Anyone know how to..........

[EA2007]

2 questions:

1) Know where I can obtain a cheap low profile crayford focuser (cheap means cheap i.e. <£50 if possible)

or solve the following problem

2) Make a dSLR focus (prime focus method) using a Celestron 8" Starhopper Newtonian reflector scope. For some reason I can't achieve focus, I can get close but this requires de-assembling the focuser and removing all the rings etc until all I am left with is the black core unit. Unless I get a low profile (i.e. closer to the tube) focuser then I can't see how I can overcome the problem.

Someone did mention ages ago that I could raise the level of the primary mirror by using a wooden block, would this work though?

[glennbech]

Do you have an 2" to 1.25" Eeye Piece adapter? It's usually possible to split those in two. You should then be left with a part that can be connected to the T-ring on one side and another side that fits into the focuser. I have the same problem on my Skywatcher Explorer 200. The downside of this approach is that you cannot use filters or a MPCC. Good luck. It's a bit hard to explain bits and bobs in plain text. Just ask if anything is still unclear.

[EA2007]

Sorry for the delay.......the focuser unit does split into two (i.e. goes from 1.25" to 2") but as far as I can tell there is no way that either can be connected to the t-ring. I have some images so I can show you my setup:

This is the focusing unit with my 1.25" eyepiece inserted and at the lowest focal slew:

Here's the focuser with the eyepiece removed:

And with the 1.25" adapter removed, leaving the 2" slot:

And finally, here is an image of where I can actually achieve focus. My finger (oops) denotes the area where focusing is possible, note that I had to remover the black focusing unit from the scope tube to see if this was possible, hence the need for a slimline focuser...or other method!: