STC-7 Back Focus

Discussion in 'STC Series CMOS' started by Oscar Echeverri, Apr 8, 2022.

  1. Oscar Echeverri

    Oscar Echeverri Cyanogen Customer

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    Location:
    White Lake, Ontario
    Hello,

    According to the back focus calculator spreadsheet, the STC-7 uses 25.6mm of optical path (including filters). Something about the camera has been bugging me since I got it though. The M42 threaded socket on the camera face is quite shallow at only 3.75mm. None of my M42 adapters and in fact the M42-> 2" nosepiece that the camera came with thread flush with the face of the camera (See attached image of the included nosepiece & digital calliper measuring the depth of the socket).

    What I'm wondering is this: does that figure of 25.6mm back focus account for the gap that results between a M42 adapter and the camera face? or do I need to measure the gap between the camera and the adapter flange and add it to the stated back focus in the spreadsheet to get a true measure of back focus of camera+whatever adapter I attach to it? I have a vast collection of m42 threaded adapters, but none of them will sit flush in the camera socket.
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    IMG_7715.jpeg
     
  2. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2014
    Messages:
    10,290
    Yes, you will have to add that gap into your backfocus calculations.

    Probably if you're extremely tight on backfocus you could shave the nosepiece down a little, if you have access to a milling machine.
     
  3. Oscar Echeverri

    Oscar Echeverri Cyanogen Customer

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    Location:
    White Lake, Ontario
    Thanks, that's good to know. I have plenty of back focus room, but my scope's design (Celestron EdgeHD) recommends having the sensor within 1-3mm of their specified distance.
     
  4. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2014
    Messages:
    10,290
    Back focus distance is measured from the flat front of the camera. Go from that!
     

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