Hello all. I got in contact with these fantastic pressure lamps 15 years ago when the Swedish army sold out many of their classic lamps. I manage to get hold on one brand new Radius 119 and a couple of new Optimus 200P in brass version. The 200P’s have served as show cases but the Radius has been an excellent companion during many summer nights. However my family always considered the Radius too bright and I start to look for alternatives. I already had an Optimus 930 that didn’t run well and decided to spend some efforts to bring it up in good condition. I manage to do this and also purchased another 930. Hmmm… still not okay. Yes the 930 isn’t as bright as the Radius but the proposition of the lamp isn’t balanced, too big lighthouse compare with the rest and the family still dazzled. Finally Petromax’s smallest top reflectors made it, fits perfect to a 930. Family is happy, nice and warm light round our outdoor table and no one dazzled. End of story…not…who need show cases? I sold my pair of 200P and have bought an old Radius 119 a Primus 1020 an Optimus 200 and a Radius 101, all waiting for restoration. My intention is to keep the 101, replace the army version of the 119 I have with the old one and the others may go away after overhaul. I know the basics about these lamps but will for sure need your advice with the tricky parts of the work. I hope you are patient, I have a family, a house, a huge amount of work in my profession and unfortunately pressure lamps get low priority. I will not be a frequent contributor but I hope when I do I will contribute with good spirit, questions and discussions.
Welcome to the forum, your 930 looks similar to mine, I also fitted a small 150cp Petromax reflector on it. I'm sure you'll get good advice here if ever needed during your projects. Everybody is keen on photos here in the forum, so post a lot of them as you progress with your restorations
Welcome! Be glad that you come from a place with many beautiful lamps and lanterns! Enjoy the read, and share when you can.
I find pressure lamps in general to be too bright at eye level without a shade, my solution is to raise them above eye level... On this occasion I only had one lamp normally there would be another to the left of the picture which privides more than enough light...
