Hello Michael, I have sent my C8 optical tube in to them for a cleaning before, BUT - the last time I did this was in 1998. So I can't really speak for the current regime. A couple of times since then, I've CAREFULLY cleaned the outside of my corrector plate myself without any problems - but, not as well as when Celestron did it. I will say that they did an excellent job - the optics looked brand new afterwards. I can say the same about TeleVue as well - EXCELLENT work! However, the turnaround time wasn't nearly that long and the price was considerably less. If I recall, maybe 100 bucks back then plus the shipping and I had the scope returned in about a months time. If it's just the front surface of your corrector that needs cleaning, you could learn to do it yourself and save some BIG bucks. If an internal cleaning is needed, I'd bite the bullet and send it to them. Last time I sent mine in, I complained about the quality of the star test, and they "rematched my corrector" (no charge) and I ended up with noticeably sharper views, but still not a perfect star test - just MUCH better than before. Hopefully, you still have your original shipping boxes, which makes for a safer journey back to them if you decide to go for it. Dave Sewell
Re: Optical Cleaning at Celestron in Torrance, CA
Started by Dave Sewell, 03/12/2011 02:25PM
Posted 03/12/2011 02:25PM
Opening Post
Posted 03/12/2011 03:11PM
| Edited 11/20/2011 05:00AM
#1
Michael:
Two years ago I sent my orange tube C14 to Celestron, for what was to hopefully have been a replacement of the secondary. As it turned out the optical system had to be matched perfectly and it wasn't possible to replace just the secondary. Therefore, they replaced the whole optical system. They did a great job, keeping me informed about the new system which they made and tested. They sent the OTA back to me in a new box with custom foam packing, the tube and optics were spotless and exhibited excellent star test. It wasn't cheap, but the charges were very reasonable given the work done and I have no complaints about their communication, service or prices.
Two years ago I sent my orange tube C14 to Celestron, for what was to hopefully have been a replacement of the secondary. As it turned out the optical system had to be matched perfectly and it wasn't possible to replace just the secondary. Therefore, they replaced the whole optical system. They did a great job, keeping me informed about the new system which they made and tested. They sent the OTA back to me in a new box with custom foam packing, the tube and optics were spotless and exhibited excellent star test. It wasn't cheap, but the charges were very reasonable given the work done and I have no complaints about their communication, service or prices.
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