Olympus CH2 questions

[wmodavis]

Does anyone here have experience with an Olympus CH2?

Looking around and have a few questions on this one as a starter.
1. General impressions of the CH2 as a beginning scope.
2. Most I've seen are binocular. Can they be upgraded/converted to a trinocular?
3. Is this fairly modular and upgradeable with various add-ons/upgrades.
4. Any known caveats?

Possibly more ? to come.
BillD

[75RR]

Here is a link to some manuals that might answer some of your questions:

http://www.alanwood.net/photography/oly ... s.html#ch2

[wmodavis]

Thanks 77RR. That is definitely a good start.
Since reading many of the discussions here I've been convinced to look at older used scopes for many of the excellent reasons cited. A little uncomfortable with that though just because of my lack of familiarity and knowledge in this arena. Decided to back off a bit from my previous 'I want one now' feelings having been convinced to look past the AmScope new off the shelf variety which I could circle back to but for now I'll look. The CH2 was one I saw several of listed along with a myriad of pieces.
Thanks again.

[Dale]

Lorez has a friend with several used CH2's, he should be jumping in here. (hint hint)
He might be too busy searching for parts for my new scope.
There was just a recent post by someone who got an AO20, check that out.
Dale

[Crater Eddie]

We had a CH2 in a lab I worked in many years ago, I remember it is being a pretty nice scope.
If I am not mistaken, it can use the same trinocular head as the BH2, though they are usually rather expensive.
Hopefully someone else can be a little more helpful.
CE

[lorez]

Lorez has a friend with several used CH2's, he should be jumping in here. (hint hint)

I was sitting here organizing my thoughts when I see that I have an invitation.

lorez's friend is now without CH2s, but has several BH2 models and a few accessories.

My opinion of the CH2 is that it is a very fine "starter" scope with a fair number of accessories. The quality is good throughout the various levels of accessories, but if you are of the ilk that most on this group seem to be you will always be looking for some additional accessories. If that is the case I would recommend the BH2 as a starting place.

You can look on the same site that has the CH2 brochure for information regarding the BH2.

As CE mentions, the BH2 will be a little pricier, but the breadth of options is impressive. Of course, the search for the options is going to be an eBay ordeal.

lorez

PS. I also like AO, B&L, and Nikon

[Dale]

PS. I also like AO, B&L, and Nikon
You also like 18yr old scotch that is $30 a shot!!! I opted for the 12yr old.

[lorez]

You also like 18yr old scotch that is $30 a shot!

I can afford to appreciate a good 18 yr old sip on an annual basis.

lorez

[wmodavis]

Well I may be the one who is scotch but any sober individuals out there who would venture a guess as to the possibilities of starting with this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Olympus-BH-2-BH ... 1436030491

It looks like it needs at least a Stage, condenser, nose and lenses. Bet that would cost a bundle to get working.

[lorez]

If you are just getting started in this hobby you would be better off without this remnant. I'd find a complete triocular scope, with a representative group of objectives, eyepieces, stage, condenser, etc. and get started using it. Further items can be added at your convenience.

Hic, I'm sober now.

lorez

[wmodavis]

Does sound like sober advice. Not sure I could handle the $ of a BH2. At least I'm lookin'.