Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Celestron Binoviewers for Refractors - $150 **SOLD**


Binoviewing takes astronomical observation to the next level so to any amateur astronomer a good set of binoviewers is indispensible. We've got a brand-spanking new binoviewing kit used all of three times and in immaculate condition.


The only thing you'll need is a pair of identical eyepieces (and perhaps a barlow lens) and you'll be all set to put two eyes on the heavens. This particular model of binoviewer is more suited to refractor usage than it is reflectors. During our test run on a 5" refractor we were able to achieve some truly incredible lunar views which made one feel as if they were in orbit around the moon!

A new set of binos like this will set you back a good $200. We're offering this great set with its case and original box for $160.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Celestron 10" Newtonian Reflector - $330 **SOLD**


We've got an awesome and burly scope up for grabs today! This is a nearly new 10" Celestron Newtonian Reflector. Scope has been used a total of three times and is in terrific shape. Performance-wise, we could not be more impressed with the optics.


We acquired this scope with a CG5 mount,which we are keeping for other purposes! So if you've got a good, sturdy mount that can accommodate a heavy scope like this then you're all set.


This light bucket is great for both serious observing and astrophotography. We took it for a spin under dark skies and obtained some fantastic images of the Ring and Dumbbell Nebulas as well as M31.



We found collimation easy and accurate, focusing smooth and optics sharp. We decided to upgrade the stock scope with a GSO right-angle finder for more comfortable acquisition of sky targets.

This a a heavy scope, about 35 lbs, so ensure your mount can handle the load. A standard CG5 mount will do the trick. 

As with most heavy items we prefer local sales in the Los Angeles, Orange County, San Fernando or Inland Empire regions but can certainly ship at buyer's expense to anywhere in CONUS.

More information on this scope here

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Clyde Tombaugh Autographed Books [Auction] **SOLD**


Today we have a fantastic auction featuring two books signed by the late famed astronomer and discoverer of Pluto, Clyde Tombaugh (1907-1997).



In addition to Tombaugh's signature on both books, each is also signed by David Levy, co-discoverer of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, which crashed into Jupiter in 1994. The signature of Dr. James W Christy, who forwards the book "Out of the Darkness: The Planet Pluto" is also included on that respective book.

In addition to Tombaugh's signature on "Out of the Darkness", Tombaugh's hand notations are found on a few pages (see photographs).



The biography, "Clyde Tombaugh: Discoverer of Planet Pluto" is signed by both author David Levy and Tombaugh himself.

Both books were signed for famed Griffith Observatory telescope operator Robert Spellman in 1990/91.

Both books are on the auction block. Click the links below for the auction pages.



Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Bushnell Sky Chief Jr, 60mm Refractor - $75



Today we've got a fantastic 1960s era telescope up for grabs! This is the classic Bushnell Sky Chief Jr 60mm x 700mm refractor. These scopes are fondly remembered by those who owned or had the privilege of looking through one back in the heydays when refractors ruled the skies. 



Optically, this scope is stunningly sharp. Views of Saturn are simply breathtaking as are starfields and clusters. More than just a collectible, the Sky Chief Jr. really excels at producing vibrant and accurate views even by today's rigid standards (some would argue these older scopes are actually superior to what is made today).


This is a well-cared for piece of vintage equipment on a sturdy wood tripod. Smooth slewing and focusing from top to bottom.



Glass is clean and an upgraded finderscope is also attached. 

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Monday, September 10, 2012

ASAHI Super-Takumar Camera Lenses

We don't just deal in telescope stuff! We have three beautiful pieces of classic optical equipment to offer today in the form of Asahi Super-Takumar camera lenses. 




Anyone schooled in photography probably needs no introducing to these fine lenses. These are regarded among the elite lenses. Their stunning optics have been providing photographers with outstanding performance for decades.

Our three lenses are as follows.

1970s Super-Takumar 1:4/200mm $100
1970s Super-Takumar 1.4/50mm   $115
1970s Super-Takumar 1.8/55mm   $65






Optically speaking these excel at sharpness and contrast and are prized collectible and functional pieces some claim are superior to some of today's pricey lenses.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com




NASA/JPL Voyager Saturn Encounter Correspondence - **SOLD**


We've got a nice little collectible package from the old Voyager days at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory! This employee image packet includes two internal letters from NASA's Bruce Murray and 21 color photographs taken by the Voyager spacecraft during its encounter with the ringed giant



This packet was sent out to JPL employees in 1981 as Voyager departed the Saturnian system and headed onwards to Uranus. This package makes a great collectible, especially those who relish the tremendous early days of Voyager as it toured the outer planets.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

MARS NASA Mission Reports (2 Volume Set) - $36 **SOLD**


Of all the recent book acquisitions we've made here at Scope Freaks this one is among our favorites. This is an incredible two volume set of the most comprehensive and detailed information about all the Mars missions NASA has been involved with since the 1960s. Nearly 900 pages cover virtually every aspect of every spacecraft launched to Mars up until 2004. From engineering schematics, mission status archives, instrumentation documents, orbital data, press kits, imagery, etc - its all here.


Each volume also contains its own supplementary CD ROM loaded with imagery and other documentation. Of all the planetary mission-related books in our archives, this one is by far the most informative and detailed. A must-have for anyone interested in space mission history and spacecraft engineering.

We are offering these as a set for $36.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com