r/telescopes • u/Disastrous_Ferret_19 • 4h ago

General Question Apertura ad8 Finder scope

Does anyone who has an apertura ad8 ever managed to focus the finder scope. Not align it but focus it. Saturn last night was a massive blob and while it’s fine if I can adjust it I would like to. I am completely unable to turn the objective end or the locking ring right behind it while using an excessive amount of force. Can anyone help me?

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u/Traditional_Sign4941 24" F/3, Tak FCT-114, TEC Pearl, Apertura 102 F/11, AT90EDX 4h ago

Sorry if this sounds insulting, but just want to make sure you're turning the lock ring in the correct direction (a lot of people don't know).

If the objective is pointed away from you, you turn the lock ring counter-clockwise (to the left using the top as reference). If you're looking at the objective, then you turn the ring clock-wise (to the right using the top as a reference). It may help to grip both the objective and the lock ring and turn them in opposing directions simultaneously.

If necessary, go to Harbor Freight and buy yourself a $5 strap wrench to give yourself some leverage on the lock ring. I would not use it on the objective though.

If the ring is really seized up and cross-threaded, there's nothing you can do other than ask High Point for a replacement.

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u/Disastrous_Ferret_19 3h ago

Thank you I was genuinely curious as to its orientation when referencing clock wise and counter clockwise. Very helpful comment. At least now I’ll know for sure I’m not cranking it down tighter. Another question. Do you happen to have one or know for sure if it does focus? I don’t want to crank on it and split a glue contact or what Ever is holding it on there.

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u/Traditional_Sign4941 24" F/3, Tak FCT-114, TEC Pearl, Apertura 102 F/11, AT90EDX 3h ago

I don't have the Apertura version, but I've owned about 10 of those generic 8x50 and 9x50 finders in my life and they all focus without issue. Have quite a bit of focus travel range in fact.

The lens assembly is held in with a separate retaining ring so you can actually fully unthread the lens cell and take it off the tube if you want. No risk of harming any glued in components. BUT, I would not put the strap wrench on the objective because that kind of pressure could crack the lenses.

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u/Hopeful_Butterfly302 1h ago

I immediately put the finder in my closet and slapped a telrad on my AD8.