G'days guys,
Thanks for the varied responses. I think perhaps that I should clarify some points of my query.
Firstly, my camera is a Pentax K100D which I am tring to use at prime focus on my 'scope(s). Although the Pentax Ist cameras were able to be operated remotely via computer, unfortunately this seems not to be the case with the K100D. I have tried using the Ist software, but no go
So the only ways I am currently using to focus the camera/'scope combination are as follows:
1. Straight visual - easy but not very accurate.
2. Hartman mask - still very easy, offers quite a bit more accuracy when used with method #3, but still not perfect and no good at all on faint objects.
3. Image display software - still easy enough, just bloody tedious. Get focus as close as possible visually with the Hartman mask, take exposure, connect usb cable, load image to check focus, adjust focus, detach usb cable, take another exposure, connect usb cable, etc, etc, ...... ad infinitum (or so it seems sometimes).
So, what I'd really like to know, is there an easier way or is that what I have to live with, not having a Canon or Nikon?
I mean, like, how did everyone achieve perfect focus before the advent of digital cameras?
I know there's a lot of very clever people out there, so I have not doubt that a few of you will be able to enlighten me.
Cheers,
Steve Bain