8" Newtonian Reflector in the backyard of my parents Bull Creek home mid-1978
In 1978, I sold my first astronomical telescope, a cheap ~$400 4.5" f/10 Newtonian Reflector that I'd acquired a year or more earlier (and seem to have no photos of), and purchased parts to make an 8" f/6 Newtonian Reflector on a German equatorial mount (no motor drives) for ~$800 from Astro Optical Supplies. I recall intending to do prime focus photography with the SLR and I had a slightly oversized diagonal mirror to ensure good 35mm film field coverage.
Film ASA-125 Ilford HP-4 . Scanned using Canon MP980 MFP 6/10/2011.
From 1978-81 Early Days
Geoff
on October 7, 2011Yes, a descent size for amateur visual observation, but on the upper border of portability and problematic for photography a it turns out. Subject to wind vibration and the mount with enough slack in the gears and lack of motor drive to be difficult to track manually.
Kimbomac
on October 7, 2011Now THIS is a beast!