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Re: (meteorobs) Oct 15 Observations ZAYGE
In a message dated 96-10-16 11:54:20 EDT, you write:
<< I am confused by one thing, though - for some reason I'd always thought
that you
generally do shorter exposures of 5 to 15 minutes. Was I wrong, or do you
have
some kind of long-timer mechanism for your camera, so that you don't need to
flip the release after 15 minutes?
Lew
>>
---------
Lew,
If I was doing unguided exposures, I would probably do something like 15
minutes. But I use a tracking device and the major purpose for my photos is
looking for radiant positions. The stars are pinpoint and allows me to do
this with ease. I found 20 to 30 minutes a workable compromise. I don't have
to jump up and down too frequent and I get decent star images for easy
recognition of locations. You might have one of the newer camera's that's
all electronical. My camera has no need to make short exposures or to trip
the shutter mechanism after so long. I also have an older camera. I don't
even know if the little battery for exposure determinations is good. during
the day, I often convert the ASA of the film into a shutter speed and f/stop
setting in my head and then adjust for any cloudyness or light
variations...then do a little bracketing...which I do anyway and it's usually
a decent exposure. For night time stuff...exposures are all hunches anyway
based on other things...like star trailings, dim objects, long durations is
necessary to catch certain fleeting objects, and Reciprocity failures and
other subtleties that I don't give much thought to. Before becoming
interested in the astronomical area with my camera, I use to and sometimes
still do, take regular photographs for artistic purposes. Even during the day
time I more often than not make long exposures...from several seconds to a
few minutes for special effects. In the past, I've frequently had my
photographs shown at various art museums...But I don't do this anymore. I've
been told that they resemble the style of a combination of Ansel Adams and
Edward Steichen...well, I got off the beaten path here. If your camera needs
to shut off after 15 minutes due to it's design...I highly advise acquiring
an old used SLR camera from somewhere. You will find them much cheaper than
the modern new camera. The quality of the older models is better than the
newer one's in my opinion. I think the camera makers have gone overboard in
making their products too simple for the average person, that for
photographic specialties it becomes difficult and cumbersome. Oh! I noticed
you asked another question...I use a cable release. As long as it's locked,
the exposure is indefinite.
George Z.