Northland Astro society has one , a Polerex 60mm Alt AZ , and I used to use it as a teaching aid to show the differance between a " Real " scope the Polerex , and the terrible dept store
scopes .( trying to save a few x - amateur astronomers . )
I rebuilt this scope after it was donated by an elderly member , yea , REAL ! well made and sexy
scopes It is still there , I think .
Brian.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZeroID
As a serious ATM'er I read the Cloudy Nights Classic Scopes section avidly and enjoy the stories of restoration and admire the beautiful results. They are works of art for sure and the history just adds to the mana of the equipment. They also appeal to my 'SteamPunk' tendencies. I have a great desire to start an astro\optical section at Motat ( Museum of Transport and Technology) over here in Auckland. One day maybe, plenty of space to build an old style dome and even make it usable.
I have yet to see a Polarex or Unitron come up for sale over here in NZ although amazingly I spotted a 10" Cave mirror at an astro swap meet at Star Dome last year. Couldn't justify buying it but I keep my eye open for old refractors and eventually I hope to be in a position to restore one to it's former glory.
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