[Profiler (Profiler)]

This one is for refractor connoisseurs and collectors.

This is a classic Vixen 102M (with the original design 1.25 chrome focuser) which I estimate to be circa mid 1980s. It is the ultimate example of an Achro which thinks it is an APO. It is a 102mm F/10

Descendants of this design are still produced by Vixen which retail brand new for $1000 – (OTA only - no case etc). IMO the modern incarnations are not even remotely on par with these originals in terms of hand-made workmanship and which were 100% made in Japan (including the smelting and crafting of the glass) and not merely assembled in Japan with all components originally being made in China (the more contemporary practice now seen in some Vixen products). The optics are also different with the modern incarnations usng a slightly shorter and thus different f/9.5 lens in comparison to this Japanese made original.

If you have been following recent threads on the benefits of well crafted crown and flint glass as well as long fl refractors – this is an example of such attributes and yet this OTA is amazingly light and easily portable.

http://neilenglish.net/why-the-classical-achromat-produces-the-most-stable-images/

Indeed, the come-back in high quality long fl achros can also be seen in Televue's recent joint venture

http://www.cloudynights.com/classifi...=&cat=9&page=2

This original design/model Vixen has also received very high praise in its own right from independent reviews:

http://www.astromart.com/reviews/article.asp?article_id=84

This particular OTA is in absolutely mint/pristine show-room condition. There is not a single dot/scratch/mark on it anywhere. The objective is perfect. Its immaculate condition is a legacy of the professionally made and custom fitted wood case that also comes with it and would have cost several hundred alone to make.

Asking $800 ono which includes OTA, tube rings/vixen bar, 6x30 finderscope, finder mounting bracket and case – Pick-up welcome or will ship at buyers expense.

If interested please send PMs only and thank you for looking at my listing