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Old October 6th 03, 03:54 PM
Beta Persei
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Default Question about Zenit 312m Camera / Tasco Galaxsee Telescope


"David" ha scritto nel messaggio
...
I'd like to buy a camera for use with my Tasco Galaxsee 280 Power

(46-076280
D=76mm F=700mm) Telescope.
I bought a book a while ago called "Astro-Photography" by H.J.P. Arnold

and
I found a camera in it called a Zenit 312, which when I found on a website
is about £110


Well, 110 GBP for an astro-camera looks like not so cheap.. There are some
*mandatory* requirements for a camera to be used in astrophotography as, in
order of importance:
1) a mechanical shutter, to avoid either battery slaughters and led light
from internal light meter ruining your photos;
2) "B" or "T" exposure times;
3) the possibility to lift the mirror before to open the shutter, to avoid
vibrations.
Many "old" cameras bear these feautures, and it is very easy to find them
second-hand. Among the various brands and names I may suggest the
Olympus-OM1, Pentax K-1000, Yashica FX-3 super. I have a Fujica STX-1N (no
lifting mirror, this model) and a Yashica FX3 super 2000 which I bought for
less than 70 euros each, lens included. I used them either for piggy-back
and prime focus photography and I am satisfied with them.
For prime focus photos you need also a T2-ring, to couple the camera to the
scope, while for eyepiece projection it is necessary to use a telextender
too.
Surf the net for "astrophotography" and you'll find thousands of sites
dealing with it.
Good luck,

--
Beta Persei
45° 35' N
08° 51' E