Re: [APML] Another beginner

[Robert Reeves <reeves10@swbell.net>]

> All,
>
> >Firstly, what sort of SLR are you using. You should be able to get some
good
> >results even with a fixed tripod setup.
>
> The first roll of film was taken with a Yashica AF230 SLR and a 35-70mm f4
lens. Varied shots were taken (f numbers + exposure time) and there are a
few that are okay. The second roll was taken with a Olympus OM-1 (borrowed
to see the difference between a low f-stop and my Yashica f4 lens) with a
Zuiko 500 lens at f1.4 with various exposure times. I have read Michael
Covingtons book and he states more than once that you should not take shots
at less than a certain stop - it was higher than 1.4 and i can't find the
reference now.
>
> It was encouraging to see the 2 images posted by Bob Seabold. My pictures
have a similar look to the unprocessed one and it is remarkable what can be
done to improve them - unfortunately i have not had as good a result when
trying to adjust them - what procedures did you run the picture through Bob?
>
> Many thanks for the comments so far - my next tries will be a variation on
stopping the lens down and using a faster film (i was using 400) as well as
bracketing... i guess as well it's all trial and error.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Lewis.

Greetings Lewis,

Covington's book will certainly steer you in the right direction to improve
on first astrophoto efforts.  I can also offer you a bit of advice.  If you
have Acrobat to read .pdf files, go to
http://www.willbell.com/new/pdfs/WideFieldChapter01.pdf
and read the first chapter of my book Wide-Field Astrophotography.  That
will address the issues you face with initial skyshooting efforts with a 35
mm camera.  It will also demonstrate with illustrations the necessity for
stopping down that f/1.4 lens to get better star images.
Good luck with your astrophotography.
Robert Reeves                      reeves10@swbell.net
520 Rittiman Rd.                   www.robertreeves.com
San Antonio, Texas 78209    210-828-9036
USA                                     29.484  98.440  200 meters


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