24.06.2020 CF Digiscoping camera support bracket Pt.2.

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The CF plate can only be fixed on top of the tripod's camera plate. Where it will be sandwiched by the Kowa telescope's foot. If the CF was fitted underneath the plate it will lift it and make it impossible to fit the dovetail in the tripod head. Tripod plates have specific profiles on their edges. To match the machining of the tripod head.

Some plates, like Manfrotto's 500PLONG, are not even symmetrical on opposite edges. This is to provide extra security for the quick release catch. Which allows the plate to be simply dropped into place into the dovetail, head groove, from above. A thumbscrew then secures the camera against for and aft sliding. Security pins prevent the camera plate from escaping the head groove altogether.

I have ordered a meter length of UNC 1/4" x 20 threaded rod/studding/all thread in stainless steel. This will allow me to attach the camera to my planned CF support bracket regardless of the final thickness/height of the riser.

I keep wondering if I can clamp the cameras to my intended bracket and still have the pancake lens focus freely. Any linear movement during focusing will result in binding in the lens if the camera base is firmly clamped. Though, in practice, there is no need for the camera to be clamped tight to my DIY support bracket.

The camera's weight is merely resting on the bracket to reduce the load on the lens mechanism. The camera is restrained by the DA-10 adapter so it can't move sideways. So I just need a slot for the tripod fixing screw rather than a round hole. This will allow the camera body to slide freely on the bracket support plate.

I have just placed the camera "nose down" on the 20mm F1.7 pancake lens with the DA-10 adapter attached. When the shutter was wirelessly released, to focus, the whole camera rose and then sank back down. Say about 6mm of linear movement by eye.

There is obviously a serious conflict here between adequate camera support and normal lens function. Some dealers say the Kowa PS1 support bracket is discontinued. This may well be the reason why.

But read on to the next exciting post: 😉

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24.06.20 Wireless shutter release.

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Wednesday 24th. The ongoing problem with digiscoping is camera/system shake. Releasing the shutter manually is bound to move the camera. The camera's image stabilization system is not really designed for tripod mounted telescopes with ridiculously long focal lengths. Though it might well have a try. Some "YT experts even suggest switching off IS for tripod work. Otherwise the IS may cause image flutter.

I chose another route. Instead of paying through the nose for a Panasonic wired shutter release, I bought a wireless shutter release instead. A Pixel Oppilas unit via Amazon. With an excellent reputation these units cost about £30 including postage from the UK. Only later did I discover that they were available from some Danish dealers.

Once I had fitted a fresh pair of AAA batteries in each unit I was up and running. The only problem was a "hair trigger" on the shutter release button. Searching online quickly produced a solution on a photography forum.

Switch off "Half way shutter release" in the G9 menus. After that, a half press of the remote button was more reliable than a manual press on the camera's own "hair trigger" shutter release button. Success! Several tests indoors and out, showed effortless wireless range up to 15 yards. I'd need binoculars to see the shutter action from any further away.

I have tried Panasonic's Image app on my Lenovo tablet but it couldn't lock onto the camera.  Though I had far more luck on the TV and was soon watching my grebe videos direct from the camera.

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