Rare Camera Auctions

Click here to see the auction. Currently $5600.00.

**Please note my excellent feedback and SATISFACTION GUARANTEE** First order of business–NOTE that if you are a zero feedback eBay’er, or you have been with eBay for less than 60 days, you MUST contact me before bidding, or I will immediately reject your bid. This auction is a relist, caused by children playing on mom’s computer. Please just contact me if you are new to eBay, before bidding. Hundreds of people are interested in this equipment, and we can’t have kids goobering the works–kinda like a star party situation. One other point of order: Beware the hacker listing for a 16″LX200 that keeps popping up. It has photos from a listing from last year (on pier, in garage, lady in some), and oddly the bid button is deactivated; he wants you to email him to make payment on a new listing he will make for you. If you see this listing, please report it to eBay. Now–to business. The only mfgr specs I found in the eBay database, which should be displayed above, are for the LX200ACF; This instrument is actually the LX200GPS, with what Meade calls UHTC (Ultra High Transmission Coating). The ACF is Meade’s new model, however I don’t see any difference in the performance specs. Last year I saw the LX200GPS with Alt/Az pier selling for over $16,000 (same as the ACF). Also, there is a typo in the ACF spec’s above; the mount obviously IS motorized. Very, very, rarely will you find a 16-inch LX200 on eBay, GPS or otherwise. This one was installed in the local Dayton astronomer of note Chester D’s domed observatory, on his house. He unexpectedly passed away, the house was sold, and I obtained the instrument from the folks who were purchasing the house. It has a 30″ Alt-Az pier, a $1900 accessory alone if bought through Meade (some finish rust showing on weld grinds). You could easily add a wedge of course for an equatorial mount. It will also come to you with a 26mm EP, 50mm finder, objective dust cover, and the metal dew shield ($350 list) shown in some of the photos. Other than a bit of exterior grime and oxidation on a few accessory screws from being under the dome, the instrument is in excellent condition, and fully functional. Because Chester was using an Alt-Az mount, he has a Meade De-Rotation accessory (Model 1222 (not the cheaper 1220), currently selling for $1000) installed for long exposure photography. It connects to the control panel with a standard phone cord, but I don’t have a coiled cord handy so I haven’t tested this (not sure how I would know it was working anyway, since I’m not set up to take time exposures.) If you end up with a polar mount, or don’t take time exposures, you wouldn’t need this. The Meade electronic micro-focus works great, from the AutoStar handbox control. For that matter, EVERYTHING on this beast works great. The Auto Align function does everything, including the GPS fix, and after you center the requested two stars, the alignment thereafter is amazingly accurate. My goto objects were all within view with the 26mm eyepiece, and the literature says that even better results are produced after you perform the calibration routines. My experience is limited to setting it on a cart (see photos) and using an automotive battery jump pack with a pocket inverter to test it in my driveway. We looked at the Orion Nebula last night, and it knocked our socks off. Really, almost literally, knocked our socks off. You are welcome to pick this up here from us in Dayton. Or after the auction payment is received we can turn it over to a local packing and shipping company with whom you can separately make your arrangements. I will disassemble the mount and prep the instrument for this process for you, if you choose not to pick it up. I would guess that packing the optics and palletizing the shipment will run between $100 and $200; the actual transportation will vary greatly depending on whether or not you want the heavy pier included, whether you want freight or van line carrier, etc. I would guess that most locations in the lower 48 could be reached for a few hundred dollars. The most important accessory of all will be included–bragging rights.NOTE for 501c3 Non-Profit Observatories: For a donation receipt in the proper amount, we will deduct 5% from your purchase amount. We hope that this will help promote astronomy education, and assist you with the costs of transportation and integration. Continued success to you! Chas & Linda ANSWERS to the most common questions: SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Your satisfaction is guaranteed, and that typically includes shipping costs if our description is in error. TERMS: Virtually any payment method that gets the money to us is acceptable. Please reply and pay promptly. Intact delivery as described is guaranteed. We try to process all orders the week payment is confirmed. SHIPPING: Alternative shipping methods can usually be accommodated. Very large or awkward items may require commercial packing, which will be noted in the auction listing description, including details on obtaining these services. Item pickup from our facility can usually be scheduled on request. Items not picked up within 30 days must be deemed abandoned, due to storage restrictions, although commercial storage can be arranged separately. INSURANCE: We often self-insure, meaning that if there is shipping damage, you can simply contact us to arrange return of the item and we will reimburse all your costs. However, we will use carrier insurance on expensive and/or fragile merchandise. Carrier claims must be filed by the receiver (you)–carriers will not accept a claim after an item has been re-shipped back to us. Also, shipping damage must be documented by retaining all packing materials until the carrier advises you may discard them. This is true for all mail order shipping situations, not just us or just eBay. We pack extremely well and rarely have any shipping difficulties. TERMS VARY OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES Foreign shipping insurance is highly recommended. Maximum refund for overseas shipping cannot exceed typical domestic charges. Overseas payment options vary by country, electronic funds transfer or postal (only!) cash orders are best for the overseas customer. WIN-WIN TRADING: We love making people happy with fun items, and we always leave feedback. By placing a bid you are accepting total liability for any and all consequential damages, beyond purchase guarantee (it is your responsibility to not drop it on your toe or burn your house down with it!) Thanks–Chas & Linda BEWARE OF SNIPERS AND OUTAGES! Bid your max and let eBay Proxy Bidding do your work! EBay will bid only enough to win, not your max entered amount. Have a QUESTION? Click here to email us! I am a Trading Assistant – I CAN SELL ITEMS FOR YOU! Powered by eBay Turbo Lister The free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.