finder scope falling off my telescope

[Kaibis]

Twice now I have gone to put the dust cover back on my finder scope and the finder scope has fallen off.

The design of it looks back to front. Since the scope is always pointing up, the 'V' shape of the holder should point up as well (allow the scope to rest in the slot without the need for a tightening screw).

However the 'V' is upside down... which means that it will only sit in the slot if the screw is very tight.

We have opted for electrical tape around it now, so it won't fall out again.... but is this a design fault, or was the slot screw on backward in the factory?

[Atmos]

Are you able to simple unscrew the finder scope holder and turn it around? A picture may even help :)
I am one of those rare few who have never used a finder scope!

[Allan_L]

Hi Cassie,
You are correct in that this is a poor design fault.

I too have considered turning it around, but this would make the fine adjustment of the finder scope very difficult.
Having said that, mine has never fallen out.
Do you have the rubber O-Ring properly in place?

Regards
Allan

[Kaibis]

I am glad to hear it (I mean, because I wanted to make sure it wasn't just us putting it together wrong).

Electrical tape will solve the problem, realigning it sucks though.

[Howard]

Cassie ... the standard orientation of the dovetail 'shoe' (on the telescope), should be so you slip the finders dovetail 'foot' into it by sliding it towards the front of the telescope. So, yes ... you do have to tighten down the little bolt which holds the finder in that 'shoe' on the telescope quite tightly or else the finder could be pushed out of the dovetail 'shoe' when putting on the finder cap. So ... No, it's not a design fault on your scope. They are all that way. Should the manufacturers all have designed it the other way around? Maybe! :)