Meade 6" F/5 Schmidt-Newton just in

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I had seen this on offer, including Cheshire EP, AstroZap dew shield, and Bahtinov mask on a Dutch website, with the asking price dropping steadily. On my birthday (January 21) it hit €165, and my restraint gave way. I collected it today, and it is in perfect condition, with upgraded dual-speed focuser. 

It should fit neatly between the APM 80 mm F/6 triplet, and the Celestron C8. I intend to use it for wide field viewing, and imaging of smaller DSOs. The GP-DX mount should easily handle both the weight and focal length of this scope. 

[Stu]

Nice little scope Michael. Too tempting as you discovered!!

[Merlin66]

I still have one of the original Meade Comet Seekers - Schmidt-Newtonian 6" f3.5.

If yours performs as well as mine - you're in for an exciting time.

 

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Just replaced the rather short dovetail bar, which did fit on the puck of the Vixen GP mount, but not on the much longer ADM saddle on my GP-DX, with a much longer one, left over from a project that didn't go anywhere. 

It should be much easier to balance. I also fiddled around with the collimation, and I think I got that sorted. Now all I need is a clear sky. 

 

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

8 hours ago, Merlin66 said:

I still have one of the original Meade Comet Seekers - Schmidt-Newtonian 6" f3.5.

If yours performs as well as mine - you're in for an exciting time.

 

Interesting to hear about the F/3.5 version. I would expect the F/5 to be at least as good. Have you used yours for imaging, or just for visual?

[Merlin66]

To be honest only for visual...but I do of a few who have had some exciting images from it.

 

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

4 minutes ago, Merlin66 said:

To be honest only for visual...but I do of a few who have had some exciting images from it.

 

Should give awesome wide-field views. 

I have just tested the position of focus by attaching my EOS 80D, and it seems to be well outside the tube. With the focuser fully extended I get a sharp image of trees at some 50 m away (fog doesn't allow much more). Infinity focus should be some 12 mm further inward. 

[banjaxed]

Looks like you got a great bargain, hope you get some clear nights to enjoy it.

[rwilkey]

Hi Michael, happy birthday for the 21st and what a lovely birthday present at a good price.  Clear skies!