Chapter 9 - Photography; Celestial Photography; Short Exposure Prime Focus Photography - Celestron Ultima 8 Instruction Manual

Note: All the different types of photography described in this chapter will require the use of an optional wedge for polar
aligning the telescope.

Celestial Photography

After looking at the night sky for a while you may want to try photographing it. Several forms of celestial photography are
possible with your Celestron telescope. The most common forms of celestial photography, in order of difficulty are; short
exposure prime focus, piggyback, eyepiece projection, and long exposure deep sky. Each of these is discussed in
moderate detail with enough information to get you started. Topics include the accessories required and some simple
techniques.
In addition to the specific accessories required for each type of celestial photography, there is the need for a camera - but
not just any camera. The camera does not need many of the features offered on today's state-of-the-art equipment. For
example, you don't need auto focus capability or mirror lock up. Here are the mandatory features a camera needs for
celestial photography. First, a 'B' setting which allows for time exposures. This excludes point and shoot cameras and
limits the selection to SLR cameras, the most common type of 35mm camera on the market today.
Second, the 'B' or manual setting should NOT run off the battery. Many new electronic cameras use the battery to keep
the shutter open during time exposures. Once the batteries are drained, usually after a few minutes, the shutter closes,
whether you were finished with the exposure or not. Look for a camera that has a manual shutter when operating in the
time exposure mode. Olympus, Nikon, Minolta, Pentax, Canon and others have made such camera bodies.
The camera must have interchangeable lenses so you can attach it to the telescope and so you can use a variety of lenses
for piggyback photography. If you can't find a new camera, you can purchase a used camera body that is not 100-percent
functional. The light meter, for example, does not have to be operational since you will be determining the exposure
length manually.
You also need a cable release with a locking function to hold the shutter open while you do other things. Mechanical and
air release models are available.

Short Exposure Prime Focus Photography

Short exposure prime focus photography is the best way to begin recording celestial objects. It is done with the camera
attached to the telescope without an eyepiece or camera lens in place. To attach your camera you need the Celestron T-
Adapter (#93633-A) and a T-Ring for your specific camera (i.e., Minolta, Nikon, Pentax, etc.). The T-Ring replaces the
35mm SLR camera's normal lens. Prime focus photography allows you to capture the majority of the lunar disk or solar
disk. To attach your camera to your Ultima Telescope:
1. Remove all visual accessories.
2. Thread the T-Ring onto the T-Adapter. (See Figure 9-1)
3. Mount your camera body onto the T-Ring the same as you would any other lens.
4. Thread the T-Adapter onto the back of the Celestron Telescope while holding the camera in the desired orientation
(either vertical or horizontal).

CHAPTER 9 - PHOTOGRAPHY

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