Interesting. That reflection looks the same. I'll know for sure next time I image as I'll blacken the screws before next time I use it.
I hadn't noticed any slop in the filterwheel but I'll check. I don't see differences in the focus point between these filters so that is another check. Are you referring to looseness in the carousel filter plane or circular slop?
When things are mass produced I am sure there is a lemon in any companies run of products. Its how they handle that when detected that is the mark of a good business. Ideally of course, no defects get through the QC process. But then who would've thought Toyotas would have had such a big recall?
My experience so far with FLI cameras has been extremely positive but then they haven't had any defects at all.
The main problem with any of these 16803 cameras is they are heavy. I assume that applies to the STX. The Apogee is among the lightest. FLI makes a Microline 16803 that would be very small and light though. I love my little Microline 8300. Its a really good machine.
I liked my SBIG STL11 too. Self guiding is very handy and all contained with filters in a compact unit is very good. I liked my Apogee U16M except for the slow cooling time which caused trouble at times - especially taking dusk flats, otherwise a fabulous camera.
Greg.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin Pugh
Greg
I had this artefact in the first Proline camera FLI sold me which was a complete disaster in so many other ways, but that's another story. See the attached JPG.
While you have the cover off, you might also want to check the slop in the filter carousel, another trade-mark FLI design flaw. There was about 3mm slack in mine, and this causes visibile tilt and optical aberrations, particularly when your CFZ is measured in microns (about 60microns for a red filter I think). The unbelievable and utterly ridiculous advice from FLI was "take a link out of the chain"!!!!! The SBIG implementation is fantastic - you simply adjust the tension on the central spindle to the point where the carousel rotates smoothly, but there is no rock in it. Then there is the superb implementation of how they clamp the filters in position - no utterly stupid miniature screws (all of which are shiny in nature in the Proline, and all the source of reflections).
cheers
Martin
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, on your very nice pic of M42 
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