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3D-Printed Screw-In Solar Filters

Started Aug 18, 2017 | Discussions thread
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ProfHankD
ProfHankD Veteran Member • Posts: 9,147
3D-Printed Screw-In Solar Filters
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I posted a link to an instructable on making bayonet-mount solar filters for the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS... but what if you don't have that?

Well, here's my design for 3D-printed screw-in solar filters:

3D-printed AstroSolar filter holder fitting 55mm filter thread

The model I posted on Thingiverse is actually a parametric OpenSCAD program that can generate custom-sized filter mounts. Yes, you really can 3D-print 0.75mm-pitch screw threads on most consumer printers....

You can actually use this to hold any type of filter material; the holder prints in two parts you weld together around the filter. However, for viewing the Sun, be careful! AstroSolar is probably the best modest-cost filter material for telescopes or photography, but even it isn't recommended for direct viewing (so don't stare at the Sun through your DSLR's OVF). There are other materials, but just remember that it is really easy to permanently damage your eyes using an OVF without an appropriate filter -- so use an appropriate filter and use an EVF or rear LCD.

One more note: 210mm (shown above) is way too short a focal length. It would take about 2700mm to have the Sun/moon take the full height of a FF sensor. We think approximately 1200mm is good for FF, and about 300mm would be a practical minimum. However, it's easy to try for yourself -- just make the filter and use it to photograph the Sun any time before the eclipse.

Anyway, just a few days to go... so get printing!

 ProfHankD's gear list:ProfHankD's gear list
Canon PowerShot SX530 Olympus TG-860 Sony a7R II Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Sony a6500 +32 more
Canon PowerShot SX530
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