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by Mark Picard on Sun Aug 13, 2017 4:13 pm
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Even though I live in Maine I still would like to photograph the upcoming solar eclipse. After checking out all the outlets (B&H, Adorama, etc.) I realized that to equip my 4 bodies and various lenses would cost around $600. And besides, there's no guarantee the sun will actually be out that day! Especially up here in Northern Maine!  I decide to try and come up with a less expensive solution. I found a company, Thousand Oaks Optical  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DS ... UTF8&psc=1  that for $60. I would have enough material to cut filters to put on all 4 cameras. They make a Mylar based solar filter that's 12"x12", big enough to accommodate all 4 cameras and lenses (2 long teles, two shorter lenses). I  made filter holders out of foam backing boards (the kind you use to mount prints painted black) inserted the solar filter, and sandwiched it with the two identically sized (front board circle hole is slightly larger then inside hole to avoid vignetting) backing boards (cut the hole in the middle to fit snugly around the lens hoods). Here's a couple of pics to show you the finished piece on the Nikon 200-500mm lens.  Nothing fancy, but I don't think it has to be.                                                  
Image
Image
Mark Picard
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by SantaFeJoe on Sun Aug 13, 2017 5:25 pm
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Two of the comments below the product stated to face the silver side towards the sun. I would definitely use live view and never the viewfinder if it was me that was trying what you want to do. I value my sight and photos on the web or TV would be sufficient for me. There will be plenty posted. There are a lot of counterfeit viewing glasses being sold, for those of you wanting to watch the eclipse, so beware.

Joe
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by Brian K. on Sun Aug 13, 2017 7:12 pm
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Mark Picard wrote:Even though I live in Maine I still would like to photograph the upcoming solar eclipse. After checking out all the outlets (B&H, Adorama, etc.) I realized that to equip my 4 bodies and various lenses would cost around $600. And besides, there's no guarantee the sun will actually be out that day! Especially up here in Northern Maine!  I decide to try and come up with a less expensive solution. I found a company, Thousand Oaks Optical  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DS ... UTF8&psc=1  that for $60. I would have enough material to cut filters to put on all 4 cameras. They make a Mylar based solar filter that's 12"x12", big enough to accommodate all 4 cameras and lenses (2 long teles, two shorter lenses). I  made filter holders out of foam backing boards (the kind you use to mount prints painted black) inserted the solar filter, and sandwiched it with the two identically sized (front board circle hole is slightly larger then inside hole to avoid vignetting) backing boards (cut the hole in the middle to fit snugly around the lens hoods). Here's a couple of pics to show you the finished piece on the Nikon 200-500mm lens.  Nothing fancy, but I don't think it has to be.                                                  
Image
Image


Mark,

Check out www.telescopes.com You may find a cheaper alternative. 

Brian
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by bradmangas on Tue Aug 15, 2017 12:14 pm
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Nice setup Mark. I am doing the same thing. Looks like you attached this to the lens hood. The only thing I was wondering was if it would make any difference if it was attached to the hood or right on the end of the lens?
 

by Anthony Medici on Tue Aug 15, 2017 2:27 pm
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bradmangas wrote:Nice setup Mark. I am doing the same thing. Looks like you attached this to the lens hood. The only thing I was wondering was if it would make any difference if it was attached to the hood or right on the end of the lens?
For partial phases only, or an annular eclipse, you have no reason to remove the filter. However, during a total eclipse where you are somewhere along the center line, the filter needs to be removed during totality. It might be easier removing the hood and replacing it rather than removing the filter. Speed and security when on are two things you need for a total eclipse.

For his 200-500, the hood secures with a snap and removes quickly when needed. His setup would work well if he were to be on the center line.
Tony
 

by bradmangas on Tue Aug 15, 2017 3:22 pm
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Good point Tony, thanks.
 

by Dave Courtenay on Wed Aug 16, 2017 10:03 am
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I have done a similar think for my 600 F4 but could only get the solar film in 8''x8'' so its on the from of the 1st lens hood of the 2

Dave
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by SantaFeJoe on Wed Aug 16, 2017 10:32 am
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Hey Dave
You could probably find a drop-in filter holder for the 600 (if it's a Nikon) that takes a gel filter instead of a screw-in filter. Then it would be a matter of cutting the material to fit the holder much as you would with a gel filter. I have them and have occasionally used gel filters in them. I don't know if they would affectthe image quality when factored in to the optical formula, though.

Joe
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by Anthony Medici on Wed Aug 16, 2017 11:51 am
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SantaFeJoe wrote:Hey Dave
You could probably find a drop-in filter holder for the 600 (if it's a Nikon) that takes a gel filter instead of a screw-in filter. Then it would be a matter of cutting the material to fit the holder much as you would with a gel filter. I have them and have occasionally used gel filters in them. I don't know if they would affectthe image quality when factored in to the optical formula, though.

Joe
The filter materials are designed to go in front of the main optic of a telescope, not behind it. You risk the material burning up if you place it in the rear. 
Tony
 

by Dave Courtenay on Wed Aug 16, 2017 12:00 pm
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Question for Mark Picard, I purchased some Thousand Oaks solar film 8'' x 8'' from Amazon and just opened it only to find a faint crease running across it, I tried it in the filter holder and had a sharp sun top and bottom but the sides are soft with a faint glow, I turned the filter holder 90 degrees and now the sides are sharp and the top and bottom of the sun glows, Taking the filter off and just looking through it you can see by turning the film 90 degrees the glow to the edges of the sun moves, Looking closely at the back of the film you can see faint lines running across it in parallel lines like in the manufacturing, Do you see these and have you used the film yet and got decent sharp images? I have contacted amazon for replacement but wont hold my breath so close to the Eclipse

Dave
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by Mark Picard on Wed Aug 16, 2017 4:24 pm
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Dave Courtenay wrote:Question for Mark Picard, I purchased some  Thousand Oaks solar film 8'' x 8'' from Amazon and just opened it only to find a faint crease running across it, I tried it in the filter holder and had a sharp sun top and bottom but the sides are soft with a faint glow, I turned the filter holder 90 degrees and now the sides are sharp and the top and bottom of the sun glows, Taking the filter off and just looking through it you can see by turning the film 90 degrees the glow to the edges of the sun moves, Looking closely at the back of the film you can see faint lines running across it in parallel lines like in the manufacturing, Do you see these and have you used the film yet and got decent sharp images? I have contacted amazon for replacement but wont hold my breath so close to the Eclipse

Dave

No Dave, I do not see any imperfections in my 12"x12". I cut 4 filters out of it for 2 teles and 2 wide angles - they all look good, having shot a few tests with the filter attached to my 200-500mm Nikon lens, and my 150-600mm Sigma S lens. The test shots produced a sharp image, using a remote and 1/30th sec. exposures. I wonder if you got a bad copy of the sheet or if the sheet was damaged in shipping/handling? That's a bummer, because I believe they're sold out again, so it will be next to impossible to replace yours unless you call them directly (Thousand Oaks)  for an overnight shipment (assuming they even could replace it now). Good luck, and let us know what happens! :)  
Mark Picard
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by Dave Courtenay on Wed Aug 16, 2017 7:19 pm
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Mark Picard wrote:
Dave Courtenay wrote:Question for Mark Picard, I purchased some  Thousand Oaks solar film 8'' x 8'' from Amazon and just opened it only to find a faint crease running across it, I tried it in the filter holder and had a sharp sun top and bottom but the sides are soft with a faint glow, I turned the filter holder 90 degrees and now the sides are sharp and the top and bottom of the sun glows, Taking the filter off and just looking through it you can see by turning the film 90 degrees the glow to the edges of the sun moves, Looking closely at the back of the film you can see faint lines running across it in parallel lines like in the manufacturing, Do you see these and have you used the film yet and got decent sharp images? I have contacted amazon for replacement but wont hold my breath so close to the Eclipse

Dave

No Dave, I do not see any imperfections in my 12"x12". I cut 4 filters out of it for 2 teles and 2 wide angles - they all look good, having shot a few tests with the filter attached to my 200-500mm Nikon lens, and my 150-600mm Sigma S lens. The test shots produced a sharp image, using a remote and 1/30th sec. exposures. I wonder if you got a bad copy of the sheet or if the sheet was damaged in shipping/handling? That's a bummer, because I believe they're sold out again, so it will be next to impossible to replace yours unless you call them directly (Thousand Oaks)  for an overnight shipment (assuming they even could replace it now). Good luck, and let us know what happens! :)  

Thanks Mark, I have sent them an e mail but wont hold my breath as i ordered their film through a vendor on Amazon, I saw your picture in facebook, wish i could do the same but the edges on 2 sides are blurred, May have to just shoot the corona

Dave
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by OntPhoto on Wed Aug 16, 2017 9:14 pm
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Yep, be careful about fake Eclipse viewing glasses.  Warning from Amazon.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/amazon- ... -1.4247740

A story about fake glasses ordered online by Canadian realtor as give away promotion.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-c ... -1.4247260


List of verified vendors and websites from link to story above.

https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters
 

by ChrisRoss on Sat Aug 19, 2017 3:12 pm
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You should also check your filters for pinholes each use. And yes in response to Joe, you can't place them in the drop in holder.

To John, If you want a filter in time for eclipse consider masking off the filter so the crease is not in the optical path. Generally you'll be stopped down any way and if you can achieve a 75mm diameter (600 / 8 = 75) fully flat filter then you'll be pretty much equivalent to f8. .

A certified safe for visual use filter from a reputable supplier even DIY from purchased film is fine for visual use as long as it goes over the front element AND!! is securely fastened so it can't blow off.

600mm is probably a bit much focal length to capture the corona if you use long exposures as the corona can extend out to over about 4 degrees, but should be nice for Baily's beads and inner corona/ chromosphere.

Here's an exposure guideline. http://www.mreclipse.com/SEphoto/SEphoto.html

I'm going to use my 300mm f4 on a 1D4, I'm shooting from a non tracking tripod so I'll shoot the long exposure frames wide open to keep the shutter speeds up.
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by Dave Courtenay on Sat Aug 19, 2017 3:55 pm
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Going back to the problems i was having with the Thousand Oaks solar film, A friend here has lent me his Thousand Oaks solar filter for his telescope, I had to make a holder as its 12'' dia but tested today and it works great showing that the original film was the problem
http://www.wildlifeinfocus.com


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by SantaFeJoe on Sun Aug 20, 2017 10:18 am
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You are right, Chris and Anthony. Here is an article from Nikon:

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-ex ... lipse.html

Joe
Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.  -Pablo Picasso
 

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