dkCambridgeshire Posted June 8, 2014 Share #1 Posted June 8, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Astronomy magazines seldom publish photographs of astronomers in action whilst they observe in pitch black night-time conditions - especially at star parties. Astro-observing and star party etiquette dictates that flashguns should not be used during observing sessions because flashlight compromises observers' night vision. After a burst of regular flashlight an observer's night vision take approx. 30 minutes to adjust and see feint night sky phenomena. Night sky observing conditions might respond to ultra high ISO exposures but few people have cameras offering e.g. ISO 96000. However, observers routinely use red filtered hand torches and head torches to see and make adjustments to their 'scopes and mounts and to change eyepieces during their observing sessions - so I decided to experiment at my astro society's weekend observing trip using a red filtered flash gun - with the camera set to B&W mode. And what better camera to try than the much misunderstood Leica XV fitted with a Leica SF 24D flashgun. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! In order to use as large an aperture as possible the zoom lens was set to 28mm. The SF 24D lens is covered with 4 layers of red cellophane secured with rubber bands and set to TTL. In the pitch black conditions I could not see the XV's aperture and shutter speed dials so they were both preset to Auto … the ISO and white balance were also set to Auto … and the XV's AF assist lamp was switched on. Composition in the monitor was not easy because little was visible apart from the hazy outline of the tripod and mount but with judicious guestimating followed by auto review and thence 'up a bit' or 'down a bit' … 'step forward a bit' or 'step back a bit' … reasonable compositions were possible. Surprisingly, the AF locked onto the tripod with a satisfying 'beep' in the darkness. Colleague Gary S the observer was most cooperative in the experiment and each time I asked if the red flash was bothersome he said it was fine and that it did not upset his 'seeing'. Thus a few acceptable 'observer in action' image results were obtained. The Moon also features in this image and above it is planet Mars. Good to know that the exposure is sufficient to record Mars. The camera on 'Auto Everything' selected ISO 6400 1/30 sec and max aperture f3.5. I'm fairly pleased with the results and will be using the combo. at the next observing session and at future society public star parties - where there will be more of human interest to document. On another night later in the year when the Milky Way is visible I hope to record a more interesting sky behind and above the observer. Best wishes dunk Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! In order to use as large an aperture as possible the zoom lens was set to 28mm. The SF 24D lens is covered with 4 layers of red cellophane secured with rubber bands and set to TTL. In the pitch black conditions I could not see the XV's aperture and shutter speed dials so they were both preset to Auto … the ISO and white balance were also set to Auto … and the XV's AF assist lamp was switched on. Composition in the monitor was not easy because little was visible apart from the hazy outline of the tripod and mount but with judicious guestimating followed by auto review and thence 'up a bit' or 'down a bit' … 'step forward a bit' or 'step back a bit' … reasonable compositions were possible. Surprisingly, the AF locked onto the tripod with a satisfying 'beep' in the darkness. Colleague Gary S the observer was most cooperative in the experiment and each time I asked if the red flash was bothersome he said it was fine and that it did not upset his 'seeing'. Thus a few acceptable 'observer in action' image results were obtained. The Moon also features in this image and above it is planet Mars. Good to know that the exposure is sufficient to record Mars. The camera on 'Auto Everything' selected ISO 6400 1/30 sec and max aperture f3.5. I'm fairly pleased with the results and will be using the combo. at the next observing session and at future society public star parties - where there will be more of human interest to document. On another night later in the year when the Milky Way is visible I hope to record a more interesting sky behind and above the observer. Best wishes dunk ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/228552-leica-xv-tool-camera/?do=findComment&comment=2606774'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 8, 2014 Posted June 8, 2014 Hi dkCambridgeshire, Take a look here Leica XV - tool camera. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
pauledell Posted June 9, 2014 Share #2 Posted June 9, 2014 Dunk, An interesting narrative with your pictures. It seems your XV is more than just up to the task. Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrware Posted June 9, 2014 Share #3 Posted June 9, 2014 The XV certainly was up to the task. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted June 15, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted June 15, 2014 Another from same series showing the astronomer using the 'scope mount's handset prior to slewing the 'scope to the intended target. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Best wishes dunk Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Best wishes dunk ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/228552-leica-xv-tool-camera/?do=findComment&comment=2611277'>More sharing options...
XVarior Posted June 22, 2014 Share #5 Posted June 22, 2014 Oh, astronomy is my absolute favourite hobby. you'r approach is amazing using that red filter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astropap Posted February 25, 2016 Share #6 Posted February 25, 2016 I'll have to try that kind of setup to get some after-dark shots at our club's upcoming Messier Marathon. Who am I kidding? The weather never cooperates. Amy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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