FS-128 - flourite vs triplet

Hi,

I am thinking of getting a used Tak 128 and am wondering about the flourite element. I have read references to flourite being fragile and was wondering what this means in regards to use. Do you have to be careful in that it may crack due to impact, cleaning or will it degrade over time?

I live in Michigan and like that the Tak has only 2 elements and wonder if this would be an advantage over a triplet in cool down times and thermal stability? Also, I have always wondered if there are any problems with oil spaced triplets leaking oil over time? Thanks.

Dave Adams

Dave:

Don't worry too much about the flourite element. I've not heard of a single report of a flourite element breaking in normal use. Flourite is soft and care should be taken if you need to clean the element to prevent scratching. Most manufacturers put the flourite element as the rear element or in the case of a triplet, the inside element. Flourite is also more easily damaged by moisture so be sure not to close the scope up tight on a dewy night.

Really, if you treat this scope with reasonable care, you shouldn't have any problems.

As for oil spaced triplets leaking. Mine's nearly 20 years old and hasn't lost a drop!

Tom M

Search the UncensoredTakGroup on Yahoo, there is a huge archive about these issues.