Photography with the nexstar, Attaching a camera to the nexstar – Celestron NexStar 6 SE User Manual
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Photography with the NexStar
After looking at the night sky for a while you may want to try photographing it. In addition to the specific accessories required for celestial
photography, there is the need for a camera - but not just any camera. The camera does not have to have many of the features offered on
today's state-of-the-art equipment. For example, you don't need auto focus capability or mirror lock up. Here are the mandatory features a
camera needs for celestial photography. First, a “B” setting which allows for time exposures. This excludes point and shoot cameras and
limits the selection to SLR cameras, the most common type of 35mm camera on the market today.
Second, the “B” or manual setting should NOT run off the battery. Many new electronic cameras use the battery to keep the shutter open
during time exposures. Once the batteries are drained, usually after a few minutes, the shutter closes, whether you were finished with the
exposure or not. Look for a camera that has a manual shutter when operating in the time exposure mode. Olympus, Nikon, Minolta,
Pentax, Canon and others have made such camera bodies.
The camera must have interchangeable lenses so you can attach it to the telescope and so you can use a variety of lenses for piggyback
photography. If you can't find a new camera, you can purchase a used camera body that is not 100-percent functional. The light meter, for
example, does not have to be operational since you will be determining the exposure length manually.
You also need a cable release with a locking function to hold the shutter open while you do other things. Mechanical and air release
models are available.
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Attaching a camera to the NexStar requires the use of the optional T-adapter (#93633-A) and a T-ring specific to the brand of camera being
used. See Optional Accessories section in this manual. To attach the photographic accessories:
1.
Remove the visual back from the rear cell .
2.
Thread the T-adapter securely onto the rear cell of the telescope.
3.
Thread the T-ring onto the exposed end of the T-adapter.
4.
Remove any lens from the body of your camera.
5.
Attach the camera body to the T-ring by aligning the dot on the side of the T-ring with the dot on the camera body and twisting.
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