Image of the day

Captured by
Evan Miller

Veil Nebula

About Astromart

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Vintage Towa 80mm Diameter 1200mm FL f/15 Model 339 Refracting Telescope - REDUCED

Please Log In to view the details for this classified ad.

Don't have an Astromart account? Click here to create one

Vintage Towa 80mm Diameter 1200mm FL f/15 Model 339 Refracting Telescope
 
This is a vintage Towa 80mm f/15 refracting telescope, probably from the 1970's, and the condition is like a time capsule, in near mint condition. Aside from some marks on the tripod legs, and marks on the accessory box, it appears to have had little to no use.
 
The objective lens and all the eyepieces are in perfectly clean condition, no fogging, no scratches, and the eyepieces include their plastic cases and the original eyepiece bags. The same with the 2x Barlow, the right angle prism diagonal, and the erect image prism, they look like new.
 
The objective lens has collimation adjustments, something you only find it the most expensive refracting telescopes.
 
Included are:
 
  • SR 4mm eyepiece (300x), magnification is higher than the theoretical limit of an 80mm telescope
  • HM 6mm eyepiece (200x), at limit of an 80mm telescope
  • HM 9mm eyepiece (133x)
  • HV 12.5mm eyepiece (96x)
  • KE 22mm eyepiece (55x)
  • Erect image prism
  • 90 degree diagonal prism
  • 2x Barlow
  • Solar projection screen with hanger bar
  • Lighted accessory tray (light bulb is broken)
  • RA and Declination slow motion cables with knobs
  • 80mm lens cap
  • 80mm dew shield
  • Moon filter
  • Sun filter (Do NOT use this filter, for collectable use only, read below)
  • Original finder scope and holder
  • Original accessory box
 
The focuser is 0.965" (holds 1.25" without obstruction) and very massive with a long and strong extendable draw-tube. We are including an adapter (made on a 3D printer), that slides over the draw-tube which is the same 1.25" OD as a 1.25" eyepiece. So it works like a collar, connecting two tubes of the same 1.25" diameter (the draw-tube and your 1.25" eyepiece). In order to use this adapter, you simply un-thread the 0.965" adapter from the draw-tube, and slide on the coupler, the draw-tube is the correct ID to cover a standard 1.25" eyepiece.
 
There are only two negatives of this telescope, both are cosmetic only.  First is that the focuser shaft is slightly bent on the left side, but it functions perfectly. However, I am including a brass focuser shaft, spur gear, and dual knobs that fit with less of the shims installed, and this brass focusing knob is perfect. So you have the original focusing shaft and a nice replacement of the same vintage.

The second is that one of the slow motion cables is stuck on it's shaft because the thumbscrew broke off. This can be removed with an easy-out, but it's tight and works, and it's not coming off, so it is functional.
 
I looked at the moon with this telescope, and the image is extremely crisp and of high contrast. This is a quality refractor of superb quality, made in Japan at a time when they made exceptional f/15 refractors. The larger 80mm aperture is far far better than the common 60mm f/15 refractors of the time.
 
Buy this telescope for a small fraction of the cost of a 75mm f/15 Unitron refractor, and enjoy the same beautiful, highly detailed, and high contrast images of the moon, planets, and multiple stars. This 80mm f/15 will perform equally to newer 80mm f/15 refractors (if you can find one) which cost at least $1500 just for the OTA.
 
This would also make for a fantastic solar telescope, but you will need to provide your own solar filters. The solar filter included with this telescope is for collectable purposes only, as these filters are NOT adequate for safe solar observing despite the knowledge at the time of their manufacture.
 
A Towa 80mm Diameter 1200mm FL f/15 telescope in this condition is worth at least two to three times what I am asking for it.
 
Confirmed PayPal only, and I will absorb the PayPal fees, or cash if you want to pick it up from the Casper Wyoming area. I am also open to delivery to the Ft Collins Colorado region providing we work out that detail first.
 
The only reason I am selling this telescope is because I was fortunate to find a used 6" f/15 refractor that will fit on my existing CGEM mount.
 
Shipping in the continental US only, inquire for other locations. Shipping cost is negotiable.

Funding Member

Telescopes, Astronomy, Binoculars

Sponsors


View all sponsors

Search