Celestron 11055, 91525, 11065 Short Exposure Prime Focus, Lunar Phase ISO Crescent Quarter, Full

Short Exposure Prime Focus

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 solar disk (if using the proper filter) as well as the Moon. To attach your camera to your CM-1100:

1.Remove all visual accessories.

2.Thread the T-Ring onto the T-Adapter.

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 CM-1100 while holding the camera in the desired orientation (either vertical or horizontal).

With your camera attached to the telescope, you are ready for prime focus photography. Start with an easy object like the Moon. Here’s how to do it:

1.Load your camera with film that has a moderate-to-fast speed (i.e., ISO rating). Faster films are more desirable when the Moon is a crescent. When the Moon is near full, and at its brightest, slower films are more desirable. Here are some film recommendations:

•T-Max 100

•T-Max 400

•Any 100 to 400 ISO color slide film

•Fuji Super HG 400

2.Center the Moon in the field of your CM-1100

3.Focus the telescope by turning the focus knob until the image is sharp.

4.Set the shutter speed to the appropriate setting (see the table below).

5.Trip the shutter using a cable release.

6.Advance the film and repeat the process.

Lunar Phase	ISO 50	ISO 100	ISO 200	ISO 400
Crescent	1/2	1/4	1/8	1/15
Quarter	1/15	1/30	1/60	1/125
Full	1/30	1/60	1/125	1/125
		Table 7-1

Above is a listing of recommended exposure times when photographing the Moon at the prime focus of your Celestron CM-1100 telescope.

Celestial Photography • 51