Re: [APML] CCD on APML (was: NGC 7331)

["westergren" <westergren@netzero.net>]

To All,

I'm a film guy, but I'm like a lot of APML's who long for the day I can
afford an ST-10 or whatever replaces it then.  I completely agree with Steve
Holak's comments below.  Let me add that I think our name says it all:
"Astro Photography Mailing List".  It doesn't say "Film APML".

My vote is to include CCD  discussions that add to the art and soul of
astrophotography.  A certain amount of technique and technology are
certainly appropriate, especially where it is applicable to all
astrophotography.  I'm not sure how best to state it, but I think digital
image processing techniques and examples of our finished or challenging
images are to be welcomed.  I think that discussions of CCD specific
techniques are better left to the CCD sites.

My 2 cents (or sense).
Don


>From: <Steve.Holak@bcitpa.com>
>
> Personally, I subscribe to this list:
>
> 1.) To learn the art of AP from the individuals here who expose their
> experience to the film discussion group I have no qualms with CCD--I
cannot
> afford the equipment right now--and in any case, I believe that many would
> agree (but please don't start another thread on this) that there is great
> benefit to learning the basics with the demanding but much less expensive
> film format--plus starting with piggyback photography is not feasible with
> CCD, but a great place to start before moving to the demanding prime
focus.
> Had I jumped into ANY medium of prime focus AP first without leveraging
> this list, I would probably have given up AP altogether.  Instead, I'm
> starting to produce some satisfactory images, and have enjoyed and stayed
> with the hobby.
>
> In any case, if one goes through the film AP "apprenticeship", so to
speak,
> and decides that AP isn't for him, then you're not out there hocking back
> your expensive CCD camera.
>
> **The bottom line is, this list is a great place to start, and to learn
> film, and to continue to learn through one's AP career.  It's
> astrophotography, it's affordable, and you never completely master it.
> Whether or not you decide to explore other mediums, its relevance never
> goes away.
>
> 2.) To enjoy the AP images posted here.  I don't care what the medium is;
I
> just enjoy the images.  I challenge anyone to disagree with the statement
> that *every* image posted, regardless of the medium, has value, and
> benefits the experience and knowledge of every individual on this list,
and
> contributes to their appreciation of AP.
>
> 3.) To learn image processing techniques.  It's been stated her many times
> that, after the scan, there is no practical difference in the process of
> bringing out the details of an image.
>
> The list still provides me with all the reasons I subscribed in the first
> place, and one day I may well be able to afford and experiment with
another
> medium.  I do not mind the CCD-centric discussions; what I do mind is the
> noise that gets generated when the film-vs-CCD debate surfaces.
>
> The nature of this list may change or evolve, or it may not.  In any case,
> can we just agree to maximize the benefits to all subscribers by posting
> and critiquing images, and follow our off-line practice of striving to
> improve signal-to-noise?
>
>
> Steve Holak


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