I ordered Mk25 version, didn't know better. BUT with my >65 years old eyes I have no problem seeing bright stars (those navigation stars listed on nautical almanac); Formalhaut is one of them. Then I found articles about the difference between the split window and the whole window. Too late for me to even experiment. Anyway there is a split window/glass kit under MK15 if one wants to convert over. I wish the LED on Mk25 is red light that'll be really nice to use besides my red light headlamp.
Split mirror is what the mk 3 has. Yes it takes getting used to but it's DEPENDABLE. I've heard this problem with the 25 before. Traditional split mirror is for me
I had a bad experience with DAVIS. I bought a new M15 sextant (on eBay) and the lens came loose from the 3X telescope. There was no way to fix it. I sent an email to Davis, including photos, and got no response. I sent it again and was told that customer service would respond. The answer came after I insisted, once again, and was "we don't have stock of this part. I asked for more information and no answer. They totally ignored me. So, a serious company is one that cares about the customer and this was not the Davis case with me.
I agree completely...they stiff-armed me for two or three phone calls until I finally demanded to speak to someone. I have heard they are wanting out of the sextant business.....okay...
not totally surprised. Sextants are headed in the same direction as slide rules and I think they have little stock of parts now and they don't intend to have more manufactured. Erks me because my second hand Mk15 has only the standard, non magnifying viewer
They're basic, and work. My biggest complaint is that the box is too small, you have to move the arm to fit it in the box. The 15 is great for a beginner.
It's well known: the full-view mirror (beam converger) makes easy sightings easier and hard sightings harder. The full-view mirror is made for amateurs who use their sextant from time to time and on the sun, while the splitted mirror is better for frequent users who want to aim at all celestial bodies.
Sure…works great for that…with or without using the little telescope. Now that being said, the beam convergence mirror on the mark 25 is nice too, and for a beginner perhaps a bit easier.
When I set the swing arm on a sight (for degrees) and before moving to the micrometer drum I always tug on the swing arm to make sure the gear is set in the teeth on the arc. Generally seems to work.
