Quote:
Originally Posted by erick
Trevor is exactly right, cpoc. But, when you don't have a DSLR and won't have one for a while, you have to do what you can, don't you!
OK, here are the experiences of a long time Pentax SLR user, but a very beginner astrophotographer. Here are a few threads if you want to see what I have tried:-
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=16990
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=19703
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=19735
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=23668
There are various tricks, eg. to avoid camera shake on long exposure, if you don't have mirror lockup and a remote cable release, you hold something in front of the lens (a hat is good), open the shutter, remove it when the camera stops shaking, expose your shot, hold it back in front of the lens, then close the shutter.
Then wait patiently until some el-cheapo film processing place have developed your film so you can scan the negs and see what you got, hairs and dust included!!
Have I mentioned, I'd love a DSLR?
Start with some star trails using a tripod - good fun. Defocus the camera to bring out the colours in the brighter stars. Make a "barndoor" tracker to counteract the earth's rotation.
Happy to chat. PM me. I can lend you some gear for you to try out.
Cheers
Eric |
Thanks for that Erick, those shots are about what I would hope for (certainly for just getting into it all). I've read a bit about barndoor trackers and will likely try making one at some point (if I can salvage the parts from around the place)... that will fulfill two of my current passions, DIY and astrophotography
Much appreciate the offer of a loan of gear... with petrol prices as they are (and just starting a new job) it's a little difficult to get to the other side of town (to think I used to live in Ringwood... much closer)... but may pick your brains as I go.
I figure my first few attempts I might basically go through a reel of film trying different exposures and logging what each frame setting was... then when the results come I can cross reference and see what worked best... of course when it comes down to it I may get too excited and just go and fiddle.
Thanks again everyone for the advice... and yes I too would love a DSLR... but got to wait till I've had this new job for a while before that will even be imaginable financially (plus I can no doubt borrow some lenses from my brothers camera with the K1000)