There have been some great images of M42 on here recently, so I hesitated to post my first serious attempt (having made a reasonable stab with camera, 300mm lens and Vixen Polarie some time ago).
After much playing with DSS and Digital Photo Professional I got this final image.
I've tried to keep my kit relatively cheap (I live in Yorkshire) and simple (still prefer vinyl to CD).
Obviously a lot to learn about focusing and exposure. Many thanks to all at SGL who posted encouragement and advice.
Celestron 9.25 SCT, Advanced VX EQ mount, Baader crayford focuser, Celestron star diagonal + illuminated reticle eyepiece.
Red dot finder + 9x50 RACI illuminated reticle finderscope (belt and braces!)
Celestron focal reducer, Prime focus T adapter, eyepiece projection Celestron tele-extender with Altair 20mm wide view eyepiece.
Canon EOS 550D DSLR (modified), Kolari Vision Hot Mirror colour correcting filter, moon and sky glow filter.
Canon 18-55mm lens, Sigma 70-300mm lens
Kendrick DigiFire8 dew controller, Kendrick dew strips, Dew shield, Bahtinov mask.
A sense of wonder