Hi all,
Getting ready for NEAF, I pulled out my 130EDF refractor and had a look at the lens (Serial #01). I lent this scope to my friend Mark last summer, who took it to a number of star parties (Chiefland in Florida, Black Forest, Nebraska, etc). He told me that dew was heavy at all these events, and he did not have any kind of dew heater to prevent the inevitable moisture from settling on the optics. I didn't want to bring this lens to NEAF in the condition that it was in, so cleaning was in order. I am taking this opportunity to show you all how it is done.
First pix shows the lens in cell with retaining ring removed, the way it was returned to me last year (I have not had time to clean it since). Looks pretty bad, yes? In fact, the contrast was noticeably poorer than it should be for this optic. Lots of stray light surrounding a bright target image.
Rolando
Getting ready for NEAF, I pulled out my 130EDF refractor and had a look at the lens (Serial #01). I lent this scope to my friend Mark last summer, who took it to a number of star parties (Chiefland in Florida, Black Forest, Nebraska, etc). He told me that dew was heavy at all these events, and he did not have any kind of dew heater to prevent the inevitable moisture from settling on the optics. I didn't want to bring this lens to NEAF in the condition that it was in, so cleaning was in order. I am taking this opportunity to show you all how it is done.
First pix shows the lens in cell with retaining ring removed, the way it was returned to me last year (I have not had time to clean it since). Looks pretty bad, yes? In fact, the contrast was noticeably poorer than it should be for this optic. Lots of stray light surrounding a bright target image.
Rolando
Attached Image:
