EzyStyles Astrophotography

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Can I use a converted DSLR for daytime terrestrial use also?

A: Yes you certainly can with proper custom white balancing (CWB) in manual dial. See example below. However, images taken in automatic dial functions will be red as you cannot use CWB in any of the automatic dial functions.

Q: How do I balance my colours in a modified DSLR for daytime use?

To balance your colours (Example for a Canon 40D), follow these steps below.

Take an image of a white piece of paper under sunlight in auto white balance mode
Go into the Menu of your camera and select "Custom WB"
Select the image taken of the white piece of paper. It will then prompt "Use WB data from this image for Custom WB" select Ok
Now change your colour balance mode to "Custom White Balance". Your done.

Q: Can you modify other DSLR's besides Canon?

A: Unfortunately, only Canon DSLR's at this stage as the replacement filter are designed for Canon DSLR's only.

Q: What's the difference with and without the Baader ACF filter? Will my auto-focus work?

A: Without the Baader ACF filter, the camera's auto-focus function will not work. To take images with a lens, it has to set in manual focus mode. This is because the camera's auto-focus function also calculates the thickness of its internal filter. Without the internal filter, auto-focus calculation will be off. The benefit of removing the original internal filter without a replacement will be to do Infrared Photography as seen in the example below.

Q: What is a front filter? what is the difference between your internal filter and a front filter?

A: A front filter is a filter design to mount between the camera's body and the lens. Internal filter is the filter infront of the CMOS chip in a DSLR. By using a front filter, only Canon EF lens can be used and NOT EF-S. This is because the EF-S lens extends in the rear which will hit the front filter. See example below:

Q: What do you recommend? Take the filter out without the replacement filter or a replacement filter?

A: It really depends what you want to do with your modified camera. Without a replacement filter, Ultra violet and Infrared light will not be blocked so this is a major advantage if you want to do Infrared daytime photography. However, the negative side is that the auto-focus will not focus properly as mentioned above. To achieve accurate focus, it has to be in manual focus mode. For astrophotography without a replacement filter, it is recommended to use an external 2" UV/IR filter.

If you decide to go with a replacement UV/IR filter, an external 2" UV/IR filter is not required. Ultra Violet and Infrared light will be fully blocked so you won't be able to do any infrared daytime photography. However, auto-focus will remain the same. So each has its own merit with or without a replacement filter.

Q: What warranty do you offer? What if my camera works but after the modification it doesn't?

A: To avoid any future conflicts, camera must be sent in a 100% working condition. Any scratches/dints and the like must be reported before sending the camera in. If these are not reported prior receiving the camera, it will be sent back to the owner and will have to bare the cost of postage. If a camera received is not in a workable state or faulty, it will be reported to the owner as soon as it has arrived and will be sent back barring the postage cost. Please ensure that the camera is packed well and secured before posting. Based on trust, if I damage the camera in anyway, it will be reported to the owner and will be paid for on an agreed value of the item. Warranty covers the filter and the workmanship on the camera alone only. All modified cameras will be fully tested with all its functions before posting back to the owner.

Q: What guaranteed do I have that there are no dust between the CMOS sensor and the replacement filter?

A: To get 100% dust free, it has to be done in a laboratory which means it will be impossible. I take careful precautions and planning to prevent dust between the CMOS sensor and the replacement filter as this is an important factor for me. I will endeavor to remove most if not all dust from the CMOS sensor and the replacement filter. Occasionally, there might appears to be dust spec when taking a flat at a high focal ratio such as F10 - F12. Under a magnified scope, I have found some Baader replacement filters (even though they are brand new) actually has spots on the surface which cannot be removed. This is part of the UV/IR coatings. Although the spots are not obvious, and taking flats can totally eliminate this, it is non dark donuts (meaning, the dots are not dark but light in colour).

Q: I have a Canon 400D/450D/40D, will the dust shake work?

Yes. I will not alter or touch the dust shake function. This will be fully functional after the modification.

To be continue....