t0nedude

Nice extra pics, as others have mentioned name change needed? How about F8.1Rules? Tony.

Indeed, no need to touch collimation, it'll still be rock solid. As perfectly collimated as the day I picked it up..Nick Hudson from Trutek had collimated it on his workbench just before I arrived... Glad you're enjoying it, and you haven't even looked through it yet! Tony.

...and speaking personally, an era comes to an end. I am truly sad that after 18 years I actually let the scope go, but happy in the knowledge that it has gone to Dave; someone who will use and cherish it like I never seemed to have time to. Congratulations Dave, and nice meeting you, I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with it. Tony. That's two words or three technically. XD

Yes, you've seen my FL102s (OTA) before and a GP mount, but how about them together at last, finally ready to do the business - the Clearoutside site reports the next couple of nights are clear, so fingers crossed she might finally get the first night time photons in over 10 years: My wife thought I was spying on the neighbours... Minus dew shield to admire the.. OG:

As usual Mike gets there, minutes before me FC Fluorite element at rear FS Fluorite element at front.. Oh and guys it's not Flourite, we're not baking cakes here! And saying it again, lovely scopes guys, and John we're still waiting for first light... Tony.

Absolutely gorgeous scope John, can't wait to read about First Light. On another Tak related note, my FC-60 has finally been assembled and recently had Second First Light - see Observing Reports for the report. More pics below: Tony.

It's cos you look like Bruce Lee... Tony.

Indeed, the tub has generous aperture too...

Unfortunately I had to let that scope go to help fund a FL102s, and the green tupperware container left with it, I did ask them if I could keep it but they refused Seriously though I still have a slightly newer (by a few years) one that came with the fluorite.. We should create a new thread titled 'Show us your green tupperware container' Tony.

My Vixen SP-102m from early '92 newly assembled just after unpacking: And yes, that is a 14" Binatone B&W CRT TV in the background, itself about 10 years old, at that time! Tony.

That is interesting, however don't forget that while I may post about my Taks now, I actually bought them 17 years ago. But even without mine in that equation it's still an interesting point, also don't forget that we tend to remember things that we have interest in. So maybe your ideas of which scope interests you during the last ten years is the thing that's actually changed. Memory can be selective like that, what I'm getting at is maybe Takahashi gear has always been consistently mentioned however you haven't been consistently interested in it to remember? Or maybe you have and you are correct, who knows? It's possible, but when I bought my Tak's 17 years ago, they were just as desirable then as now. Ever since they've been on the scene they've been on the top end. I started in astronomy in '91 and BC&F (the longest running Telescope dealer in the UK) always sung their praises. Of course that is from a Telescope perspective, not necessary an EP perspective. Although I can confirm their EP's are of great quality as well having acquired a handful around the same time as the scopes.

Just for you Serial number: 99009 - 9th one in '99:

They were a present! Well that's my excuse...

After an astronomy hiatus of 10-15 years - the great unpacking recently - on the mounts/tripods later - just checking OTA's: Takahashi FC-60: (This will be mounted on a Bogen Manfrotto Tripod - grab and go) Bought new April '99 (True Technology). Mint. Optics never cleaned (not necessary). Vixen FL102s: (This will be mounted on a Vixen GP mount/tripod) - bought new Sept '95. (Broadhurst Clarkson & Fuller). Great condition. Optics never cleaned (not necessary). Takahashi FS-128: (This will be mounted on a Takahashi EM-2 mount/tripod) - bought new March '99 (True Technology). Mint. Optics never cleaned (not necessary).