Picked this one up at the local dump recycling centre recently. Only thing missing were the eyepieces, but I obtained some Vixen 0.965" EP's.
I'd say this lived in someone's study here in Canberra for decades. I recall very clearly being fascinated by the Short Tube Catadioptric 13T listed in Tasco's catalogues for years, always wanting one. I like many thought these are Bird-Jones, but was kindly informed by Alex these are Barlowed Newts, which this definitely is after diassembling to clean the optical window.
Field curvature is obvious, but not evil being barlowed to f/8 and change. Being Japanese, it is well made and sharp optically.
Can't complain considering it is in superb condition, came with its original EQ mount and cost $20 because everyone at the tip shop thought it was broken (no EP's = no image
). I'll use it visually for a while, but yes, it may well end up on the classifieds here eventually, though not for $20...the EP's cost me more
