Re: [APML]: FS: Kodak Aero Ektar 12" f/2.5 Astrograph

[u32fe@lepvax.gsfc.nasa.gov (FRED ESPENAK)]

Dear Patrick -

The astrograph probably weighs 10-12 pounds. I would guess that UPS
shipping might be $20, but that's just a rough estimate.

Price $400 plus shipping.


Here are more details:

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For Sale:

Kodak Aero Ektar 12"  f/2.5 Astrograph (fl=308mm; ap=123mm) w/custom cell,
tube assembly and Jaegers 2" rack & pinion focuser for visual or
photographic use.  Includes custom camera adapter for Nikon mount and
visual adapter for eyepieces.

Think of it as a poor man's substitute for a Nikon 300mm f/2.8 lens at a
tenth the price! However, this lens is not an Achromat. It MUST be used
with a yellow or red filter and b&w film. I used it in the late 1980's with
a 5 inch gelatin Wratten #25 that I just taped to the front of the lens. A
Wratten 29 (deep red) or a Lumicon H-Alpha would work even better. However,
the astrograph has no elegant way of mounting small filters. Still, you
could improvise by taping a 48mm filter to the inside of the camera adapter
with some masking tape. If you are friendly with a machinist, the camera
adapter would be modified to hold filters more elegantly.

For two sample images taken with this lens, see:

http://planets.gsfc.nasa.gov/Astro/NorAmNeb.GIF
http://planets.gsfc.nasa.gov/Astro/GammaCyg.GIF

The first photo is of the North American and Pelican Nebulas.
The second shot is of the nebulosity around Gamma Cygnii.

Both photos are 45 minute exposures on Kodak 103aE with a Kodak Wratten 25
red filter. The system would work great with hypered Kodak Tech Pan and a
Wratten 29 or Lumicon H-Alpha filter. Edge distortions are not a problem
with this lens. This lens was originally designed to shoot aerial
photography on 9 by 9 inch roll film. Shooting 35mm is really
underutilizing this lens. Someone with machinist access should modify it
for 4x5 or 5x7 sheet film for wide field astrograph!

Price $400 plus shipping.

Also, 6 inch custom mounting rings to mount the Astrograph on your
equatorial mount: $70.
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Fred Espenak


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Name:    Fred Espenak                   Planetary Systems Branch, Code 693
e-mail:  u32fe@lepvax.gsfc.nasa.gov     NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
Voice:   301-286-5333                   Greenbelt, MD 20771
FAX:     301-286-0212                   USA

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