Solar film filter for ED 80

[Astroman]

Hi Guys,

Looking for a place that sells that solar film stuff for my 80mm scope and 50mm scope. plan on doing some solar DSLR and finder scope webcam photography in preparation for June and November. This will be mainly photographic, not much visual as I have a weird thing about sticking my eye to any scope fitted with a filter.... :P

Also while I am at it, whats a good way to wash this stuff? I have one for my 8" scope but it hasn't been used for a while and not sure if it's still okay, been in a cupboard and has a bit of dust on it.

[jjjnettie]

Bintel has film. Go to their site, choose Solar Observing, it's the last item on page 5.
You will probably have enough left over to recover your old filter as well. :)

[Astroman]

Thanks Jeanette..

[Astroman]

Not sure how I missed that, looked at that page at least 5 times.... they must have stuck it in while I wasn't looking :D

[Astroman]

Just had a reply from Bintel saying they have no film in stock and unable to source it from their supplier. :(

[Merlin66]

Andrew,
If the filter is OK, ie hold it up infront of the eye and look through it at the Sun, any bright pinholes should be sealed with a small dab of Tippex (oe similar)....the dust should blow off with a Dust rocket blower....it should still be useable.
I have Baader film filters which are almost ten years old and still going strong.

[Astroman]

Not sure Merlin, I had it on my camera and looked through the view finder to align the sun, image was too bright, BUT 3-4hrs later I developed a pain in my left eye (same one I look through the camera with) Pain was similar to welding flash, It eventually passed after a few hours. Hopefully nothing bad happened, but eyesight today feels fine. I have since scrapped it and will get another to be on the Safer side...

[Merlin66]

Andrew,
Hmmmm, not sure what happened there....
The good news is that in all the research we have conducted worldwide, we have NEVER found a documented case of severe eye damage or blindness caused by "accidents" with telescopes and solar filters. Not one.

[Astroman]

Thats okay Merlin, I ordered some new film today so will be hiding this away in a draw instead of a cupboard, so should last a while longer. I am not 100% sure it was the film but there are safety disclaimers saying about using the photographic stuff visually.. I guess there is a chance of something that could happen. Hopefully with the new film I wont have any problems... Visual film as opposed to the Photographic stuff I had.

[mikerr]

Andrew, where did you end up ordering from? I am also interested in getting some film.

Michael.

[Astroman]

I got mine from My Astro Shop. www.myastroshop.com.au

[mikerr]

Thanks Andrew.:thumbsup:

Michael.

[mercedes_sl1970]

Hi

Just a query on the use of Baader film and I suspect this has come up before... However, I have never found any guidance (or probably haven't looked hard enough).

What diameter should the "filter" be, for example for a 65mm refractor? And, also for a 100mm refractor?

Thanks

Andrew

[Astroman]

You can go full aperture with it on those size refractors, I have had it full aperture on my 8" scope also.

[mercedes_sl1970]

Thanks, Andrew - fine name by the way!

Andrew

[Astroman]

Thanks, yours isn't too bad either :P

[hickny]

This place is very reliable, I've used them several times. Delivery time 10-12 days. Pay with paypal, given state of Aussie dollar there is no need to add additional postage.

http://www.dracoproductions.net/baader_solar_filter_material.html

You can answer your size question here too.

[mercedes_sl1970]

Thanks - much appreciated.

Cheers

Andrew

[Meru]

Hi Andrew,

I recently got myself some Solar film for both my 80ED & my 8" skywatcher. I got it from Ozscopes, the cheapest i've seen for Baader solar film (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/baader-astrosolar-safety-film.html). They usually have some in stock, if you haven't bought it. Making a mount for the film is really easy, some cardboard/staples/foam is all you need. Had mine done in about 20min, and is really strong.

FYI from my experiences, the 80ED outperforms my 8" simply because larger aperature also magnifies turbluence. It's a great combo, Ive attached some images as I also mainly use it for photography purposes. These are single shots with a Nikon D80, Straight & with a Televue 5x Powermate.

Meru

[mercedes_sl1970]

Hi Meru

Just got some solar film today so will have a little project over Easter. Let's hope for some clear days!

Thanks for the advice.

Andrew

ps I'm impressed with the detail in the photos

[Astroman]

Hi Meru,

Yes I got my film and make up a cell out of an old lens cap. Fits perfectly. Even tested iy out, although this was only a single shot and not perfectly focused.

http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo73/AstromanSID/Astronomy/soltest015.jpg

[Meru]

Thanks Andrew, and it'll be a cloudy and rainy easterbreak here so hope you can make the most of your new filter! Best of luck.

Im sure I dont need to say it but - ALWAYS always ALWAYS check for holes in the filter. Have a good easter break :)

[Meru]

Sorry just saw your last post - sounds like you've got a solid mounting platform for the filter. The image looks good, I'm assuming you added the colour? I personally love when the clouds come in front and you can see the wisps, looks amazing. Good luck!

[refractorman]

nice photo :)