I'm hoping to get some halfway decent images of the upcoming lunar eclipse. I have a prime focus (2" adapter) setup with my Pentax K1000 with an f/12 6" maksutov scope. The camera is loaded with ASA 200 color film. Please advise as to exposure times for partial and total phases of the eclipse given the set up described. Clear skies to all!!
Help! Need advice for Lunar eclipse exposures
Started by Yarlanzey, 05/11/2003 05:59AM
Posted 05/11/2003 05:59AM
Opening Post
Posted 05/11/2003 05:31PM
#1
The exposures times for a lunar eclipse will vary wildly depending on the earth's atmospheric conditions and the exact path of the moon through the earth's shadow. A large amount of bracketed exposures is the best bet for getting good results. Here are some starting point exposure times from a table in an a book I have (I used these once before, with good results) :
1/4 immersed in Umbra shadow - 1/125 sec.
1/2 immersed in Umbra shadow - 1/60 sec.
3/4 immersed in Umbra shadow - 1/30 sec.
Totality - 30 seconds.
I would use the partial phase times as a short exposure starting point, then bracket with several longer exposures for each one. Totality is very unpredictable, I would start at about 4 seconds then work up to at least a minute. You will need accurate tracking for the totality exposures. Also keep in mind that print film is much more forgiving when it comes to exposure accuracy and has much more recording range than slide film - which makes it a lot easier to get some detail in both the shadowed and light part of the moon. Print film will tolerate overexposure pretty well, if you underexpose it, the image will have much more grain and won't print well.
Joplin
1/4 immersed in Umbra shadow - 1/125 sec.
1/2 immersed in Umbra shadow - 1/60 sec.
3/4 immersed in Umbra shadow - 1/30 sec.
Totality - 30 seconds.
I would use the partial phase times as a short exposure starting point, then bracket with several longer exposures for each one. Totality is very unpredictable, I would start at about 4 seconds then work up to at least a minute. You will need accurate tracking for the totality exposures. Also keep in mind that print film is much more forgiving when it comes to exposure accuracy and has much more recording range than slide film - which makes it a lot easier to get some detail in both the shadowed and light part of the moon. Print film will tolerate overexposure pretty well, if you underexpose it, the image will have much more grain and won't print well.
Joplin
Funding Member
