Review for Meade Variable Projection Camera Adapter (1.25") 07361

Author: EVHAP {!} , Relative novice in telescope observing., from Kensington, CA on May 4, 2011
Pros:  Design is good, if it is fabricated to spec
Cons:  Quality control problem, and Meade doesn't accept responsibility.
Would recommend:  no

EVHAP wrote:

I've had a rather unpleasant experience with this adapter. I already own a fixed-projection camera adapter, so I thought I pretty much knew what to expect. When the Meade unit arrived, I was surprised to discover that none of my 1.25" eyepieces would fit the body. I got out a ruler and determined that the clearance bore of the adapter was about 1 7/32 inch - a whole 1/32" under! There was no way my 1.25" eyepieces were going to fit! Furthermore, the nose of the adapter was also undersized, making it a sloppy fit in a 1 1/4" focuser. I contacted Meade customer service and was told that the unit would have to be replaced, but that they didn't have any in stock, and that I should call back in six weeks. Trusting the Meade warranty, I waited, thereby eliminating my option of simply returning the adapter to the dealer. When I called back, they agreed to have me return the adapter, only to report that it "worked fine" with their 4000 series eyepieces, and that there was nothing they could do about it. So they simply returned the adapter to me, leaving me with a $50 paperweight. I don't really think that Meade makes undersized Series 4000 eyepieces. I believe it is a question of an out-of-spec unit, but Meade sure isn't about to admit it!