William Optics TMB Zenithstar 80FD (F6.9 FPL-53 Doublet)
Hi All,
I’m (reluctantly!) putting this beautiful scope up for sale, solely due to finally receiving a 95mm Baader Travel Companion recently. So, in keeping with my “only one scope in each size range” rule… it has to go.
The FPL-53 doublet optics are exquisite and were designed by the late Thomas M. Back (TMB). The lens is still in immaculate shape and it’s a real joy to look both through, and at.
If you want to see how good the lens is compared to the normal non-ED 80mm Zenithstar doublets, have a look at the following link. In the article my 80FD lens is called an “APO Fluorite Doublet Upgrade” (but it’s FPL-53 as we all know now). Look at the right-hand pictures at the bottom of the article comparing the colour correction:
https://www.cloudynights.com/article...-upgrade-r1378
I have taken off the camera adaptor “foot” and installed new rings and a new Losmandy vixen-style bar - configured for good balance - which are both part of the package. The rings and bar have scuffs commensurate with age and use.
The only tiny mark on the Scope is on the gold focuser knob, where it rubbed lightly against something in transit once. (see photo). Also, the focuser is typical of the first-gen WO focusers (you have to adjust it tight). I considered once getting the SteelTrack focuser for this - it’s definitely worthy of the upgrade.
Here's a direct link to the User Manual:
https://williamoptics.com/download/s...thstar80fd.pdf
It’s in excellent condition and the sale includes:
- OTA with Front Lens Cap,
- Original WO 2”-to-1.25” adaptor with white plug.
- Original WO 2” extender,
- Original Camera “Foot”.
- NEW William Optics Rings that have scuffs and wear commensurate with age.
- NEW Losmandy Vixen Bar that has scuffs and wear commensurate with age.
If you want to try-before-you-buy, come along to an NSAS observing night in Sydney (on one or two Saturday nights a month – see nsas.org.au). PM me first tho', as I don’t go every time.
I’m selling at less than 65% of new: so $970.
The Fine Print:
- Your choice of postage method will be additional to above cost.
- All prices are in Australian Dollars.
- Bank Transfer is fine. Paypal adds 3%.
Please PM me if you are interested, and make it quick before i lose my nerve :-)
Cheers
HC