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8" Celestron Fastar C8 worth fixing?

Started by Oddog, 12/11/2008 07:25PM
Posted 12/11/2008 07:25PM Opening Post
I have an 8" Celestron Fastar with a shattered corrector plate. The typical damage (radial cracks from center) that comes from hitting the camera when it is place. The rest of it is good condition. I am wondering if it is worth repairing or should I sell it off as-is. Celestron can sell me a replacement plate for $375 (!) or they will rebuild the entire optics, replacing all three optical pieces with Starbright XLT coated versions for $400 (but it takes 3 months to ge it done). Can one still get a current 8" Fastar OTA? Is there any premium for them that would warrant rebuilding it? I personally have no interest in imaging (and did not get the camera with the outfit) so rebuilding it would be for visual only or for resale. I see an 8" SCT can be had used for as little as $400-$500, but they generally are old enough to not have the XLT coatings. A new tube is around $1000 or so. Any opinions/interest appreciated.
Posted 12/11/2008 08:07PM #1
Fix it. A decent used tube as you said is around $500. If you fix it you know it's new and under warranty for $400
Posted 12/11/2008 08:33PM #2
Sorry about your corrector plate. I'm thinking about buying a Hyperstar and your post makes me wonder now - how delicate are these corrector plates? Did it take a solid whack on the attached camera to crack the plate?

Jim McSheehy
Posted 12/11/2008 10:51PM #3
I'd get it refurbished with the XLT optics. They
are no longer making the 8" Fastar (though places
like Starizona can do a custom Fastar converison).
Probably you could sell it for $800 or $900 after
the refurb as a Fastar with brand new XLT optics
(a new XLT Fastar-converted is about $1200).
You'll still be out a hundred or so for breaking the
corrector, but that probably the best you're going
to do.