Then I discovered the LE-Adapter. This is a piece of kit that screws on to the filter thread of the Mavica, and fits over the eyepiece barrel, therefore making this complicated business far easier.
![]() LE-Adapter: showing the thread that fits to the camera lens. | ![]() LE-Adapter: This end fits over the eyepiece. |
![]() Support Bar |
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Another problem with astronomy is that even when it's clear, the seeing conditions are very often not good, this has applied to both times I have used the LE-Adapter, so the example results shown below can be improved on a great deal. All were taken with the camera set to auto everything, even focus, which worked better than me trying to focus manually.
When I received the LE-Adapter, I was very impressed by the quality machining of the parts, it is made to a very high standard. It is a very clever design allowing it to be fitted to many different diameter eyepieces without any extra fittings.
Fitting the adapter to the camera is quite easy, fitting it to the eyepiece was reasonably quick, I got better, the more I practiced. The trick is to get the eyepiece in the centre of the adapter by tightening the three screws evenly. Once the screws are tightened you are ready to shoot.
As the camera is very heavy, you do need to make sure that not only are the adapter screws tight, but to make sure that the eyepiece is not going to slide out of it's drawtube! I did on a number of occasions feel the adapter tilt very slightly, so just to be on the safe side, I kept the camera strap over my neck, it would make a very expensive sounding noise if it hit the floor! This was only really needed because the eyepiece was not securly fitted in the drawtube in my case, I think the LE-Adapter would have held it. In any case it never did slip off, phew!
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The LE-Adapter can also be used on the Sony Mavica FD71, and I have no doubt that there would be no weight problems with this camera. It is not restricted to the Sony Mavica cameras of course, any camera that has a 39mm or 52mm thread will fit straight on, and with some step-up/down rings purchased from a camera shop, it could be made to fit a great many cameras amd video cameras. If a video camera is used the Support Bar will be required, which is what it is really meant for.
The Stillwater Trading Company have a an unconditional guarentee against defects for the life of the product. They also have a 30 day no-hassle return policy... if you are not completely satisfied with the LE-Adapter just return it and they will promptly forward a refund. You can't say fairer than that.
Take a look at their web site http://www.lensadapter.com/ for more information, prices and ordering details.
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Maintained by Michael Oates Email: ![]() Last modified October 4, 2005 |