Opticron FS18 kits (2012) Panasonic User Manual

Page 2

User instructions

1. Choosing an eyepiece (50065 DCC Adapter only)

For the highest overall image quality use HDF T 40810 eyepiece with
50067 insert. Depending on the focal length and objective dia. of your
telescope, other suitable eyepieces include; HDF T 40862, HDF T
40809, HR2 40933 and HR2 40930.

2. Initial setup

Before connecting everything together, set up your telescope and
eyepiece on a tripod as you would for viewing, making sure your chosen
eyepiece is screwed firmly into position. Focus on an object in the
normal way until the image being viewed comes into sharp focus. Twist-
type eyecups should be in the ‘down’ position and fold down rubber
eyecups should be removed from the eyepiece.

3. Attaching the camera mount to the camera body

The camera slots into the cradle [Fig. 1] and is fixed in position by
screwing the thumbscrew into the 1/4" socket on the underside of the
camera body [Fig. 2]

4. Preparing and fitting your chosen adapter

• Assemble the component parts of your chosen adapter as illustrated

on previous page. [Fig. 6]

• If using the 41114, make sure the 28mm threaded step ring is fitted

to the main housing.

• Screw the adapter onto the camera mount. [Fig. 3]
• The camera is now ready to attach to the viewing eyepiece. [Fig. 4]

5. Fitting the combined assembly to the telescope eyepiece [Fig. 5]

• Place assembly over the eyepiece and push down until the internal wall

of the adapter comes into contact with the end of the eyepiece. [a]

• Hold the main section of the adapter secure and turn the locking

ring anti-clockwise until tight making sure the camera remains
horizontal. [b]

• Turn the camera ON, making sure the flash is switched off before

taking photographs. For additional guidance on how to operate the
camera please read the instructions supplied.

Tips for taking pictures

• The FS18 doesn’t have a viewfinder so images are composed using

the LCD monitor. When the camera is turned on the LCD monitor
will show a single rounded picture of the image you originally set
your scope and eyepiece to. Once this single rounded picture is
obtained you can adjust the camera zoom to eliminate any vignetting
and make any fine focus adjustments using the telescope.

• For general digi-scoping use sport mode and adjust the exposure

using the menu control as required. To minimise shake when pressing
the shutter, use a pinch grip with your thumb on the base of the
camera, try the 2 sec timer or optional cable release frame.

Opticron FS18 digital compact camera kits are a high quality, easy to use solution to the problem of
choosing a suitable compact camera for high magnification telephotography (digi-scoping). FS18 kits
contain a Panasonic Lumix FS18 camera with 4GB SD memory card and bespoke camera mount
plus the option of one of the following:
a. DCC Adapter and 2 inserts for connection to selected HDF T, HDF, HR2 and HR eyepieces
b. Photoadapter Push-fit SDL (28mm thread) for connection to the 40935 and 40936 SDL eyepieces.
Optional accessories include a universal cable release system and spare Panasonic Li-ion
rechargeable battery.

Product information

Panasonic Lumix FS18 Camera
• 16 megapixel CCD
• HD movie recording
• Optical image stabiliser
• Zoom lens f.5~20mm aspheric

4x optical zoom

35mm equivalent; 28mm to 112mm

• F3.1~F6.5
• TTL auto focus
• Macro: 5~50cm (wide)
• Shutter: 8~1/1600
• Shooting: single or burst
• Exposure

- Metering: Multiple
- Compensation: ±2EV

1/3 EV steps

- ISO: auto, 80, 100, 200, 400,

800, 1600, High sense mode
1600-6400

• Modes

- Program (Intelligent Auto,

Normal, 26 Scene, Movie)

• 2.7” TFT LCD monitor
• WxHxD: 94.3x53.5x18.8mm
• Weight: 104g (w/o battery & card)

Supplied complete with 3.6V Li-ion rechargeable
battery, charger and software

50065 DCC Adapter
The DCC Adapter comprises an
aluminium tube & locking ring
that can be fitted with a
number of compression ring
inserts of different diameters.
Camera side, the DCC Adapter
features a 28mm thread
connection to the lens mount
supporting the camera.
Eyepiece side, the push-fit
connection over specific HDF
or HR eyepieces has
anti-clockwise lock down.
Inserts are available in a choice
of internal diameters to suit
different eyepieces;
• 50066 Ø51mm
• 50067 Ø45.5mm
• 50068 Ø41.5mm

• 50069 Ø33mm

50068 insert only fits in combination with
50067 insert.

50069 insert only fits in combination with
50068 and 50067 inserts.

Camera fitted with
mount

41114 Photoadapter
Push-fit SDL (28mm)
A lightweight aluminium
tube assembly
manufactured to the
diameter of the 40935/36
SDL eyepieces. Camera
side, the adapter is fitted
with a 28mm

thread for

connection to the mount
supporting the camera.
Eyepiece side, the push-fit
connection over the SDL
eyepiece has a locking
thumb screw.

Note: To get the best
image when using the
40935 SDL, adjust
magnification setting on
the eyepiece to; HR 66
38x, HR 80 48x, GS 665
32x, GS 815, ES 80 40x

Also supplied with 42mm
T-mount step ring

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6