Poll: Who still uses SLR's for Astrophotography?

hj47 · #1 15-10-2006, 03:17 PM

I'm just curious as CCD imaging and DSLR cameras look as though they have taken over the traditional way of astro-imaging by using SLR's.
So, do you currently use SLR's for imaging the sky, and why, or why not?

[1ponders] (Paul) · #2 15-10-2006, 03:46 PM

I don't know if you would consider this still using one, but I have a Canon EOS500 sitting there with astrophotos still in it from early last year

rogerg (Roger) · #3 15-10-2006, 04:30 PM

It saddens me greatly that I must respond "no" to this. I still believe there is a place for film SLR astro photography - $100 for a second hand body + $20/roll is very affordable compared to a $1300 350D, and you have the bonus of no Ha or IR filter or anything.

But, alas, I am using a 350D where I would have previously used my pentax SLR. Simply comes down to convenience and ease.

I still have all the pentax gear, 4 lenses from 28mm to 300mm + SP1000 body. I occasionally toy with the idea of selling it but haven't yet. Doubt I'd get much for it and it's a good fallback, that I'll probably never use

There was something about film photography I really liked - simplicity maybe? Sitting back guiding a star and just listening to the surrounds or music in the middle of a wheatbelt field? Not sure.

Roger.

leon · #4 15-10-2006, 04:34 PM

Yes i do use a Film SLR sometimes, actually i use both, Digital and Film, as i still like to do my own developing and printing in my darkroom, and roll my own film from bulk lots, usually use Ilford HP400 Plus.

Also i have recently come across an Olympus OM4Ti Camera, (Black Body) and F/1.4 Lens in mint condition, it cost me an arm and a leg, but it is truely mint, straight out of the box, and works flawlessly.
It will go with my other OM items.

Leon

JohnG (John) · #5 15-10-2006, 04:45 PM

Sadly, I must say no as well, I have a perfectly good Olympus OM-1n, lens and other bits and pieces sitting at home, maybe one day I will do some film again.

It was such a good camera, had it from new, ah well, progress, sometimes I wonder, sitting back listening to the Autoguider ticking away and looking up.

Times were different then!!!!!!

Cheers

JohnG

h0ughy (David) · #6 15-10-2006, 04:57 PM

move on from film years ago, now I have only 3 dslr's 1 pentax *istDS and a canon 350D unmoddedand then the modded 300D

RB (Andrew) · #7 16-10-2006, 01:14 AM

Thanks for reminding me, I'll have to give it a go again with my ol' SLR.

Ric · #8 16-10-2006, 02:14 PM

I have all the accessories to fit a Practica SLR to my C8, but I need to get another body. Might have to hunt around on Ebay.

cheers

jase (Jason) · #9 16-10-2006, 03:09 PM

This is turning out to be an interesting poll. Based on what I've seen in the images and photography section, I would have thought there was more people using SLR (be it film or digital). Looks like the cooled CMOS and CCD's are taken hold.

rogerg (Roger) · #10 17-10-2006, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jase

This is turning out to be an interesting poll. Based on what I've seen in the images and photography section, I would have thought there was more people using SLR (be it film or digital). Looks like the cooled CMOS and CCD's are taken hold.

To be honest, I took it to mean film SLR, excluding DSLR's but perhaps I should have checked that first

Harb · #11 17-10-2006, 10:43 PM

I am a bit of a Nikon Nut so I still have quite a few film bodies, most get little or no use, but I do have 2 F5 boddies, one which is still new the other almost still new......
I still love the challange film presents as each image costs you, so you have to think more before you press that shutter button......
I also like the noise figures on film!!
Having said that I also have most of the "D" series digital boddies that they (Nikon) have made, and there really is nothing quite like the results I can get with my D2Xs instantly with no wait time.
I also as a result of my work have heaps of different CCD cameras available to play with , so they are a bit of fun as well.
Just starting to muck about with dedicated Astro CCD cameras and I am suprised at the results you can get given how cheap they are (compared to the prices I pay for the ones in my bussiness).
But Film SLR's , yep , I will always have and use one to some degree for sure.

cheers
John