A Dark Question

[leon]

Hi Guys, now I often lay in bed and think of all different things I can try to make the imaging experience more enjoyable, and probably try and find the easy way out.

Now my question (probably a dumb one) but is it possible to take darks without having the camera attached to the optical train.

Basically the camera is just taking an image of darkness, and only the temp is important to the image so that it matches the lights.

So If i could have a controlled, adjustable temperature enviournment, could i take the darks at increments of one degree at a time.

Just a thought, shoot me down in flames if you like, but i just wanted to ask.

Leon

[dugnsuz (Doug)]

I've wondered about this too leon.
The camera will let you do it - just tried it with a couple of 30sec shots at iso200 and 1600 without the lens!
Interesting thread!

[Gama]

If your camera is capable of temp control, then it makes no hoot of a difference what you have connected to it. As long as you can regulate your camera (CCD) at the same temp, you can have your camera attached or not. Its the temp of the CCD sensor that is critical, and not the ambient surrounding temp or attachments.

Theo

[leon]

Thanks Doug, I know the Camera can handle it, so that wont be a problem, I just use my TC-80N3 Remote, and Theo, I did think this was a possibility, so now it is off to the work shop for an invention, many thanks.

Leon

[dugnsuz (Doug)]

Originally Posted by leon

Thanks Doug, I know the Camera can handle it, so that wont be a problem, I just use my TC-80N3 Remote, and Theo, I did think this was a possibility, so now it is off to the work shop for an invention, many thanks.

Leon

I don't know if I'll go off and build a regulated hot/cool box, but it's very good to know that I can take darks without the camera being part of the optical chain at setup and packup of each imaging session
Doug

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by leon

Now my question (probably a dumb one) but is it possible to take darks without having the camera attached to the optical train.

Basically the camera is just taking an image of darkness, and only the temp is important to the image so that it matches the lights.
Leon

There is no need for your camera to image a dark frame through the optical train.
As long as it is at a similar temp to your light frames, you can literally take the camera off and put the cap on and take the dark frames.

You only need to image through the optical train when doing flats.

[Gama]

I think Leon is making a sort of cold mini fridge, where he can plunk his DSLR into to match the temp during his exposures. This way he can closely match the Darks to his lights during his sessions..
Although, you could just buy a cooled esky pretty cheap .. This should do the job if you like going to extremes.

Theo.

[leon]

Thanks Guys for your answers to my unique question, Na, don't worry I am not really racing into the shed to build some weird contraption, but it was good to know, (although deep down I probably new this) that it was possible.

Leon