The first stove I bought was an 8R. Still have it plus a few others. Several years ago, wanting a better look at some of the 8R copies, I picked up a couple of those as well. Thought I put some of them together for a few pics. First a group shot, 5 Swedes on the left and 5 copies on the right. Just the Swedes, the repainted one in the lower left was my original stove, it has been repainted twice, gone though a few caps, and I burned out the pot supports -- it works fine however. Swedes again. The clean one w/box was a Craigslist find and it came with a pump/cap. Now the other guys. Left to right is an unbranded stove, a Pack Cook V, Sunmart (I think), the Russian, and the Phoenix Precise version. This unbranded one is the only one I have that comes with the wind screen which seems like a nice addition. The case is noticeably lighter and thinner than the others however. Also, as shown in the next pic, the spout is mounted such that it is vertical, a nice modification. Finally, it has a detachable cover -- not such a good idea in my opinion, but different. The Pack Cook V seems like a pretty boring copy. This one has a nice label but, nothing too different inside. I would judge this one to be the worst fit and finish of the bunch -- but I only have one example so that observation may not mean anything. Inside of the Sunmart thunder. The Russian of course. Comes with a hot-pink funnel and spare graphite packing. The Phoenix Precise version is the best of the copies in my opinion. This one is unfired but I have another that works very well indeed. I like the offset fuel spout and shortened control shaft. Note that the knob has "Shinabro" on the plastic with a Precise sticker. If this stove was made in Korea, that may explain the quality.
i have the one with the wind screen and it works good.if the removable cover was good enough for a cooking pot,is it??,that would make the stove a great user.
Hi Dave, I remember seeing pictures of you putting your stove to good use. I fired this one up but never really used it but that one time. I suppose you could use the cover for scooping or holding water or even as a plate/bowl, but using it to heat water would probably alter the painted finish a tad.
Heck of a line-up Itchy! From my Shinabro kero-burning stove I recognise the Shinabro-pattern safety release valve on the one with sticker over the 'Shinabro' marked control knob. I guess the number of 8R clones around is convincing proof that the Optimus hit on a winning formula - imitation being the sincerest form of flattery and all that. John
I also have the detachable lid one, it does run but I never use it. It's in the 'might do it up for a present' heap. Never noticed the upward filler cap, must have a look to see if mine is the same. Not sure I'd want to use the lid for a billy, it's painted on both sides.
Love the 8R's and their offspring! I see 13 stoves in that line-up. Very unlucky! I think you should add some to change that.
Don't worry, there will be more. 8R's multiply like rabbits! I started with one, and now there are 4. Yonadav
Oops, hadn't noticed that. There are a few duplicates on the shelf that did not make it to the photo shoot, hope that will suffice.
Great to see your Pack Cook. I just got one at a garage sale (for 2 bits), but it is missing the filler cap. I wonder if you could tell me if an 8R cap will fit it. Thanks.
Aah ha, thanks Alec. Now I see it. Five years is slightly past the edit window, so my error is permanent.
Excellent collection. Thanks for sharing, the 8R is a timeless Classic. I think we should all sign a petition and send it into the company to start the production line on these little beauties. Right beside the 123R I would probably buy two...yep two for sure.
Hi Itchy, Thank you (5 yrs later) for this excellent reference. Your knowledge of the 8R and it's various copies is impressive to say the least. Another recent post lead me, once again, to check with this as a reference. I think I can add to content, re your "This unbranded one..." above: The *likenesses, for me, identifies it as Taiwan made, packaged for and sold by "World Famous" of Canada, for them it is their MI NI-STOVE. *2-tone detachable lid, windscreen, tank lid. "I think" the stove image on the box shows us an original "key" for that example on the box (vs a knob). thx omc PS re your "The Russian of course" yes, yes (and it's 1 you've helped me with). Here are some search tags: PT-1 , Prymus Turystyczny , Turistskiy , Primus Touristy
Just got another Optimus 8R in the mail yesterday. Came from Canada. Looks to have burned Kero. The pic is before fussing over it. Fired it up with Coleman WG. Nothing needed but a shine job. Vance
@Vance R Austin You said that you'd picked up "another Optimus 8R"... Be very careful! These little things breed when you're not looking. I know this from experience: two more just appeared in my shed! And they are also capable of hybridising with clones. Tony
