History/quality question

Hi all:

This ad piqued my curiosity.

http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=386515

The seller does not really say so explicitly, but he sort of implies that the optics of this particular "white tube" C-11 might be better than others because of the time period during which it was manufactured.

Is there any validity to this? Is there a web based timeline out there somewhere that chronicles when the better versus lesser Celestron optics might have been made?

Thanks, Jim

Rod Mollise and Robert Piekiel are recognized historians on Celestron's product line. Excerpts from Rod's review (see below) of Robert's E-book on the subject:

"What’s a White Tube? Before Celestron began mass-producing Schmidt Cassegrains in the 1970s, they had been making near-custom SCTs in a distinctly unfamiliar aperture range if you’re used to the modern litany of C5, C8, C11 and C14. These telescopes, in apertures of 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 22 inches, were attractively finished in white and blue, and, while obviously not as sophisticated electronically as today’s computerized marvels, they had quite a lot going for them. They were very well made, being aimed at the professional/educational market rather than at amateur astronomers--though quite a few wealthy amateurs did spring for the C10." ....

"The meat of this book, though, is the chapters on the White Tubes. Each of these scopes is examined in excruciating detail from its design to its use to its maintenance and restoration. While I’ve examined and used quite a few of these telescopes over the years--they don’t call me “Mr. SCT” for nothing—I learned a lot, and I do mean a lot from Bob’s book. Not only things I’d forgotten over the years, but much—much--I never knew."

Obviously the ad is for a C11 made in the '90's - I suppose one would need to see what Rod and/or Robert have to say about later model white tubes ....

See more at http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=167

The white tubes in the 90's (as opposed to the original 60's and 70's Celestron Pacific scopes which were also white) where for the Japan market (and may continue today?) as the ad said.

It has never been stated by Celestron that they were any better, but that has been the "rumor" for years. Todd Gross had a white 9.25 SCT that was from the Japan market - and he mentions the rumor in his review.

The rumor was that:
1. The Japanese prefer white tube scopes of any maker - they "seem" more professional
2. The Japanese are more discerning of there optics because there market is flooded with higher end scopes - so that Celestron would pick out the best optically and send them to Japan.

I have an excellent Black tube version - so either the rumor is false, or they missed this one :-)