. I have attached a couple of photos of my finished little "restoration" project, and it is a thing thing of beauty (despite the Telrad haha). And to think it was heading for the tip. I shudder at the thought.

Hi, just letting you know that both the 8mm and 18mm BST eyepieces have now sold. Vicky.

Hi there, had this thread pop up in my notifications. Just letting you know that I have received a PM overnight stating interest in both BST EPs and asking for payment details. Just thought I'd let you know that these will both be sold once payment is confirmed. However, as an aside, as you can read in my classified post and in my signature that I am a huge fan of the BST eyepieces and have the full range in my case, along with a 2" 32mm Panaview for widefield viewing. I use the BST eyepieces with all my scopes (8SE, Equinox 80 and Prinz 660 vintage refractor) and I cannot fault the view they give in any of these scopes. I will comment again on this thread to advise if the BSTs are sold, or if they are still available. All the best, Vicky

Love a time lapse. You had a nice clear sky last night. Pity it doesn't get dark until very late and even then, no sooner as it's dark it's getting light again!