Solarmax 70 with problems

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phacops
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Solarmax 70 with problems

Post by phacops »

Hi
I have Old Cornonado Solarmax 70 (first version). I have prolem with this scope. BF10 as I know is burned out. I can not replace it. The tube from the lens site is stuck together? This was made by coronado or somebody did i do not know. Ethalon wisualy looks good but withut working BF is hadlly to say. Is it worth trying to replace this BF? Etalon is worth this?

I was thinking to wath solar views in bigger scope like WO 132. Resuscitate this SM70 or choose Quark, eventually Lunt.


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Bob Yoesle
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Re: Solarmax 70 with problems

Post by Bob Yoesle »

The blocking filter has two main components, the first one in the diagonal nosepiece is known as the ITF and can deteriorate rather quickly, and is the likely source of the problem.

Loosening the BF nosepiece and/or filter retaining rings may require specialized tools and methods, but usually can be accomplished with some care. Supply some more detail and pics and we might be able to help.

Replacement for the ITF filters from Maier Photonics and BelOptik will usually restore performance.


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Re: Solarmax 70 with problems

Post by phacops »

Hi Bob
The first filter grom the lens side shows granultion when i see his surface. Is this confirm your sugestion?
Filter from the second side looks OK

I can not dissasimble the diagonal from the helical. I can dissasimble only with him. Somebody stick this or Coronado do this for special?


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Re: Solarmax 70 with problems

Post by Bob Yoesle »

To see what the deteriorated ITF looks like google "Coronado blocking filter rust" and look at Images tab.

It probably has some kind of thread lock. It's hard to say why this is done, but you'll have to decide if heat, chemicals, etc. will be used to release and how best to access the filter. If all else take it to a machine shop and have a pro look at it.


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Re: Solarmax 70 with problems

Post by phacops »

My ITF filter looks that
URL=https://www.fotosik.pl/zdjecie/d2a781596ad27e98]Image[/URL]


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Re: Solarmax 70 with problems

Post by marktownley »

When you zoom right in it looks pretty blotchy to me, suggests its rusted!


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Re: Solarmax 70 with problems

Post by phacops »

Hi Mark
To be sure i finally take this ITF out. This looks rusted.
Image
BF looks clean.


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Re: Solarmax 70 with problems

Post by marktownley »

Yup, that ITF is definitely rusted!


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