I decided to do some research on the options to connect my Canon DSLR to the Meade LX70 Refractor. I had a special adapter for the ETX 90EC that allows the Canon to connect along with a T-mount adapter. So, I first searched for adapters for the LX70 but didn’t find any. I did find that Meade sold a camera adapter that connected to a DSLR and then went in the 1.25” eyepiece holder. This sounded like a great idea because I could then use it will all my telescopes.
I did some more research and found a great article about taking lunar photos through a telescope. The article mentioned three ways. One way was afocal photography which I was aware of. The camera adapter would enable eyepiece-projection photography. This was interesting because it actual uses an eyepiece so would allow for different magnifications. But the drawback in the images are dimmer.
The third option was prime-focus photography. I guess this is what I am doing with the Canon and ETX. The article mentioned you could buy adapters for many telescopes so started doing that research. I found a number of options including adapters that already had the T-mount. But, then I had a thought. There was a part in the box for the LX70 Refractor that I didn’t know what it was. I took the T-mount adapter and tried to screw it on to the mysterious adapter. It worked. I then put in on the diagonal and it all works. I added the Canon and tried to focus on a distant power pole. I couldn’t get focus similar to what happened on my Lunt. I guess it was time to research extension tubes.
But, then I had a thought. The diagonal was removable so I took it off and added the DSLR and adapter to the back of the refractor and it all worked. I was able to get a focused. So, guess I already have everything I need to use the DSLR with the LX70 Refractor.
