Today we talk about Astro-Modded Cameras with Clarence Spencer!
Today’s Guest –
Clarence Spencer of Spenser’s Camera & Photo, Alpine, Utah.
Astro-Modified Cameras
Do you want more color in your Milky Way Photographs? Then use an astro-modified camera!
Clarence Spencer is in our studio to talk with us about astro-modded cameras. First he covers Full Spectrum, Infra-red, and Visible+Hydrogen-Alpha (Ha or Hα) Filter modified cameras. Then he discusses the benefits of each of these modifications. He covers all the options for both Astrophotography and Landscape Photography. He also points out that the Full Spectrum conversion actually lets your camera capture more light than a non-converted camera.
Modded Camera Options
Clarence tells us about how we can even get our cameras modded. If you have an older camera sitting around that you can’t bring yourself to sell, then this is a great way to bring it new life! Visit Spenser’s Camera & Photo to see which cameras they recommend for Astrophotography and Nightscape conversion.
Spencer’s removes the Low-Pass filter that is sitting in front of the camera sensor. Once this is done, there are several options available at this point. You can install clear glass that gives a “Full Spectrum”. Or a Visible + H-Alpha filter that gives extended red response that helps interstellar nebula photograph better. They can also do an Infrared conversion. Spencer’s can also install a “Heat Reduction” system to keep your sensor cooler.
Clarence discusses the use of Infra-red and “Hot” filters. He also covers how Spencer’s calibrates your camera’s focusing system after the conversion.
For white balancing a modded camera, Clarence recommends using your camera’s Auto White Balance function with a grey card or an ExpoDisk.. The camera can make a more accurate white balance than you can by changing the camera Color Temp setting. Your camera can make changes to the Tint setting as well using the Auto White Balance function.
Clarence then address concerns about “star-bloat” with astro-modded cameras. He reassures us there isn’t an issue!
Check out the Photos!
We spend much of this episode looking at photos that were taken with astro-modified cameras. Clarence even has photos taken through telescopes. So this is an episode where you really need to watch the video version to get the most benefit. The podcast audio is identical to the video. But with the podcast you miss out on seeing all the amazing photos Clarence brings.
$25 Discount at Spencer’s Camera & Photo
Clarence has graciously offered listeners of this podcast a $25 discount towards getting your camera modded at Spencer’s Camera and Photo. To get $25 off your camera modification, use the discount code: “Adventure25”. Visit Spenser’s Camera & Photo to redeem your discount.
Here’s a link to the video:
Free Oregon Coast Listener Adventure
Join Aaron and Brendon for our Oregon Coast Listener Adventure from Monday, November 5th to Friday, November 9th, 2018. The Oregon Coast is famous for its spectacular sea stacks, towering cliffs, and pristine beaches. It’s a rugged coastline filled with stunning seascapes and amazing landscapes. The Oregon Coast should be on every photographer’s bucket list.
We’ll start off on the South Coast at Brookings, Oregon, shooting Secret Beach for sunset. Then we’ll follow Highway 101 and work our way north along the Pacific shoreline. Look forward to shooting historic lighthouses, massive headlands, and awesome cliffs along the way. On Friday, we’ll wrap up with an evening shoot around Cape Kiwanda or Cannon Beach. Other than definitely visiting Thor’s Well, we’re just going to go wherever the group wants to go.
Weather permitting, we’ll even try to shoot the Milky Way Core before it disappears for the year. And with a little luck, we may even be able to do some whale watching.
Coming along for this Oregon Listener Adventure will be James Kelly of Photog Adventures UK, Drew Armstrong, and Oregon native Kirk Keyes.
All levels of photographic experience are welcome! If you can’t make it for the whole trip, that’s not a problem. We’ll keep everyone interested in joining notified of the plans so you can drop in for the parts you want.
If you’ve never photographed the Oregon Coast, here’s your perfect opportunity to experience the amazing Oregon Coastline. November is a great time to do photography on the Oregon Coast as the weather transitions from Oregon’s mild fall to its stormy winter.
Come along and be inspired by Aaron, Brendon, and this fantastic shoreline. Best of all, it’s free!
Upcoming Milky Way Workshops
Milky Way Workshops in 2019!
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Bandon, OR / Crater Lake Workshops
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