Photography using a 35mm camera requires
the addition of the optional #62 T–Adapter. See
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, Page 52. With the #62
T-Adapter and a T-mount attached to the telescope,
through-the-telescope photography is possible with
any 35mm camera body with a removable lens. In this
way, the telescope effectively becomes the lens of
the camera.
The #62 T-Adapter threads on to the photo port,
followed by a T-Mount for the particular brand of 35mm
camera being used, followed by the camera body.
To orient an object in the viewfi nder of the 35mm
camera body, use a small jeweler’s screwdriver to
slightly loosen three adjustment screws around the
outer knurled ring of the T-Mount. Rotate the camera
body to achieve proper orientation of the object, then
re-tighten the adjustment screws.
The #62 T–Adapter permits close-coupling of a
camera body to the telescope. In this format vignetting
occurs: the photographic image appears on fi lm with
a slight darkening (vignetting) at the corners of the
35mm frame.
Photography through a long lens such as the LX80
requires special technique for good results, and the
photographer should probably expect to waste a roll
or two of fi lm in acquiring this technique. Long-lens
photography has its own rewards, however, rewards
that short-focus lenses cannot duplicate.
A few tips on photography with the LX80:
1. Use the Field Tripod for the telescope. At an
effective focal length of 2000mm, even small
external vibrations can easily ruin an otherwise
good photo.
2. Use a cable-operated shutter release. Touching the
camera body to initiate shutter operation almost
certainly introduces undesirable vibrations.
3. Focus the image with extreme care. While observing
the subject through the camera’s refl ex viewfi nder,
turn the telescope’s focus knob to achieve the
sharpest possible focus. Note that some 35mm
cameras may have an optional focusing screen
(available from the manufacturer) for use with
a long telephoto lens. This screen provides
a brighter and clearer image to focus, and is
highly recommended.
4. Correct shutter speeds vary widely, depending on
lighting conditions and fi lm used. Trial-and-error is
the best way to determine proper shutter speed in
any given application.
NOTE: The camera used with your telescope may
have an exposure meter that is still active when
the standard lens is removed and the body is
connected to the telescope with the T–Mount. If
used for terrestrial photography, the camera meter
should be acceptable. If used for astrophotography,
the meter probably will not provide good results
since camera meters are not made to compensate
for a dark sky.
5. Terrestrial photography through the LX80 is sensitive
to heat waves rising from the Earth’s surface. Long
distance photography is best accomplished in the
early morning hours before the earth has had time
to build up heat.
6. Photography of the Moon and planets through the
LX80 can be especially gratifying, but points 1
through 4 should be particularly noted in this case.
Lunar or planetary photography requires that the
telescope be polar aligned. See APPENDIX B,
Page 61.
Photography with a Digital Camera
Digital cameras provide some signifi cant advantages
to the casual astrophotographer: You do not have to
develop the images (instant images), lower costs,
computer and internet readiness. And because
unwanted photos are easily discarded, they provide
the freedom to experiment.
Digital cameras present some problems for the
astrophotographer: Many models have lenses that
cannot be removed, diffi culties in attaching to a
telescope, possible vignetting, lack manual focusing
and shorter exposure times.
Some tips for better digital photos:
• If you cannot remove the lens to your camera, look
for a commercially available digital T-adapter. New
solutions for attaching a digital camera to a telescope
PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE LX80
AudioStar #497 HANDBOX
Photography with the LX80
50
