Have had these glasses for 20 years 8.5 x 44 HR 5 .....As I have just decided to kick-start an old hobby hav'nt really paid to much attention to the condition of them, however on inspection a few days ago noticed that when operating the focusing wheel one side was getting stuck, on closer inspection it turns out that the bar that connects the two eyepieces has snapped just under the centre of the wheel. 
Any idea if I can get a replacement bar...what sort of cost as there are a few other repairs needed, or should I put them in a display cabinet as a museum piece and invest in some new glasses 
After a good few years out of touch with what to go for ...my fav. are not even made anymore.
Best wishes Jack
You could try posting this in the Swift forum where you may get more help.
[QUOTE=J8KKB]Have had these glasses for 20 years 8.5 x 44 HR 5 .....As I have just decided to kick-start an old hobby hav'nt really paid to much attention to the condition of them, however on inspection a few days ago noticed that when operating the focusing wheel one side was getting stuck, on closer inspection it turns out that the bar that connects the two eyepieces has snapped just under the centre of the wheel.
Any idea if I can get a replacement bar...what sort of cost as there are a few other repairs needed, or should I put them in a display cabinet as a museum piece and invest in some new glasses
After a good few years out of touch with what to go for ...my fav. are not even made anymore.
Best wishes Jack[/QUOTE]
Jack,
Here in the US the best person to send them to would be:
Mr. Nicolas Crista
25 Crescent Place
Hanson, MA 02341
Mr. Crista was the head of Swift repair before they moved from Boston 2-3 yrs ago. I've had several HR/5 Audubons repaired by him and they come back essentially new. The cost is quite modest, and he probably has any parts needed. It's hard to say if the round trip shipping cost would be worth it for you, however. His turn around time is only a week or two.
An option would be just to buy an HR/5 on eBay, but plan on it needing collimation if not cleaning. Is it worth it? Yes, if you really love the HR/5 Audubon, which is still an optical system to beat. The current 820 Audubons are not as exceptional in my opinion.
Hope that helps,
Ed