How much would an old Criterion Dynamax 8" be worth?

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

Hi all,

I've happened to come across an old 1970's Criterion Dynamax 8" SCT like the one in the picture below, but without the wedge or tripod in the picture.

Optically she looks OK, though her fork mount and OTA is very dirty. She comes with a diagonal and at least one EP, AND her original 50mm finder. The clock drive casing is grubbie too, and the electrics would need some TLC.

I am aware of the hit-or-miss situation with the optics of these old Dynamax', but as a visual scope it may be ok.

How much would one of these old birds be worth in this condition? A couple of hundred, or less?

I've never seen one of these here in Oz before, and she is just beautiful, , and I need another scope like I need another hole in my head, .

Cheers,

Alex.

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

Flee! Fleeeee!
Don't let the looks fool you.
"Hit or miss" is charitable.
We had one at our high-school astronomy club.
It was months before I looked through a proper Newt and realised what a P.O.S the Criterion was.
Even in 'mint' condition, the unlucky owner should expect to pay someone else to take it away.

Seriously?
Maybe $200-$300 tops for a minter with 'good' optics. About $30-$50 in the condition you describe.

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

You are really going to cringe, Peter. Since I made my first post, the crooked cocky that's selling this scope called me. He tried to pull a fast one by saying that these are rare, real quality, and from 1968! Then he says it's for sale for $3200!!! Even if it was a good scope, it is in horrible condition.

Just a crook preying on the ignorant.

I'll just keep looking.

[peterl]

Hi alexander.
I picked up one of these about 18 months ago from an estate very cheap.
I have semi restored this scope to get it going ok.
These scopes had a bad reputation for not so good figured optics.Mine is 6 out of 10.
Stay clear. You would be better to invest your money in another scope.
Hope that helps..

Peter.