WadeH
25-09-2012, 12:12 PM
Into my final preparations for the Cairns solar eclipse in November.
I already have a F/A glass filter for the 200mm scope and have become the proud owner of a PST. Now its time for my 18-55mm and 55-250mm Canon lens's.
I didn't want to spend big dollars (c-$180.00) for 2x glass ones so research was done, what to do?
BAADER AstroSolar Safety Film from http://www.extravision.com.au/catalog/index.php?osCsid=c811ca18f45bd26502 49286b63b90c77 at $35.00 for an A4 sheet was the go. Now for the frames. :shrug: After looking at various methods (paper card cut outs seemed fiddly and another web site suggested taking a camera UV/protector filter apart and recycling this. Good idea but should be some thing better again. Had a talk with a very helpful fellow at http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/?gclid=CMvkr6DMz7ICFZBUpgodDzYAvg and he suggested using Stepping Rings $63.00 incl postage for 4 (used for attaching filters of various diameters to your camera lens), magnificent idea and 4x makes two filters :thumbsup:.
So, after very prompt deliveries by all involved I proceeded to very carefully make my filters.
The pics mostly speak for themselves but the go was:
Match the correct rings to each other 58-67mm with 67-58mm in my case (whatever your lens diameter is first to whatever size outer ring you want as long as the first # on the second ring matches the second # on the first ring).
Mark and cut the solar film very carefully (you don't want any marks or damage which will let unfilter sunlight through) I used a cup with a 0.5cm extra diameter as my template.
Carefully place the film between the two rings giving a good amount of crumple to the film, this is how it is designed to work. Also do not directly touch any thing other than the edges which will be trimmed later.
Gently screw the two rings together until finger tight. This can be the awkward part.
Trim the edges if you wish to tidy the filter.
Check filter for holes and scratches before each solar session by holding at arms lenght towards the sunlight and observing for defects. (at arms lenght the light will be dispersed).
Protect by keeping filter (s) in a protective box.
Best thing is these two filters cost me only $75.00 and I still have over half the solar fim A4 sheet left.
Thats it, now to enjoy. :D
Above all never look directly at the sun without the appropriate protection whether it be Solar Glasses or the appropriate Solar Filters (sold by IIS and good Astronomy shops which we all know) . This can result in irreparable damage to your eyes and our sight is too precious to take chances with.
I already have a F/A glass filter for the 200mm scope and have become the proud owner of a PST. Now its time for my 18-55mm and 55-250mm Canon lens's.
I didn't want to spend big dollars (c-$180.00) for 2x glass ones so research was done, what to do?
BAADER AstroSolar Safety Film from http://www.extravision.com.au/catalog/index.php?osCsid=c811ca18f45bd26502 49286b63b90c77 at $35.00 for an A4 sheet was the go. Now for the frames. :shrug: After looking at various methods (paper card cut outs seemed fiddly and another web site suggested taking a camera UV/protector filter apart and recycling this. Good idea but should be some thing better again. Had a talk with a very helpful fellow at http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/?gclid=CMvkr6DMz7ICFZBUpgodDzYAvg and he suggested using Stepping Rings $63.00 incl postage for 4 (used for attaching filters of various diameters to your camera lens), magnificent idea and 4x makes two filters :thumbsup:.
So, after very prompt deliveries by all involved I proceeded to very carefully make my filters.
The pics mostly speak for themselves but the go was:
Match the correct rings to each other 58-67mm with 67-58mm in my case (whatever your lens diameter is first to whatever size outer ring you want as long as the first # on the second ring matches the second # on the first ring).
Mark and cut the solar film very carefully (you don't want any marks or damage which will let unfilter sunlight through) I used a cup with a 0.5cm extra diameter as my template.
Carefully place the film between the two rings giving a good amount of crumple to the film, this is how it is designed to work. Also do not directly touch any thing other than the edges which will be trimmed later.
Gently screw the two rings together until finger tight. This can be the awkward part.
Trim the edges if you wish to tidy the filter.
Check filter for holes and scratches before each solar session by holding at arms lenght towards the sunlight and observing for defects. (at arms lenght the light will be dispersed).
Protect by keeping filter (s) in a protective box.
Best thing is these two filters cost me only $75.00 and I still have over half the solar fim A4 sheet left.
Thats it, now to enjoy. :D
Above all never look directly at the sun without the appropriate protection whether it be Solar Glasses or the appropriate Solar Filters (sold by IIS and good Astronomy shops which we all know) . This can result in irreparable damage to your eyes and our sight is too precious to take chances with.