I've found one here in western Canada and have never seen one before. Are they special in any way? The price they are asking is astronomical, it's not new or anything like that either. Stan
For an economy model they do seem to go for high prices. Mine worked well the first time I used it but afterwards developed black mantle disease. I've another somewhere but can't recall ever lighting it...
This one comes with it's box but it's used. They are asking $400 Cdn for it. Maybe if they moved the decimal point one place I'd consider it. Stan
Here in Sweden you will often see unused 930'ies go for twice that amount or higher. They are very popular.
That is true, Christer However, when finding such a lantern for less somewhere in the world then maybe one should be happy and just take the offer? Personally I do not have a 930 because I cannot or will not pay that much.
A regular 930 will pop up for a decent price if you visit thrift shops, flea markets or farm auctions when driving around the country. It's usually just on the internet and antique stores they go for silly money.
Thank you - good advice! I really should get around to such markets etc. a bit more, practicing my Swedish skills. What is "no no, I will pay only half of that" in Swedish?
I recently found a nice Optimus 200, in good condition other than some rust on the bail for $20 Cdn at a large flea market held to raise money for our S.P.C.A (society for the prevention of cruelty to animals). I didn't haggle or try to lower the price, it's a good cause. Stan btw can the Optimus 200 use mantles available for Coleman style lanterns? I haven't lit it yet, I'm still cleaning it up.
I bought an Optimus 930 years ago and although it's a nice show piece, I have never been impressed with it. I think it's overrated. I had the black mantle problem, too. I finally got that fixed (don't remember what I did to get rid of the problem anymore); anyway, the burner would constantly glow red. Eventually it burned out and I had to hunt for a new one. Found one and the overheating problem went away. It's been ages since I lit it and I don't even know if it still works!
Some models have a misty halo around them for buyers with deep pockets. AIDA 1250 are in the same ball game. But a rarer Hipolito 250cp isn't. Why ? I don't know the quality is the same (same factory).
I would love to find a Hipolito 250 cheaper than an Optimus 930! My 930 also has an issue with the vapouriser glowing red(!) by the mantle. Now this appears to have been an issue for a while (i.e. before I bought it) as the vapouriser itself seems to be bent forwards! I've given it a really good clean - just need to clean the loop of the vapouriser now and I'm hoping that it'll have cured it. I like it as it's really small & cute so the missus like it, however, it really does get very hot in use...
Love my little 930, it's one of my favourite lamps and really punches above it's weight in terms of brightness...
I have a 930. They certainly seem to be a 'budget-build', but they are quite small and have a very appealing shape. I presume that makes them attractive for the buyers. Mine worked well until I took it to David's house one 'Burns' Night'. First the NRV went and when fixed it suddenly developed black mantle disease. I blame David!
I paid good money for mine its quite pretty and fairly well made,but I wasn't overly impressed with it as a user it will probably go to make room for something else in time,shame I had always fancied one until I got one then disappointment,life can be like that!
I think they are possibly the best lantern Optimus made. With a clean generator and other bits fettled they work very well and for their size perhaps better than most. ::Neil::
I've just had BMD on mine after a thorough vapouriser clean & new (from Basecamp) mantle. It's the correct mantle & it's fitted with a 250cp jet. I've gone to a coleman mantle a Peerless 2C-HG and I've re-done the air gap using the petromax spanner as the "measurer". I now have no BMD and it's working very well. Nice & quiet and no cherry red golw on the vapouriser either (which it had before...)!
