Meade ETX-90 PHOTOGRAPHY

I just got the #64 adapter for my Meade ETX-90 (Non Goto early version) and
attached my Fuji S1 digital camera to the scope. My problem is this:
VIBRATION. Even at high shutter speeds the images show motion blur. I'm
using the deluxe Meade tripod for the scope, but the fork mount doesn't seem
to be sturdy enough to dampen the mirror slap from the Fuji S1.

Any suggestions to get good lunar shots with this set-up?

I love the scope by the way... I've had it for several months now and it is
a great performer.

--
Thom Tapp
Church of the Covered Dish
http://www.cotcd.com

On Mon, 23 Aug 2004 10:08:19 -0400, "Thom Tapp"
wrote:

I just got the #64 adapter for my Meade ETX-90 (Non Goto early version) and
attached my Fuji S1 digital camera to the scope. My problem is this:
VIBRATION. Even at high shutter speeds the images show motion blur. I'm
using the deluxe Meade tripod for the scope, but the fork mount doesn't seem
to be sturdy enough to dampen the mirror slap from the Fuji S1.

Any suggestions to get good lunar shots with this set-up?

I love the scope by the way... I've had it for several months now and it is
a great performer.

What I have read is that using a remote-shutter control for any
photography is advisable. This reduces vibration because you're not
actually touching the camera to hit the shutter.

I do not know if you're already actually doing this. Also, some
cameras (like most lower-end ones) don't even have this option. I know
mine does not.


---Atreju---

I tried using the delay timer to trip the shutter, and THAT was too much
vibration! Ten second delay from pressing the shutter release button. I
guess I'll have to use the ole' hat trick! Shucks!
--
Thom Tapp
Church of the Covered Dish
http://www.cotcd.com
"Thom Tapp" wrote in message
news
I just got the #64 adapter for my Meade ETX-90 (Non Goto early version)
and
attached my Fuji S1 digital camera to the scope. My problem is this:
VIBRATION. Even at high shutter speeds the images show motion blur. I'm
using the deluxe Meade tripod for the scope, but the fork mount doesn't
seem
to be sturdy enough to dampen the mirror slap from the Fuji S1.

Any suggestions to get good lunar shots with this set-up?

I love the scope by the way... I've had it for several months now and it
is
a great performer.

--
Thom Tapp
Church of the Covered Dish
http://www.cotcd.com

On Mon, 23 Aug 2004 18:44:27 -0400, "Thom Tapp"
wrote:

I tried using the delay timer to trip the shutter, and THAT was too much
vibration! Ten second delay from pressing the shutter release button. I
guess I'll have to use the ole' hat trick! Shucks!


See my other post. Does your camera allow you to connect a remote
shutter-control? It is basically a button that attaches by wire to the
camera. This way you're not even touching the camera when you trigger
the shutter.


---Atreju---

If your experience is like mine, you have
vibration from slop in the ALT axis. You
can test it by locking the scope and gently
nudging it up and down.

A tactic that improves matters is winding
some Teflon plumbing tape into the joint.
I found the suggestion on Weasner's
rightfully respected site:

http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html


I agree with you, BTW. The forks are
terrible.

-Larry Curcio


"Thom Tapp" wrote in message
news
I just got the #64 adapter for my Meade ETX-90 (Non Goto early version)
and
attached my Fuji S1 digital camera to the scope. My problem is this:
VIBRATION. Even at high shutter speeds the images show motion blur. I'm
using the deluxe Meade tripod for the scope, but the fork mount doesn't
seem
to be sturdy enough to dampen the mirror slap from the Fuji S1.

Any suggestions to get good lunar shots with this set-up?

I love the scope by the way... I've had it for several months now and it
is
a great performer.

--
Thom Tapp
Church of the Covered Dish
http://www.cotcd.com

In addition to winding teflon tape into the
ALT truncheon and using a time delay, you
might try the old mouse pad trick.

Buy an inexpensive mouse pad of standard
thickness. Cut it into four rectangles. Put
one under each tripod leg, and keep the extra
for a spare.

The practice lessens vibrations noticeably if
your tripod is set on a hard surface (like
cement) or on a wooden deck, which has
vibrations all its own. It is less helpfule for
tripods set on the actual earthen ground - but
then it is less needed.

Never tried the $50.00 rubber anti-vibration
feet you can buy. This version costs $3.00.

-Larry Curcio