Optimus 1551 500 CP

Here is my nearly new Optimus 1551 with steel font, probably made in China.

I expected the lamp beeing from lower quality, she seems to be not so bad, but not as good manufactured as the earlyer Optimus models.

Does any one know from when on, the lamps were produced in China ?

 

I believe these started in the early 90s. It is not mentioned in a 1989 catalogue I have.

I have one of these in fairly rusty condition that I lit for the first time earlier this year. After the usual change of seals and general once over, it worked like a charm. I usued alcohol to light it though so can't comment on the quick lighter. It certainly deserves the 500cp tag. Much brighter than other 300cp lanterns. Whether it's a 'real' 500cp or not is unknown.

 

thank you, nils

 

I bought one of these lanterns recently in a fairly well preserved condition, and i agree, it deserve the 500CP tag.

 

I have bought many Petromax 500CP mantles for this lantern that have worked just fine. Now I'm wondering if I could use a lower CP if I change to equivalent nozzle and jet.

As I have posted in Optimus 1200 section, I like the warmer, not so intense light.

Any ideas regarding this?

Regards

 

Here is a picture with the 1551 to the left and a 200 to the right. Notice the difference in brightness.

 

Sure made to look like an Anchor. Anyway, Anchor lanterns are decently well made and usually work well.

@Matti Kucer ,
You should be able to reduce some light output by replacing the jet, mantle and pricker needle.with smaller ones. Maybe some air gap adjustments to suit.

 

On My 1550 I have replaced the nozzle and needle to a 350 and the mantle to a 350.

See picture

 

Nice work. Was the output reduced anyway?

 

I agree, they are a bit too bright and I would assume you could re-jet however, the nozzle and cup are larger as well as the jet..

Martin

 

In my opinion it was reduced.

 

To my knowledge the nipple/jet and the needle are the only things that differs between a 350CP and a 500CP lantern.

Also to what I know the 1551 used parts from Anchor (Shanghai Pressure Lantern Company), so the tank, cage and the top are in steel.

Be cautious of rusting when used outside.

Michael

 

@Nils Stephenson sorry for the thread revival but my dad bought a used one from a car boot sale in 1985/86. We used it for night fishing and power cuts and not a bad bit of kit at all however in my mind the Petromax HK 500 seems better quality.