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

On 07/03/2020 at 21:32, 2STAR said:

Is this group on here extinct, its a shame that we do not post here, lets try and get it up and running again with contributions/chat etc.

Also, we need to seriously look at finding/going to a reasonable darkish sky together, where we are not trespassing on private proprty etc.

I am raising this as I was unable to attend the AGM.

eric

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.

3 minutes ago, Fozzie said:

Not at all, I wouldn't be paying too much attention to what I say!!  As it happens and don't  tell the others, i was actually talking about about your scope...  a nice vintage frac in that condition is a serious piece of glass.. 

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

10 hours ago, mikeDnight said:

I don't think your scope lets anything down Vicky. I notice the circle K symbol on its focuser, which I'm presuming indicates it was made by KOWA? Anyhow, many of today's astronomers were brought up on such Japanese jewels, and I'm certain many remain deeply appreciative of them. I certainly do! Even now when I see a classic refractor like that, my heart still misses a beat!!

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 

11 minutes ago, Fozzie said:

That's lovely GBB, what a frac that is..

My word page 99 has some serious glass in it!

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!

Love those photographs Mike! I might be seeing Gain tomorrow so I'll chat to him then. Gain would have been around 40 years old in those photos - crazy bonkers! Him and Adele are the loveliest couple and have two gorgeous young children. You are right about his twisted humour though. Think that's why we get on so well

27 minutes ago, Paul M said:

I like the alignment, but the picture is ruined by the refractor on the far left end. It's out by a good few degrees

Haha, yes I've just noticed that! That'll be little Gain Henry pulling his scope out of alignment on it's AZ mount. Most of the scopes had been polar aligned for imaging and lifted into position for the photograph. It was really special to see all that kit together

I see Gain every week Mike. Think he might have had his ears lowered the other week, but his hair is always on the long side. Gain wouldn't be Gain with short hair. Have you known him long? I've only known him around 18 months, but I am his imaging Padawan lol. In fact, my WO110 was his his scope and I bought it from him when he upgraded. It's a beautiful scope. I am very fortunate to have him as my imaging mentor

2 minutes ago, mikeDnight said:

Wonderful scope array Vicky! The next time you see Gain though, please tell him to get his hair cut. Having more hair than me should be illegal!

Mike ?

2 minutes ago, Chris Lock said:

Great picture Vicky  I don't think I've seen so many optics and mounts in such a small space before! 

Oh well then Chris, maybe you should check out the Huddersfield Astronomical Society group photograph. We caused quite a stir, as you can imagine. I've never seen so many scopes and mounts together in one place - fracs, maks and dobs (including a 24") - but mainly fracs! It was hard work to do, and messed up everyone's polar alignment haha, but it was good fun and not something you'll see again soon. The photo even features me (which is something else you won't see again soon lol)

Here are my fracs at Kelling Heath Autumn Equinox star party. I used the William Optics FLT-110 for imaging whilst I did some visual astronomy with the Skywatcher Equinox 80.

Although I have an 8SE for planetary viewing and imaging, I really am a frac girl at heart!  

8 hours ago, mapstar said:

I bet Vicky will be pleased it's gone to a good home too. 

This is so interesting to read, although I don't really understand most of it. Love seeing that it's gone to good use and that someone is able to put their expertise into practice to make something that works! Plus, Marc has kindly put the mount head back together so that it can still be used successfully as a manual AZ mount. Win win situation. Great job Marc and I look forward to seeing your work come to fruition

Only just found time to sit quiet and read through your final post in what has been an incredible journey of skill, perseverance and determination.

I feel as though I have lived through your ups and downs, and I'm sure orhers, like myself, have cheered and fist punched the air to see your mirror completed.

The build is going to be beautiful and we will be able to fully see your craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Can't wait to see it completed.

I truly hope you will soon be enjoying the stunning views your Mapstar Monster scope will allow, and I would feel privileged to witness them first hand on a viewing evening with you.

Well done Damian - you will be an inspiration to many

Thank you for the update. It's getting there. Hope you enjoy putting your craftwork into the build, and you are going to create a beautiful scope. You'll soon be taking in those breathtaking views your scope is going to give

Luck or miracle - you were due one of them

As you know I am no expert, but that definitely looks as though it is starting to come together. I can see the difference from the images taken on Saturday. I am so pleased for you

Can't believe how far things have moved along since I last took a look at your thread a couple of weeks ago. Again, a fascinating read whist I have my morning cuppa! You've got some fantastic support from others sharing their experience, and everyone is behind you. Keep plugging at it buddy, it's going to be amazing