Esprit 80 Flattener M48 Adapter Alternative

[JohnC64]

Hi All,

I am looking to upgrade  my camera to a CCD and was calculating the back focus required off the back of the Flattener for my Esprit 80.  Like others are finding, the problem of fitting everything in the 54.9mm is proving tricky.  I don't have a machining facility so was looking to see if i could find ready made alternative adapters to ease the back focus issue.  

The  M65 to M48 adapter that comes with the flattener adds about 5mm to the back focus, and is 11.1mm thick.  Looking at this adapter, http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p5249_TS-Adapter-65mm-to-M48-for-Baader-Steeltrack-65mm-thread.html

it looks a lot thinner, so i think i may be able to shave about 4mm back focus off the standard adapter.  I can then add a M48 to T2 adapter http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p3504_TS-Adaptor-from-M48--2--filter-thread--to-T2---low-profile.html to get back into the realms of 42mm where things become a lot easier to get accurate distances with use of delrin spacers like these http://www.firstlightoptics.com/adaptors/baader-t2-delrin-spacer-ring-set.html

I think i might be able to get an extra ~3mm of back focus which will be enough for my needs but am i barking up the wrong tree here?

Cheers John

[Gina]

FLO will be selling a their own version of adapter to work initially with the Atik 460EX and EFW2 filter wheel and later for other cameras etc.

As you know, I will be making an adjustable adapter once I get the mini lathe I have on order and after a bit of practice.

[JohnC64]

Cheers Gina,

Yes I will probably wait now and see what FLO can produce and see if I can use that one.  

Ta John

[ollypenrice]

FLO have a connection with a guy who'll make custom parts. You could get something made which went straight onto the back of the flattener and ended at the right distance for the filterwheel. By eliminating intermediary bits could could gain millimetres. There is also Precise Parts in the US who make things like this but the UK would be cheaper.

Olly