[Muddy Diver]

Having read an article recently about using a creative web cam to capture images through a scope I thought I might try this using an old one I had knocking around as a "nothing lost" type of exercise. However, I beleive that I may be overlooking something obvious as it didnt appear to be quite the simple exercise I thought it would be and could do with some advice please.

I used a Creative webcam 3 (old model) and fashioned a tube using a 35mm film container which snugly holds the web can focus ring. This is secured to the scope using the modified dust cap. All in all an adequate exercise so far.

My concern is that focussing of the web cam is going to be a problem. While i dont imagine it to be impossible, it is fairly painful to remove the cam, twist the focus ring a little (and this cam has a very large focussing range) replace check, remove, etc etc etc.

I have heard that the reason why the toucam is used is because it has a removable lens. Hmmmm, am i missing something here? I hear about this CCD lark and am wondering if this refers to a particular improvement to the newer cams which make planetary imaging possible without a lens on the actual webcam. Would this be right?

Can anyone offer any advice to help me get this set up working please? Of course, if you think I'm flogging a dead horse just let me know and I'll try to convince the wife that I need to spend even more money! Take a look at the pics for clarity.