Re: [APML]: Nikon F

["Bobby Middleton" <bobbym@unicomp.net>]

The Astro-Photography Mailing List
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> From: PlowPlane@aol.com

I recently purchased a Nikon F with a 135mm Nikon
> lense for possible use in beginning astrophotography.  My question is
> basically this...is this a good beginning camera for my budding interests
in
> astrophotography 

Very good choice. You have gotten a camera which will allow you
to do all the important stuff in regards to focus. Namely, removing the
light-robbing view-finder prism and rigging some sort of way to get a
right-angle finder
for direct focus screen viewing. The stock DW-2? (I think is the number) is
rare and expensive
but can be found. I (and several others on the list) have rigged their own.
Mine is made 
with a peak 8X loupe ($sixty-something; Edmunds).
To get precis focus you can then place a 12mm-20mm eyepiece directly
on the screen to view a star to focus with.

The camera also has manual B setting (no battery drain), mirror lock-up,
and
interchangable focus screens.

The only bad point of the camera is its age and shortage of parts.      

Bobby Middleton

astropics at: http://home.unicomp.net/~bobbym/astro1.htm