Monopole writes “This is a telescope constructed from the combination of a Russian “Tourist-FL” eyepiece which accepts M42 (a.k.a. Pentax/Universal) manual screw mount lenses a 2x teleconverter and a Russian Lytkarino 3M-5CA 8/500(f/8 500mm)Maksutov Catadioptric Lens.. I constructed it for less than $100 using surplus and parts obtained over eBay.
The resulting telescope has an 111x magnification with “right side up” imaging, without the teleconverter the magnification is 55x. The telescope is nearly free of abberations.
Given the extreme magnification it is necessary to mount a “red-dot” paintball gunsight on top to aim it.” – Link.
16 thoughts on “DIY Maksutov telescope”
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Imagine attaching that to an SLR, you would get some nice astronomy shots.
The Tourist-FL lens is available through various import companies including Kremlin Optics, as well as Surplus Shed and of course eBay.
battletux:
That’s the original purpose of the lens. Just replace the “Tourist-FL” Eyepiece with the appropriate m42 adaptor and you are in business. My next project is to adapt the lens to a CCD based webcam.
current(6/9/06) price on ebay is 85.00 USD with about 45.00 shipping. for the 3M-5CA lens. will see if I can find it cheaper else where. Cool project, going to build one also.
current(6/9/06) price on ebay is 85.00 USD with about 45.00 shipping. for the 3M-5CA lens. will see if I can find it cheaper else where. Cool project, going to build one also.
Nikola_Matt:
search combos of ‘mirror lens’ ‘m42’ ‘screw mount’ to find the lens on ebay. Also keep in mind that conventional telephoto lenses will work as well.
Searching for ‘russian’ on surplus shed will bring up the eyepiece.
Hmm, i have an old SLR that takes M42 mounts at home, and i have a teleconvertor with it (cant remember if it is 2x or 3x though). I’ll have to find that lens off ebay when i get in and look at making this.
Battletux:
Search the surplus shed web site with the word “russian” to find the eyepiece.
http://www.rugift.com/photocameras/tourist-fl-eyepiece-attachment.htm $35 Bucks …