Direct Vision Spectroscope- LaFayette #F-359

Just got this wonderfull spectroscope from Ebay. The price was a steal!
In original condition, with its original blue velvet lined box case and Instruction sheet.
This is a jewel! Made in Japan, "Atago Optical Works Co, Ltd" I think in comes from the late 1950's.
A well finished satin chrome body with a heavily knurled ring on the slit mechanism; This rotating mechanism opens and closes the slit and is very smooth, as is the focussing tube.
The body is sealed with what looks like a small optical window infront of the slit and the cylinderical eyepiece lens.
Looking at the solar spectrum, it's clear bright and pretty wide ( much wider than the image in the GOTO or the Surplus Shed D-V's) The magnesium triplet and sodium lines are easy! Infact you do get the impression that the sodium lines are actually split!!

Projects in Progress

Here we are in Feb 2008, and still have some interesting projects on the go. The design of a cheap, effective ERF ( Energy Rejection Filter) to use on the Genesis 4" telescope is #1 at the moment. Based on a UV-IR filter from ROSCO, Sydney, Australia and a #25 Red from Surplus Shed. The etalon filter has been removed from a PST and adaptors made to fit the 2" focusser.