I am so excited to have found this forum on the web for my Optimus 930 pressure lantern! Cleaning out my attic today, I unwrapped my beloved Optimus 930. I purchased this lantern new in 1973 while living aboard my 30 foot Rhodes sailboat. I was young and reckless, but I knew quality when I saw this lantern. I loved the light and heat it threw and the faint hiss was a comfort when sailing alone along the Maine coast. Now 49 years later (with my wife of 47 years) we will take this lantern on our overland journey across the US in our 32 foot Winnebago – “Risky Venture”. What a pleasure to see pictures of all these Optimus lamps in this forum. Many thinks to those who have made this forum possible. Next steps – clean it up, make a new shade and purchase a new glass. Then fire it up. I am so excited.
Hi there! The glass can be replaced with one from some to me unknown Coleman lantern. Someone in the US might be able to help with wich model uses the same size. The original Optimus glass is hard to find nowdays. Regards from Sweden, the Optimus birthplace country
Old Coleman Parts have the Optimus globe Old Coleman Parts > Globes > 200A Optimus Globe - G121 but the globe for Coleman models 200-200A-200B will fit and is probably available at most US based Coleman suppliers.
Welcome to the forum, the Optimus 930 are a fine lantern, well made and bright, i think you have inspired me to fire mine up that has been sitting for a few years, cheers mate
Thank you all for your replies. Yes it has been almost a half century! This lantern brings back so many profound memories. It is a pleasure to share this with others. How is it possible that a simple lantern can envoke such a bond with others? The needle still moves up and down and the leather on the pumper appears to be in good condition. Can't wait to get the glass. I remember it came with a small plastic canister with a brass spout to deliver the alchol primer. Are these still around? To all, Salud, Dinero y Amor
They are although for a quick and dirty solution "plastic squeezy wash bottles" do the trick I would soak the pump leather in oil while you await your globe. Pumping it up empty and putting it in a bucket of water will show any leaks Buena suerte
Fireexit1, thank you for the info. I'll clean out one of my BBQ sauce squeez bottles. Thanks for the tips about oiling up the leather and leak testing. Henry, Salud, Dinero y Amor
@ROBBO55, @JEFF JOHNSON, @Fireexit1, @Mackburner, @outback boy, @Matti Kucer, @MYN Thank you all so much for the camaraderie and interest in my beloved Optimus 930. I have since replaced the stuck check valve with a new one from Sweeden and a new Coleman globe. The wife made a cool lamp shade. Cant wait to use it on our US overland journey starting June 2025. It burns just a bright as it did 50 years ago.
For those interested in full time RVing - you may follow us at https://www.rvriskyventure.com/ we will be sure to continue posting our adventures with the Optimus 930!
Hi Henry, well done, it sure is running sweet, They are a beautiful well made Lantern and I am sure you will treasure it as I do mine, it will be a talking point with others on your crossland journey, safe travels to you and your wife Henry, Frank
@outback boy - Cheers and thank you for your wishes. I will certainly feature the Optimus 930 in a post on our Risky Venture blog site. In the late 1970s the lantern was my companion on many sailing voyages. Now she will be with us on our overland journey starting June 2024. All the best to you and yours Frank.
