Re: [APML] M8....

["Kevin Wigell" <kwemail@twcny.rr.com>]

Hi Don, well here's an interesting comparison, as I did the same subject with my 10" LX200 just a few weeks ago, with the same film as you. The difference in colors between our images is striking - IIRC I didn't adjust the colors much. Perhaps your IDAS filter also affected the colors in your image. Anyway, here's my image:

http://www.kwastronomy.com/M8_MVAS.htm

Obviously my field is a bit wider than yours, using a shorter FL instrument.

As far as focusing is concerned, I use the Hutech KEF. Yes, it can be a pain using a KEF on a fork-mounted scope, especially when the subject is up high. I bought a right-angle adapter for the Hutech KEF, but I haven't been able to get it to work properly. The best solution I've found is to use an adjustable-height observing chair, so that you can put the seat down very low (sometimes almost touching the ground), which puts you at a better position for looking up into the KEF. It still does require some strange neck angles, but it's better than some other twisted positions I've been in.

I like your image very much. I agree with others that the focus can't get much better with an SCT.

Kevin Wigell
www.kwastronomy.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Don Spencer" <ecdon@cox.net>
To: "Discussion of Film Astrophotography" <astro-photo@seds.org>
Sent: Monday, August 04, 2003 01:43
Subject: [APML] M8....


> Hi All,
>             Well, I finally convinced myself that it was time to start
> shooting through my 12" LX200. I made one attempt back in June, but it was a
> feable one. Last night was the first time in about a month that the
> monsoonal flow stayed away from Southern California, so I set up in my
> driveway and gave it a go.
> http://members.cox.net/ecdon/M8.html
> 
> My first hurdle was the guiding. I'm using the GEG and finding a star in the
> pickoff tube is a real chore until you get use to it. That, and focusing the
> ST-4. I managed to achieve both and have now become comfortable with the
> guiding. Refinement will be the next process. That being said, getting the
> camera focused on a fork mount is a real pain in the...well, you know. I
> know how to knife edge and have been given an adapter to use (once
> calibrated to the camera) once film has been loaded, but the big problems I
> am finding are:
> Getting knife edging down. I know how to do it, but am still a basic rookie
> at it.
> Getting the adapter calibrated correctly. Same reasons I stated above.
> Lastly, focusing when the scope when it is not in a convienent position,
> which seems to be about 60% of the time.
> If anyone on the list had used or is using a fork mounted scope, any hints,
> tricks, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I hope to change my
> imaging setup in the next year or so, but until then, I'm stuck with what I
> have...lol
> Thanks,
> Don Spencer


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