New Takahashi Refractor - Introductory Price!!!

[Profiler]

For those who may not already be aware Takahashi has released a new refractor - or perhaps this could be viewed as a return to their glorious past.

The FC-100DC is a 100mm doublet genuine fluorite refractor.

http://www.astronomy-electronics-centre.com.au/

It is now available for order and best of all AEC has them available for an introductory price while the AUD holds at $2250!

Thoughts, opinions??

[dannat]

just under 3kg for a 4" Fl. - it appears to be at a bargain price

[Profiler]

It is pretty much on par with what a 2nd hand FS-102 generally sells for these days. So, you can either have a 2nd hand FS-102 (assuming you can find someone willing to sell theirs) with a minimum 6+ or more years of ware or a brand spanking new one for the same money and Takahashi 5 year warranty to boot!

The only catch is they are only available at this price for a very limited time while the AUD is above 90yen. So if the dollar continues to fade this price will be revised (ie increased) probably by next week:(

[h0ughy]

so how much would all the gear be to do phtography with it? any pricing on the extras? does it come with mounting rings?

[Profiler]

I have no connection with AEC but these are the sorts of questions which need to be sent their way - the price for a genuine fluorite Tak is, IMO, incredible.

[Kunama]

Clamshell is an extra item around $135 (used instead of rings)

They usually come with only the OTA and necessary bits to attach a 1.25" eyepiece. This looks like the ultimate grab and go scope.

This scope on a DSV-3 mount would be beautiful.

[Profiler]

Matt

The clamshell is the one thing I did check as the OTA diameter is slightly smaller than what you typically encounter on a 4" refractor - 95cm

I was quoted FC-100DC clamshell $125!:eyepop:

[DavidTrap]

Looks interesting, nonetheless, I won't be parting with my FS-102 any time soon. Yes, it's a doublet, but I don't have too much trouble with chromatic aberration and tricolour imaging. There is a difference in focus point between R, G & B filters, but I don't seem to have much difficulty combining the images in PI. I paid around that price including a reducer - will be interesting to see what price all the reducers/extenders and Tak accessories bring the price up to??

The new scope looks like it's a 2 inch focuser, rather than the 2.7inch focuser on the FS-102. I think the imaging circle is smaller as well, so I guess they've aimed this scope at the 8300 chip or DSLRs. I haven't used my scope with a full frame sensor, but I believe they are capable of illuminating such chips???

DT

[Profiler]

I think David you highlight the most insightful aspect to this new 100mm Takahshi Fluorite refractor when you state:

"I won't be parting with my FS-102 any time soon"

I think that is the key point - I think Takahashi have identified that there are many, many, many people who would want a genuine Takahashi doublet Fluorite but simply can't get their hands on one.

[Tandum]

Yes they can.
http://starshed.net/gallery/displayimage.php?album=1&pid=95#top_display_media

[DavidTrap]

Thought you'd had some success with that combo!

DT

[gregbradley]

If you want one just make sure you are not a time waster! That distributor is in a class of his own. A whole article on his site about how he doesn't want time wasters - who would deal with him when its easy as pie to order from overseas - US or Hong Kong usually for less.

Its not the first time I have seen him post rants on his site. I wonder if Takahashi knows their dealer does this.

Greg.

[LewisM]

I'll stay with my Vixrn FL102S. :)

Nice scope though.

[gregbradley]

I must say though to this day some of the best views ever were through my Tak FS152 and a 24mm Nagler - wow.

Greg.

[Hans Tucker]

I noticed that bit as well. I am use to seeing this in personal ads but not a vendors website and it has turned me off the Takahashi brand.

[issdaol]

On the positive side. I have ordered all my equipment from the Australian supplier and found the prices (delivered to my door) to be better than anything I could get internationally.

However the Time Wasters Note on the website is over the top considering that many people do not rush into spending many thousands of dollars on gear like Tak without a lot of investigation and discussion with potential suppliers.

[issdaol]

Don't let the suppliers rants turn you off a good product

[Kunama]

He might be referring to me :shrug: , last time Claudio rang me we spoke for over an hour .............. mind you I had just sent him $$$$$ for the T-Rex.

I found him a very friendly and helpful person, obviously very proud of the Takahashi brand but also happy to discuss the pros & cons of various.

What I liked was the fact that once I ordered the T-Rex I did not have to chase him up for progress reports, he either rang or emailed me to keep me informed. His price was better than what I could have got from USA or Japan direct.

I will certainly deal with him again as soon I have some money to spend.

[issdaol]

Claudio is renowned for his short and succinct conversations :rofl:

Maybe he is cranky that you purchased all those LVW Eyepieces instead of Tak LE's or Lewis for buying that secondhand FL102S scope instead of a TSA120 :P

Seriously though his prices and service has been very good to me and he has occasionally given me extra specials or something thrown in. So I will continue to do business with him. I just ignore the occasional rants when they pop up :rolleyes:

[MattT]

Now there's an idea!!!!!:thumbsup::thumbsup:
Have just gone past 21 years only 3.5 years to 25...Silver.....now then, where is that list.....:D

[LewisM]

Never had an issue with Claudio, and find his prices quite OK for the most part. He has been cheaper for every Vixen part I have needed than anyone else bar none, and had some VERY scarce items I sorely needed (original FL102S focal reducer for a start).

I know some people have issues with him, but I have not and take people as they treat me, not hearsay and innuendo. Claude has been outright generous and gracious with me thus far, and I appreciate that.

[astroboy]

I'm with you there Greg
Takahashi does know from many customers what he's like I guess they don't care , buy through Singapore much faster and cheaper .
As for time waisting if you ever have the " joy" of a long winded conversation with Claude he may destroy your will to live:lol:

[LewisM]

I fear this is going to turn into another Claude bashing thread. Let's not derail the original intention of this post perhaps?

[UniPol]

System charts for the FC-100DC. Hope this info helps and perhaps this thread could get back on track folks.

[Hans Tucker]

Amazing...when ever people start talking about their experiences with a vendor the accusation of bashing always crops up...but yes this is not the thread to discuss this topic.

On topic though I do wonder why Takahashi is going back down chartered paths again...first with the FC-76D and now with the FC-100DC. Will these two scopes actually cater to the new digital age?? It has been a while since Takahashi has released something really new but it would be good to have the rumour of a TOA170 come true..then I would be excited.

[Max Vondel]

Nice scope

Claude is a bit of a character
I'm not surprised that he upsets some customers
But I think he's a nice guy

Phone calls can be long so get a coffee ready
and what ever you do " Don't mention The War"
:rofl:

[Paul Haese]

Yes they are aware Greg, but don't seem to care very much.;)

[GrahamL]

only bought a little 6x30 finder and had trouble getting off the phone :) , good price and helpfull service

[Profiler]

I started this thread to create awareness of the availability of a new Takahashi refractor which I thought was very intriguing and personally thought was being made available at a very attractive price.

If you don't like a vendor the most powerful sign you can communicate is with your feet and not buy from them. There seems to be some disapproval from some members about Tak Australia but I routinely encounter another very very well known Australian Astronomy Store that routinely engages in flat out unlawful conduct.

Fundamental component of contract law is Offer and Acceptance.

If a store lists on its website an item for a specific price and you contact them to purchase it - they are obligated under law to sell it at that price (ie offer and acceptance).

What is flat out illegal is for the vendor, once contacted by a buyer indicating that they want to buy the item at the listed price to quickly go and check the exchange rate, see the rate has changed since they listed the price and put the price up to compensate and thereafter refuse to sell the item to you at the original price but instead only sell it at the newly revised increased price. This is flat out illegal and if reported to the Department of Fair Trading would result in an automatic fine - up to 10k.


Anyway, a great refractor is available at a great price and Tak Australia is very ethical and lawful in its conduct in forewarning that this price is temporary and will honour whatever is the clearly listed price on their website (ie O&E) - it is not subject to retrospective adjustment

I think this is a far more important positive feature about Tak Australia people should take a lot of notice about in comparison to another major store.

[UniPol]

I recall back in the early 1980's ordering a 4" Photo Equatorial Unitron refractor through Astro Optical when the exchange rate was around 550 Yen to our dollar. At that time exchange rates were on a downward spiral and in fact after the four months it took for my scope to arrive our dollar was worth well under 500 Yen. At all times I was kept informed by Astro Optical of the situation regarding the rate changes and until such time I paid the full cost of the scope, they could not guarantee the landed price.

[Profiler]

Variations to contractual terms can always be made via mutual consent between parties.

By providing notice of fluctuating price due to the exchange rate and you agree to this circumstance in your transaction from the outset you are providing your consent to possible variations in the ultimate price.

This is both legal and very ethical behaviour by Astro Optical as they are forewarning you of this very clearly and at the outset. It is your choice for which you have notice as to whether you wish to engage in a transaction on such a basis or not.

It is however a totally different kettle of fish to list Eyepiece XX on your store website as costing $300 and when an individual accepts to buy the item at that clearly represented price the vendor refuses to sell at the listed/advertised price and, instead, subsequent to the acceptance of the represented price they quickly increases it

I am not referring to Astro Optical as engaging in such unlawful activity

[Logieberra]

On a related topic. What a great thread-on upgrade for existing FS60-CB owners :)
http://www.takahashiamerica.com/includes/link.htm?target=http://www.takahashiamerica.com/FC76DC.htm&title=Land%20Sea%20%26%20Sky%2C%20H ome%20of%20TakahashiFC-76DC

FC76-DC objective only.

[anj026]

It looks like the new FC100 and FC76 use the same focuser as the FS60. This is fine to reduce weight and will suit a lot of people especially for eclipse chasers and others who travel a lot with their gear.

It may be restrictive for those interested in astrophotography or those who want to use large heavy two inch eyepieces. I think the focuser has limited travel that is compensated with thread on extensions.

The FC76 objective only is attractive and would make a nice scope with a starlight 2 inch crayford added.

If I didn't already have the TSA 102 I would be very tempted by the FC100 as I am only interested in visual.

[Kunama]

That is a brilliant idea !

[skies2clear]

I can only speak from my experience with Claude and have had no issues whatsoever and certainly have never felt anything remotely shonky going on.
Looks like a great offer to me!

[Profiler]

Yes - I agree

Sadly - the same can't always be said for other stores

[JohnG]

The Takahashi FC-76DS has the larger 85mm tube, the sliding dew shield and the focuser that was standard on the now defunct Sky 90, it will take any 2" accessory with plenty of in and out focus, I use one as a light and easy to use, grab'n'go scope.



Cheers

[UniPol]

I think I'll stick to my true fluorite namely the FS-78 and for that matter, my SKY-90 (strictly called the FCL-90) as well.

[Logieberra]

(Here's the CB to 76-DC conversion in Action - http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Number/5680345 (http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Number/5680345)).

[MichaelAarons]

Claude sure loves to talk and he really goes out of his way to be helpful.

[Larryp]

He once sent an Intes micro 6" Mak up to Sydney just so I could try it out-no money paid. I sent it back, but it impressed me that he was so trusting.

[Hans Tucker]

Still trying to decide whether to sell my FS-78 as I can't really justify having four refractors.

[johnt]

As someone mentioned before, this is getting off the original topic, but I think it is worth responding to unjustified rudeness against suppliers that are trying to run a business, and stay in business. I have been very happy with the business being discussed. I have bought many eyepieces over the course of four different orders, and they have always sent them promptly, and before waiting for payment first. Very trusting. I personally think it may be a case of some people can't deal with different personalities and different attitudes to theirs. I have certainly learned a few things on a wide range of topics from long chats on the phone. It makes me wonder sometimes if some people can't even tolerate small differences in attitudes & personalities, how would we really respond when we are finally confronted with intelligent Alien life? :)

[Steffen]

He also sent another Intes (non-Micro) 6" Mak to Sydney, but I sure as hell did't send it back. That one has, to this day, been the best small scope I've ever looked through. The only way for me to replace it would be with a Mewlon-210.

That aside, Claude has always been helpful in finding odd bits and bobs and I'm willing to overlook his quirks and odd rants that appear on his site occasionally.

Cheers
Steffen.

[casstony]

Most shops probably have a small number of justifiably unhappy customers. One persons good experience doesn't negate another's bad experience and vice versa. Retailers would do well to adopt the old axiom "The customer is always right", even if the customer is wrong, in order to maintain good public relations.