Prime Focus stuff.

[thing]

I have a loan of my Dad's Minolta Dynax 7D autofocus and am going to get the adapters to fit to my C8-N. I know zilch about this subject so if anyone could be kind enough to help....

1. What magnification will I get at prime focus?

2. Is it possible to use a DSLR with an eyepiece to alter the magnification and if so what adapters do I need?

3. i have a Nikon Coolpix 5300, I notice you can get adapters for these for 20 odd quid from David Hinds, are these cameras any good for imaging?

Thanks in advance fo any replies.

[barkis]

Hi. Thing.

Your dad's DSLR Camera is fine for astrophotography. You would be better using it in prime focus configuration, so you would need a T Mount for that particular model. I am assuming the camera lens is removable, so be careful when you do so. It is your dads after all.

You would also need a nosepiece to attach to the T Mount also, that will enable you to attach the camera to your scope.

Your telescope then becomes a huge lens for the camera.

As for the Nikon Coolpix, I see no reason why it cannot be attached by a bracket to the scope, and carefully lining it's lens up with the eyepiece in your scope. Make sure the lens zoom is not going to collide with the eyepiece. I would use it in non zoom mode until you get familiar with its use. A few guys on SGL manage to get great pics just by hand held cameras to the eyepiece. This will only work on the moon.

I believe also, that that model of camera has something called D Technology. That brightens up dark exposures automatically, I am not sure if that would be a drawback when shooting an astro pic.

Good Luck Mate.

Ron.

[thing]

Thanks Ron, I'll be getting myself a nosebag and adaptor then!

[Sam]

Thing, check out Bernie's post http://stargazerslounge.com/index.php/topic,23143.0/topicseen.html it's a couple of links to different brackets that are available.

[thing]

Thing, check out Bernie's post http://stargazerslounge.com/index.php/topic,23143.0/topicseen.html it's a couple of links to different brackets that are available.

Just ordered the stuff for the Minolta but ta anyway.