How do you fit a ToUcam IR filter into a 1.25" adapter
I've been reading through David Ratledge's new book "Digital Astrophotography: The State of the Art" and on page 33 it shows the standard 1.25" adapter with the IR filter from the rear of the original ToUcam lense inserted into the bore of the adapter. I am almost fibulating over this discovery and would love to put it into practice. Unfortunately I wouldn't know where to begin; What do I use to hold it in place, how will I grind it down if it is too big, hell, how do I get the damn thing off without breaking it in the first place.
Any ideas greatfully accepted.
PS if you get to have a look at the book in an astronomy store somewhere check out the "Pentax" ToUcam on page 35. What a brilliant idea! I'm even thinking of hacking into an Olympus or two to try the same thing. It would be perfect for modified ToUcams.
I'm looking at removing it at the moment. There are three indents which look as though you can get a fine blade or flat blade screwdriver in there and gently lever it out. I'm going to give it a go because I never intend to use the original lens for anything anyway.....
Yeah I saw the indents, but before I popped it out I though I might check ......just to see if it wasn't glued in first...you never know at times And how to mount it into the adapter. Now if you say "Oh it just pushed in perfectly" I'm going to feel like a real goose. Of course it can't because it's got those three lugs sticking out the side.
btw what's a fine bladed screwdriver? is it anything like a shovel or crowbar. D'em I know how to use
Last edited by [1ponders]; 28-11-2006 at 05:22 PM.
The second photo might be a little job you'd like to do in the near future.
Both photos are from
"Digital Astrophotography: The State of the Art: by David Ratledge (Ed) from Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series, published by Springer
I have a ToUcam adapter with the buffered bore - which is just a threaded surface. I cut a coiled spring to give me two "C" clips that were just larger than the bore. I carefully inserted one end of the "C" and then compressed the clip in to place with the butt of a drill bit which just fit the bore. I got it down about 6mm, cleaned and placed the filter in and then repeated for the top clip.
Ok, spring selection is crucial I've got the right size diameter spring but it is too strong to bend into the bore. Off to the bearing shop tomorrow me thinks
Ok, spring selection is crucial I've got the right size diameter spring but it is too strong to bend into the bore. Off to the bearing shop tomorrow me thinks
Paul - try putting the spring on a glass top table and then "rock" the adapter over it while pushing down hard. If you get it just in to the bore then use the butt of a drill bit or something to push it up further.
No go Chris. I didn't have a glass table but did have a nice piece of stainless. The spring I have is definately too strong. I was starting to think I'd endup stuffing the end of the adapter. I've been trying to track down a "softer" spring or a spring that is slightly smaller.
I think i have an idea that will work.
Stainless steel welding wire.
I can send you a metre or so , i use 0.5mm wire to do stainless steel welding.
Pm me if you want me to send some.
Chris if you want some just pm me.
It is very springy and strong.
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What a brilliant idea! I'm even thinking of hacking into an Olympus or two to try the same thing. It would be perfect for modified ToUcams.
And how to mount it into the adapter. Now if you say "Oh it just pushed in perfectly" I'm going to feel like a real goose. Of course it can't because it's got those three lugs sticking out the side. 
I've got the right size diameter spring but it is too strong to bend into the bore. Off to the bearing shop tomorrow me thinks 
