A really simple adaptation - not modification - question

[rbotero]

Hello All

I have come across a nicely priced 70mm semi-apo made by Ian King. I think this is a Chinese clone also used by WO and TS.
I should be receiving it over the next couple of days and want to use it with my two SM60s mounted on the front.

Can anyone in the UK let me know of a good source of adapter rings to mount the etalons on the dew shield of the scope? Maybe someone already uses this same scope in a similar configuration. I think the SM60 has 77mm effective diameter with 1mm pitch. Does anyone know if this is standard so that a photographic coupling ring can be used?

Anyhow I shall be finding out shortly!

Clear skies! B)

Roberto

[marktownley]

Hi Roberto,

I use the same scope with my DS40 etalons. The dew cap is a screw on metal jobby, easiest way is to just use a lathe to pop a ~78mm hole through the middle of it, then use some bog standard 77mm adapter rings off fleabay or wherever to screw etalons to the dew shield. Job done.

Mark

[rbotero]

Hi Mark

Thanks for the feedback. I would like to keep the scope for dual observing so may have to go the adapter ring route. I think I will end up taking it to a camera shop to see if I can find something standard that fits.

Thanks again

Roberto

[marktownley]

Hi roberto.

I doubt you'll find an adapter that fits - the thread on the dew shield is not a standard size. If you want another dew cap to use on the scope (if you modified the original one) then I found a plastic dew cap from my pair of 20x80 binoculars was a good fit.

Mark

[rbotero]

I see. Will have to do that then Mark. Many thanks again.

Roberto

[Merlin66]

Here's a sketch of the SM60 adaptor plate I use on the front of the ED80.
May help determine the thread etc.

[rbotero]

Many thanks this is very useful. I will have to find a good machinist nearby with a nice lathe to do this for me.

Thanks again

Roberto