Vixen flip mirror system

[Geoff45]

I have a Vixen flip mirror finder to which I want to add a standard 2" filter. In actual fact, the thread on these is 48mm. The thread on the Vixen accessory is 49mm (WHY do Vixen always do things in a nonstandard way!?). The normal way around this (for cameras) would be to use a 48-49mm step ring, but some of these have more than 2" OD, so may not fit the focuser tube. Has anyone had any experience with this accessory?
Geoff

[KenGee]

I used to have Vixen stuff and it used to Pee me off to, A&E centre might be able to help you. On a different tack you have you found your William Optics ZS110 (110mm, f7)? I've ordered the 132mm so I would be interested in your opinion.

[h0ughy]

yep the vixen stuff in not normal - that's where they suck you in on the accessories. My next purchase next year is a moon-lite focuser so I can use normal stuff

[Geoff45]

Thanks Ken
I've since discovered that Lumicon make an adapter to go from 49mm to 48mm, so I've got it on order at Bintel.

I'm very happy with the WO 110mm refractor. I can't fault it optically. Diffraction discs inside and outside of focus look identical to me. I've posted quite a few pics taken with this scope, so if you do a search of all my posts, you should get some idea of what it can do.

That said, I have read about the odd instance where people report that there is something wrong, which could indicate that WO quality control is not up to scratch, or it may be the user. Who knows? Cloudy Nights have a refractor forum which is worth checking out and there is also a William Optics Yahoo group.
Geoff

[Prickly]

A good question so I checked on my vixen neoachromat (hadnt got around to trying it yet)

In a word : no.

My 48-49mm adapter (fotek) screws onto the end of the flip mirror and is almost, but not quite, flush with the barrel of the flip mirror. When I try and then insert it into the focussing mechanism of the tube it is fractionally too wide.

Perhaps the lumicon step down ring will do better - if so please let me know.

Sorry to be the messenger of the frustrating news and hope you have better luck.

Of interest my flip mirror came with a "made in China" sticker - but the optics seem quite good.

As you would say it would be better if it came with a 48mm filter thread (or maybe we should be thinking if all filters came in 49mm ;)).

Regards,
David

[Geoff45]

I'm sure that a bit of a go with my tormek http://www.tormek.us/ will fix it if needed!
Geoff

[Geoff45]

I finally got the Lumicon step ring from Bintel, but once again it was just a tad too big. However, when I got a 2" filter from OPT (in the States), I had ordered a ring with it. Again too big, but with a slow action grinding wheel and a bit of patience I managed to get it ground down enough to fit into a 2" drawtube, so I think that's the way to go.
Geoff