Telescope Reviews: I need a guide to guide me to a guide scope!

I've also used Provia 400 but the F type which recorded the important reds. The newer X does poorly in red - so it's out for Milky Way nebulae for MOST shots. If you are going after Dark Nebulae - the Barnard or LDN list - I would think Provia X would work well, plus on star fields - globs and open.
Strong in the blue and green spectrum.

But you have 2 rolls of E200 - probably the best all round film and great red response. Shoot it - if ya got it.

Focusing is very difficult at prime. I had the Stiletto for my 35mm OM-1 and it sure made life easier. Click it on - focus out the Ronchi bars - click it off, and put on the camera. Frame and shoot.

I was out last night and have been trying to get some shots with my Tec 140 and auto guider. The Pentax 67 has a bright focusing screen, plus I have the 2x magnifier to help with critical focus. I probably spent 15 minutes sitting on the ground sheet - leaning against the chair which has wheels which did not help - with my head trying to angle in looking up in a "crinked" position. Trying to hold your head steady in this position is not easy. Neck muscles tire quickly, and you also have one hand extended above your head fiddling with the fine focus knob. This should be an Olympic event. You can't appreciate the difficulty until you have tried it. Once you "think" you have good focus you will find that there is probably a 1/8 turn either way which also looks good in the view finder.

That 1/8th turn can make critical focus - or turn it in to OK focus - but you won't know until you get the film developed. I'm going to try the new "Batnikov" mask - or how ever you spell it. Works well with a CCD camera - but may be too dim for a view finder. Worth a try for 20 bucks.

Did I finally get a shot? NO. High cloud layers came and went - flopping on the ground sheet like a fish out of water - imitating a primate with eye pressed against the eyepiece with both arms extended up cranking the adjusting bolts on the rings to centre the guide star. Looked like a monkey hanging off a tire swing. Finally get that focused in - and then dial in the ST-4 guider. Finally, and I mean FINALLY - I'm ready. Press the cable release - mirror up button and up goes the mirror with a reassuring clack sound - press the shutter button and - NOTHING. Now what? Try this - try that - nothing. Put a battery in the 67 - nothing. The other 67 is loaded with HP5 but it's B&W - and I'm trying for Antares RHO so I need the E200.

I must over come and get a shot, so change targets to an LDN object and get the other 67. But wait - why do I see shadows in the field. Out buildings have a glow behind them - yes - the rising moon. The rising "street light" which puts and end to a valiant attempt. Crash and burn. Icing on the cake was a very heavy dew last night. Water is streaming from everything and completely soaked with dew. Dew straps keep the lenses dry thankfully.

The adventures continue - and may you also experience the "joys" of this hobby.

Igor

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StarGeezer
Elemental nature must be approached with a reverential lens ~ Ansel Adams

http://www.nightfly.zoomshare.com/ www.pbase.com/pentax67
TEC 140 (Katyusha) & F/F - Equinox 80 - Losmandy G11/Gemini - ST-4 guider. PENTAX 67ii - 400(EDif) & siblings. I shoot FILM.