EOS 40D Filter Replacement with Baader BCF

[badgers]

Dear DIY Astronomers,

I've decided to bite the bullet and replace my Canon filter with a Baader BCF to preserve autofocus.

I'm armed with lot of information, videos and advice.

I was wondering if anyone had any final tips.

The things I'm most worried about are:

* Tearing ribbon cables as happened in Gina's case

* Breaking the first low-pass filter

* Desoldering and Resoldering as it's required for the 40D.

* Dust trapped between any of the glass/sensor

Any other advice before I start greatly appreciated.

Stuff I've got ready for the mod:

Various screwdrivers of different sizes

Magnifying glass

Desoldering braid + soldering iron

Servisol silicone adhesive

Dust blower (canned air)

Lint free pads

Tweezers

Scalpel

[badgers]

Zoltan at 365 Astronomy has shipped my Filter today....

I'm both nervous and excited by the surgery thats going to happen to my 40D tomorrow.......

[astroandy101]

Take your time with the ribbon cables but don't panic about them, when I did my camera I found that the very small connector with the 2 small wires was the most awkward to remove, The soldering is pretty straight forward as heat is only applied for a second when removing an refitting just watch the ribbon cable under the top right near the viewfinder is pushed down with a cocktail stick out of the way.

[badgers]

Was it two points to desolder/resolder andy ? or just one ?

[badgers]

Ok, I'm down to the filter assembly now.

Going to cover everything up and come back tomorrow with steadier hands.

The desoldering was nasty.

My main worry now is getting all those tiny ribbon cables back in place!

[astroandy101]

If i remember correctly it was 2 points, i placed a cocktail strick under the heatshield at the solder points to hold down the ribbons and give a little upward pressure then as soon as you add the heat to the solder it just lifts up.

[badgers]

WOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

It's done!

No issues on the reassembly

Test Shot after Baader BCF Filter installation - Auto Focus

Test Shot with Custom WB after BCF Installation Auto Focus

I'm a very happy badger now.... Might get an indian takeaway to celebrate : )

[badgers]

And thanks for the advice Andy,

And also for any other Eos 40D people this was the best guide I found:

http://www.ekempen.com/index.php?option=com_g2bridge&view=gallery&Itemid=97&g2_itemId=2205

This was semi-useful too for some parts:

IR-Photo.net | Infrared Photography

Total cost of mod:

£43 for filter (365 astronomy)

+ £10 for various bits and bobs (silicone adhesive)

[astroandy101]

Gives you a real buzz when you switch on and everything works.

Well done, Now you've got to put it to good use.

[Viv]

Well done !!

Braver than me ......

[badgers]

Brave no.... I was pooping myself at times..

The worst moments were an accidental slip of the soldering iron to the ribbon cable beneath.

Canon are very smart though, they had attached a tiny amount of yellow tape over the ribbon cable that protected it.

The other nasty bit was some silicone residue got on the baader filter so I had to very carefully clean it.

Dust was no bother at all, the canned air was great for that.

I'm actually impressed at how well put together they are internally, amazing engineering to get it all to fit together.

[badgers]

Well done, Now you've got to put it to good use.

Strangely enough, I have a HEQ5 Pro arriving tomorrow : )

But clouds are looking none-too promising.