Astrographs (Was ATM Demise)

[DROWESMI@aol.com]

Gene Horr wrote:

> Well, I don't know about the better educated part, but the "make
>  one _better_ point struck a nerve.  I joined this list as I was
>  disappointed with the commercially available photographic instrument.
>  This is the type of "better" scope that I was searching for.  
>  Unfortunately I did not find what I was looking for, but stayed
>  on the list anyway as it was overall interesting.  Plus I was
>  able to do my good deed of the day a couple of times by offering
>  what few tidbits of info I had at my disposal.

Gene, I was a complete ATM novice when I joined this list about a year ago.
With the great help of this list, during this past year, I have made a 9.25"
medium format Slevogt camera for astrophotography.  It took a bit of doing but
in the end I achieved excellent performance on-axis (about 15 micron spots)
and very good spot characteristics to the corners of a medium format film
frame, 1.5" off-axis.  So, it can be done, and the people and knowledge exist
on this list to help make it happen.  The next step is up to you.  Start
asking questions if you are so inclined.

Regards,

Dave Rowe
Torrance, CA