It's interesting also where this one departs from the usual Vixen construction, especially considering the time frame.
Firstly, there is a combination of the gorgeous "pre-2000's" Vixen hammertone green (lens cap) and post-2000's white. The focuser knobs are silver anodised aluminium (not plastic thank goodness or black cast aluminium), that are strikingly Takahashi, though more solid. The focuser has 2 tensioner screws (I intitially thought one was a focuser rotator, which it is not. The focuser will rotate, though unscrews if you take it too far
). One screw seems to moderate the rearward travel, one the forward travel. Interesting. The focuser is silk. Pure perfect R&P silk - won't ever be changing that one!!! And it holds a TONNE of weight - these were made to hold the 6x7 film cameras of old
It's heavy enough at 6kg, and a really solid tube. It is VERY well baffled and seems like flocking, not just paint.
Overally, until first light, I am deeply impressed by it. It is a RARE beast, and very little documentation remains about them, and I am very glad to add it to my Vixenclassic refractor collection. Time will tell if it is as razor sharp as it's longer sister, my FL102S.
