I hear you Peter , It the way of this money oriented world we live in is going , As you know I own a nice SV Aplanat and ED 80 and thru the yahoo groups I am hearing that the price of Ed glass especially FPL53 has gone thru the roof at least by 2x .
Its hurting people that have placed orders for the 80-152mm apo's .
The word is that China is now , having cornered the market ( being a world leader ) are imposing what ever prices they want
for there products , Pricks !
The Russians eg. TBM and TEC are laughing .
The Americans eg. TV and AP are laughing as well .
Food for thaught ?
I wonder if Meade ( all meade is made in china now ) are playing the same game ?
Would not suprise me . as we here in OZ supply a large majority of there raw materials at low prices ?
GREED Peter .
Just a thought .
Brian.