RE: [APML] Accessory cases

["Jay Potts" <jpotts@americanfocus.com>]

I think this is a good question and valid concern. I have owned one of these
cases for about a year. I bought it for about $19. The foam is very low
density and of questionable quality.

I use it for packing around all of my photo adapters, tubes, and focusing
aids. I figure these items are pretty tough so am not too worried about how
well this case will take care of them. Personally, I would not pack any
ocular in a case with foam without lens caps of some sort. Not only is there
a possibility of out gassing, there is a possibility that the foam will come
into contact with the optical surfaces.

This may not be a problem if the case just sits on a shelf, but when I
transport them to a dark sky site on dirt roads and into the mountains, I am
fearful of potential abrasion. I may be overly cautious, but better safe
than sorry when packing several thousand dollars worth of oculars. I think
the best way to store and transport them is in a case specifically designed
to do so. Lined with felt, and firmly supporting oculars in such a way that
the optical surfaces don't touch anything.

My .02,
Jay E. Potts
http://www.whirlpoolgalaxy.com - Astrophotography
http://www.americanfocus.com - Landscape and Wildlife Images




-----Original Message-----
From: owner-astro-photo@seds.org [mailto:owner-astro-photo@seds.org]On
Behalf Of George Anderson
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2002 8:11 PM
To: astro-photo@seds.org
Subject: Re: [APML] Accessory cases


Is the foam in the Lowes case the same as the Orion one? There is a
problem with outgassing of some foams and I am not certain if it would
cause a problem with coatings on EP's.
Perhaps someone who has looked closely at foam for shipping high quality
scopes (hint hint) may inject some experience here.

George Anderson
Montreal Canada

Clear skies and good health

Bert Katzung wrote:
>
> Apologies for cross-posting but I know some of you have not yet found
those
> "bargain cases" for eyepieces, etc, I kept hearing about 'em and looking,
> but didn't find any in stock till now. Here it is:
> Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse, http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=home ,
> enter 24981 in the "enter keyword" box, and it should take you to the
> aluminum tool case that I just got two of.  Description: 18" Heavy-Duty
> Aluminum Tool Case. Inside usable dimensions are 12 x 17 x 4.25 inches and
> both cubed foam and several dividers are provided. Also a shoulder
carrying
> strap. This case is similar to the one in th Orion catalog, item 5977.
> Orion's price 44.95. Lowes price 19.96. I'm quite impressed by the
> bang-for-buck value on these cases.
> Enjoy...
> Bert
>
> Bert Katzung
> katzung1@attbi.com
> www.astronomy-images.com
>
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