New, old refractor!

Started by fblue, 03/08/2010 02:15AM
Posted 03/08/2010 02:15AM Opening Post
Well, today I picked up a 1964-1966 Unitron 4" EQ Model 152. The OTA looks like new, the mount looks like new and the objective star test looks great. I got the Unihex, a full set of EPs, the Sun viewer, tripod with folding legs (really nice, stows much shorter) finder, threaded counter weight. Wooden case for the scope and the EPs, but a Pelican case for the mount.
The scope is very original, with only a small mod to the lens cell, set screws were added to keep it collimated, the spring loaded cell tended to lose collimation.
I will try to get a photo of it as soon as possible.

[SIZE="Large"][/SIZE][COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR] Floyd Blue grin
Amateur Imager
Posted 03/08/2010 03:27AM #1
Congrats. I hope it meets or exceeds expectations...

Greg N

"Scope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no scope." --Freewheelin' Franklin
Posted 03/08/2010 10:42AM #2
Floyd,

Your fate is sealed. With the purchase of that 152 you have contracted the chronic disease -- refractor fever.

Dom Q.

Attached Image:

daqua's attachment for post 136016
Posted 03/08/2010 08:20PM | Edited 03/08/2010 08:22PM #3
Sounds like a nice rig.....soooooo lets see some pics smile

While we wait here is a pic of one I just found that is on its way here. While its not a Unitron (I wish) it ought to make a nice companion on the 8" f/15 I am building. Vixen spec doublet (same one as Antares Elite, same 2 speed focuser too) 90mm f/16.67. Was built by Joe at Parallax who kept it a couple years before selling it. Supposedly an exceptional lens and a great double splitter.



Attached Image:

Greg Shaffer's attachment for post 136028

20" MidnighTelescopes f/5
8" f/16 Muffoletto Achro
Meade 6" AR6 f/8.0 Achro
Celestron C11
Parallax PI250 10" F/5 Newt
Vixen FL102S,NA140SS,R200SS
80mm Stellarvue Nighthawk with WO APOupgrade lens, 90mm f/16.67 Parallax Achro
LXD75/LX200, Mini-tower, GP-DX, CG5 ASGT, LXD650, GM-8, G11, GM-100, GM-150EX, GM-200 and a Gemini G40
4" portable AP convertable 44" or 70" pier
Stellarvue M7 Alt-Az, TSL7 Pier/Tripod
12.5" f/5 MidnighTelescopes DOB Swayze optics
Monroe GA
Posted 03/08/2010 11:00PM | Edited 03/08/2010 11:00PM #4
Photo please

A nice refractor built with pride and craftsmanship...good to hear about it. grin
Posted 03/09/2010 10:46PM | Edited 03/09/2010 10:55PM #5
Ok, a few picks taken when the mount was set up at the sellers house.

This one shows the complete scope with Solar Viewer installed. The Unihex of course is not used for this. The Slow Motion shafts and flexible cable were not installed in these photos, but they are all there.

You can see the folding legs in this shot. You just loosen the big Wing Nut and rotate the Aluminum part 90° and the leg folds between the other two leg supports. Nice walnut legs, very sturdy and large in size compared to the others he had on other Unitron mounts.

Attached Image:

fblue's attachment for post 136050

[SIZE="Large"][/SIZE][COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR] Floyd Blue grin
Amateur Imager
Posted 03/11/2010 12:04AM #6
I'm late to the party here, I know, but I have some questions:

What is the current market price for a Unitron 4" optical tube in mint condition? (When I was a kid, I really wanted one!) Unitron 5" optical tube?

What is the level of color correction? (I assume they're just good, long-focus achromats.) How do they compare to the D & G's of today?

How consistently good (or bad) are the optics?

Where can I learn more about Unitron refractors?

Thank you.

Bill
Posted 11/10/2018 04:32AM #7
Somone Say Unitron !!!!!!!!!!!

Attached Image:

moon2's attachment for post 160234

POLAREX
Posted 03/05/2019 11:37AM #8
Originally Posted by William Green
I'm late to the party here, I know, but I have some questions:  <br><br>What is the current market price for a Unitron 4" optical tube in mint condition?  (When I was a kid, I really wanted one!)  Unitron 5" optical tube?  <br><br>What is the level of color correction?  (I assume they're just good, long-focus achromats.)  How do they compare to the D & G's of today?  <br><br>How consistently good (or bad) are the optics? <br><br>Where can I learn more about Unitron refractors?<br><br>Thank you.<br><br>Bill
Goggle Unitron History Project. Just about all you ever wanted to know about Unitron is on that site. 

To the original poster, congrats on the Unitron 152. I have a 1953-54 Unitron 152. The mounts are amazing considering their age. The Astonomy Shoppe website sells a RA motor with a hand controller that is battery powered and works like a charm. 

Kurt